Nine problems related to steering wheel vibrate have been reported for the 2004 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Ford F-150 based on all problems reported for the 2004 F-150.
I have owned the truck for approx. 7 weeks. During the test drive I noticed a vibration starting around 55 mph. The truck had 41000 miles on it. The dealer agreed to balance the tires. After balancing the problem still occurred. It gets severe around 70-74 mph with steering wheel vibrations. I will be taking the truck into the shop for the 45000 mile service within two weeks and will be talking to the service dept.
I have just left my dealer with some disappointing news. The vibration I am encountering with my 04 f150 is due to the wheel hubs being engineered out of acceptable tolerance. That is to say the issue has been fixed for the 05 and 06 models. It has been explained to me that the wheels and hubs must be "indexed" for the bottom basemant price of $396. 00. This process will have to be done everytime you move or replace a tire. Ford has indicated to me that this is the only fix for the steering wheel vibration and that the consumers are financially responsible for this process although it is their engineering foul up. It was also indicated that they would do the indexing for a reduced amount as long as I purchase my tires and my rotations from them! luckily my dealer has enough good sense to do this process (one that should by the way never have to be done) for free. Of the 26 vehichles I ahve owned, I have never and I mean never had to or heard of indexing the wheels and hubs in order to get my car to quit shaking!!! you can reference this information from the Ford motor company technical service bulletin #06-12-02.
Terrific vibrations/shimmies at speeds from 55-70 mph. Steering wheel shakes and vibrations felt through out the vehicle. Have had vehicle in to Ford for warranty repair 6 times. The vehicle is at the dealer right now and has been there 3 days. (10/17-10/18-10/19 and who know how much longer. ) when it vibrates and shakes we have to slow down and pull off the freeway. This has been ongoing since the vehicle had only 8,000 miles on it and it only has 20,500 on it now. The incidence of vibrating/shaking is getting more and more frequent. --this vehicle is not safe in this condition.
Steering wheel vibrates at speed range 60-75 mph. So far all attempts at repair by Ford dealership have failed. Last attempt was to road force balance tires. Truck has approximately 8000 miles.
Hood appears to be loose enough to fly off vehicle at highway speeds. Weak hinges. Steering wheel vibration/nibble at any speed.
Purchase a brand new 2004 Ford f150 XLT supercrew 4x4. Vehicle had steering wheel vibration. I was assured by the sales and service staff that it was a wheel balance issue. If they could not fix it they would give me a new truck. The truck has been back to the shop 6 times for this vibration problem and numerous parts have been replaced. The truck has spent several weeks at the dealership for this problem. After meeting with the Ford field service engineer he told me that this was a "characteristic of these trucks" and they cannot fix it because nothing is wrong with it. All this after they replaced the drive shaft, all the wheels, tires, added a steering damper, replaced front hub, hunter road forced the truck at least 3 times and the vibration is still there at highway speeds. Very annoying, uncomfortable to drive and completely unacceptable for a brand new vehicle. The dealership misrepresented themselves by telling me it was a wheel balance issue. Now, Ford is in breach of contract for not fixing the problem under the factory warranty. I gave them a fair chance to do the right thing and stand by their word and replace the vehicle with one that does not have the vibration. They did not. Now I want them to buy the vehicle back and pay all of the associated costs involved with dealing with this issue and ownership.
Steering wheel vibration at 65 to 70 mph. Followed TSB 4-25-8 which did not resolve the problem. Ford dealers have been unable to fix the vibration issue. Experiencing excessive tire wear, Ford has extended tire warranty to 36,000 miles.
While driving at highway speeds, the steering wheel vibrated violently. The entire vehicle would shake.
Steering wheel nibble at highway speeds 65-75. Steering wheel shakes back and forth at highway speeds.