21 Black Diamond Sasquatch is hard to control...WHAT'S WRONG?!

BuckinT

Apr 03, 2024

Hey there! 2021 Black Diamond Sasquatch is giving me a real headache lately and it's going to make its 2nd trip to the dealership next week. I'm at 60K miles currently and the following has been happening for approximately the last 5K miles. At around 35-40mph going over a normal road bump you can feel the Bronco hop a little in the rear. Around 50-55mph taking a bump a little bit faster makes it jump a lot! Almost like it's kicking out on a slippery road? Around 60-65mph one bump and you better have both hands on the wheel. I can control it for the most part after one bump but if there is more than one bump and no recovery time in between ... you might need some clean shorts! I've heard of the 'jeep death wobble' and wonder if this is similar to that? It most certainly feels like it would roll over.

I'm the original owner, original tires, and have LOVED every minute of having this Bronco up until this issue started. Now it's a pretty scary ride and far from enjoyable. I took it to a local Ford dealer (not where I purchased it was just closer) and had them give it a once over to check for broken parts (it's never been off-road) and they said everything appeared to be ok. They were unable to start tearing things apart hoping to find something because Ford wouldn't permit that. I tend to agree but I'm also not crazy...I know this vehicle and I know something is very, very wrong!

I have an appointment scheduled next week at the dealership where I purchased and have explained what's happening. Hopefully they either see something wrong or can provide some insight. The service manager asked if I was still riding original tires, yes. Could that be the issue? Sure they have 60K miles on them but there's still quite a lot of tread left. I also don't want to have to replace tires at this point to find out that does not stop what's been going on. I didn't appreciate the first dealership giving me the "well MA'AM it's a rougher vehicle so you can expect a rougher ride" excuse....because SIR I know this vehicle, I drive it every day, I know what to expect, what it can do and what just feels plain wrong. There's no way you can pass off what it's doing by being a "rough ride truck." NOPE!

Has anyone experienced this or can point me to a thread where this issue has been discussed? Other than the normal suspension checks, tires, what else would be causing this? Let's hear those ideas!!!!

I'd love some help if anyone can chime in! Thanks so much.

MWNew, Yolky

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Apr 03, 2024

BuckinT
At around 35-40mph going over a normal road bump you can feel the Bronco hop a little in the rear. Around 50-55mph taking a bump a little bit faster makes it jump a lot! Almost like it's kicking out on a slippery road? Around 60-65mph one bump and you better have both hands on the wheel. I can control it for the most part after one bump but if there is more than one bump and no recovery time in between ... you might need some clean shorts! I've heard of the 'jeep death wobble' and wonder if this is similar to that? It most certainly feels like it would roll over.

Hops? Jumps? Kicks out. No recovery time. Need clean shorts. Might roll over.
Try googling those as search words maybe?

The Jeep death wobble is in the steering wheel, usually when the bushings go out.

I am not the leader. I just like to go first.

Gyoja

Apr 03, 2024

Sounds like a broken swaybar or rear suspension link.

No salt tram towers were harmed in the making of this post...

Gyoja

Apr 03, 2024

Just a theory here.... Bump steer..... As the shocks are getting to the point of needing replacement you are probably getting considerably more movement out of the suspension because the shocks are starting to fail in suppressing the bounce. The rear track bar (runs directly behind the rear axle from drive side frame to the passenger side axle) pivots on an arc. If the movement of that arc gets large enough it actually starts moving the axle left to right. You commonly get this when the vehicle is lifted and the track bar is placed at an angle (no longer horizontal) and it's movement arc creates a greater shift side to side. This may be exacerbated because the bushings (vulcanized polymer) in the trailing arms are probably starting to have a little less resistance to the movement.

IF (and I am only theorizing here) the shocks are allowing greater movement up and down that arc could be creating just this same scenario. I do not know how your shocks are riding but I am going to guess they may be getting a bit soft and not suppressing the spring jounce like they used to.

Long way to say I think you may need new shocks. But I would not know without driving the vehicle.

Oh... and it is not the tires....

BuckinT, Jakob1972

Apr 03, 2024

Unicorn
Just a theory here.... Bump steer..... As the shocks are getting to the point of needing replacement you are probably getting considerably more movement out of the suspension because the shocks are starting to fail in suppressing the bounce. The rear track bar (runs directly behind the rear axle from drive side frame to the passenger side axle) pivots on an arc. If the movement of that arc gets large enough it actually starts moving the axle left to right. You commonly get this when the vehicle is lifted and the track bar is placed at an angle (no longer horizontal) and it's movement arc creates a greater shift side to side. This may be exacerbated because the bushings (vulcanized polymer) in the trailing arms are probably starting to have a little less resistance to the movement.

IF (and I am only theorizing here) the shocks are allowing greater movement up and down that arc could be creating just this same scenario. I do not know how your shocks are riding but I am going to guess they may be getting a bit soft and not suppressing the spring jounce like they used to.

Long way to say I think you may need new shocks. But I would not know without driving the vehicle.

Oh... and it is not the tires....

Very nicely said. Didn't know a track bar could do this. Thank You!!

Unicorn

Apr 03, 2024

Unicorn
Just a theory here.... Bump steer..... As the shocks are getting to the point of needing replacement you are probably getting considerably more movement out of the suspension because the shocks are starting to fail in suppressing the bounce. The rear track bar (runs directly behind the rear axle from drive side frame to the passenger side axle) pivots on an arc. If the movement of that arc gets large enough it actually starts moving the axle left to right. ...

This. Excess compliance in the rear suspension can cause unexpected movements that may feel uncomfortable. That the OP is reporting something so excessive seems a little odd, but it should be something a service writer or mechanic in the vehicle could confirm. worn bushings don't not be worn suddenly.

2D Base Mansquatch: Ord 11-24-2021; VIN 3-16-2022; Schd 5/9/22; Sticker 5/4/22; Modules 5/10/22;Built 5/11/22;Shipt 5/12/22;Delv 5/24/22

Unicorn

Apr 03, 2024

mike8675309
This. Excess compliance in the rear suspension can cause unexpected movements that may feel uncomfortable. That the OP is reporting something so excessive seems a little odd, but it should be something a service writer or mechanic in the vehicle could confirm. worn bushings don't not be worn suddenly.

I do not think it is worn bushings.... I also do not think it is "sudden".... Shocks going bad are like boiling a frog. It is a slow subtle change that happens over time. You do not notice it until you do.... Then you are acutely aware and "suddenly" you feel the difference.

OP has 60K on those Bilsteins. They probably started to fade around 35K to 45K and are now pretty soft as they have lost their ability to dampen. I am not a fan of the Bilsteins. They are Okay. I am just not overly impressed. I have a set on my truck (different model) that are similar and they actually started to fade at about 20K. I am running Kings on my Bronco and will have them rebuilt around 30 to 35K.

Gyoja, jtgensler

Apr 03, 2024

I am also curious as to the tires? Are they the original set, or a replacement set that are the original make? If these are the original set of tires they probably need to be replaced.

Deano Bronc, Unicorn

Apr 03, 2024

TK1215
I am also curious as to the tires? Are they the original set, or a replacement set that are the original make? If these are the original set of tires they probably need to be replaced.

yeah... 60K on a set of the goodyears??? and they still have tread??? That is like the best set of goodyears ever made!

Gyoja, jtgensler

Apr 03, 2024

Unicorn
yeah... 60K on a set of the goodyears??? and they still have tread??? That is like the best set of goodyears ever made!

Exactly my thought

jtgensler, Unicorn

Apr 03, 2024

#10

Unicorn
yeah... 60K on a set of the goodyears??? and they still have tread??? That is like the best set of goodyears ever made!

tread is overrated. If they hold air, you can drive on them is my motto.

Gyoja, PSUTE

Apr 03, 2024

#11

This could be anything from worn or broken shocks, a broken spring, over inflated tires, broken/seperated belts on a tire, or worn bushings on the panhard bar. 2021 Broncos did not come with the rear swaybar--this wasn't standard until the 2022 MY (4 dr only) versions.

22 BB 4dr SAS 2.7 Mid Pkg Hot Pepper Red, Delivered 8/25
Previous 2019 F150 Ruby Red SCrew 3.5 Eco, XLT Sport/FX4 302A

Deano Bronc, PSUTE

Apr 03, 2024

#12

I don't believe your tires could be the issue of hopping when hitting a bump unless you are running 125psi in them. Do not let them sell you tires! Does it feel like you suspension bottoms out when you hit the bumps? A GoPro video of the rear tires when you go over the bumps would be helpful to see if the axle moves or to see if the tires hop off of the road.

Here are a few things to look at.

Rear crappy stock shocks leaking out all the oil in them, hell check to see if the reservoir is even still attached 😡

Broken or cracked rear control arm mounts.
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...ed-control-arm-brackets-on-2021-bronco.88230/

Also death wobble is with steering components so it does not happen on rear solid axle vehicles.

Hope this helps

ne2000

Apr 03, 2024

#13

https://thebronconation.com/bronco-...ulated-4-link-conversion-t.20415/#post-308345
This video he mentions the issue you describe as a known issue with the bronco. Now I don’t think you need to add this but he does describe your situation.

Bronco Nation 1100. Everglades, Desert Sand
Res: 7/30/20 ordered 1/22/21 reorder 10/15/21 changed to Everglades 3/9/22 schedule 8/29/22 bumped to 9/5; 9/7/22 blend, 9/9 Mods, 9/26/22 completed, 10/7 shipped, 11/3/22 delivery

Apr 03, 2024

#14

Jakob1972
https://thebronconation.com/bronco-...ulated-4-link-conversion-t.20415/#post-308345
This video he mentions the issue you describe as a known issue with the bronco. Now I don’t think you need to add this but he does describe your situation.

I love the engineering behind this fix... BUT I still worry about the strength of the upper control arm mounts as they will be placed under significant lateral stress. I know they are replacing them with stronger than stock BUT the concern is still there. The angle and length of that lever arm will be huge and NOT in a straight line like the track bar. I will be watching these and their longer term results over time and may one day buy in... I guess I am in the wait and see mode.

Deano Bronc, Sven

Apr 04, 2024

#15

BuckinT
Hey there! 2021 Black Diamond Sasquatch is giving me a real headache lately and it's going to make its 2nd trip to the dealership next week. I'm at 60K miles currently and the following has been happening for approximately the last 5K miles. At around 35-40mph going over a normal road bump you can feel the Bronco hop a little in the rear. Around 50-55mph taking a bump a little bit faster makes it jump a lot! Almost like it's kicking out on a slippery road? Around 60-65mph one bump and you better have both hands on the wheel. I can control it for the most part after one bump but if there is more than one bump and no recovery time in between ... you might need some clean shorts! I've heard of the 'jeep death wobble' and wonder if this is similar to that? It most certainly feels like it would roll over.

I'm the original owner, original tires, and have LOVED every minute of having this Bronco up until this issue started. Now it's a pretty scary ride and far from enjoyable. I took it to a local Ford dealer (not where I purchased it was just closer) and had them give it a once over to check for broken parts (it's never been off-road) and they said everything appeared to be ok. They were unable to start tearing things apart hoping to find something because Ford wouldn't permit that. I tend to agree but I'm also not crazy...I know this vehicle and I know something is very, very wrong!

I have an appointment scheduled next week at the dealership where I purchased and have explained what's happening. Hopefully they either see something wrong or can provide some insight. The service manager asked if I was still riding original tires, yes. Could that be the issue? Sure they have 60K miles on them but there's still quite a lot of tread left. I also don't want to have to replace tires at this point to find out that does not stop what's been going on. I didn't appreciate the first dealership giving me the "well MA'AM it's a rougher vehicle so you can expect a rougher ride" excuse....because SIR I know this vehicle, I drive it every day, I know what to expect, what it can do and what just feels plain wrong. There's no way you can pass off what it's doing by being a "rough ride truck." NOPE!

Has anyone experienced this or can point me to a thread where this issue has been discussed? Other than the normal suspension checks, tires, what else would be causing this? Let's hear those ideas!!!!

I'd love some help if anyone can chime in! Thanks so much.

Hi there! I can look into your Bronco's concern on my end. To get started, could you please send a private message over with the name/location of your local Ford dealer and your Bronco's VIN?

Gyoja

Apr 05, 2024

#16

TK1215
I am also curious as to the tires? Are they the original set, or a replacement set that are the original make? If these are the original set of tires they probably need to be replaced.

You have to remember that 60k is only 48k if the spare was rotated in correctly. That’s not a crazy amount but yah can’t have too much life left?

Deano Bronc, TK1215

Apr 05, 2024

#17

extra toasty
You have to remember that 60k is only 48k if the spare was rotated in correctly. That’s not a crazy amount but yah can’t have too much life left?

That is a good point.... but even 48K for a 35x12.5 tire no matter the brand is actually approaching end of life in most cases. Yet the comment that some of us are rolling our eyes at is "Sure they have 60K miles on them but there's still quite a lot of tread left. " I am sorry but that is difficult to swallow and if that is truly OP's opinion and judgement, I have to admit I start to question some of the other comments and judgments. Such as "happening for approximately the last 5K miles" . I have a feeling that this has been happening for considerably longer than that but it is just getting worse and only now being observed. I bet it is pretty scary. A big clue for me was the comment "I can control it for the most part after one bump but if there is more than one bump and no recovery time in between ... you might need some clean shorts!" To me that says shocks....

I am not talking in absolutes here. I am making guesses based on the very limited information I have. I don't know maybe those tires will be good for another 50K, I have not seen them. But I have seen enough tires in my life to question that they would have "quite a lot of tread left after 60K" or even 48K for that matter. Then again "quite a lot" is a relative term.

I am still guessing it is shocks gone bad, but a bunch of other very plausible possibilities have been put forth.

Deano Bronc, extra toasty

Apr 05, 2024

#18

I just got my tires rotated and inspected. I have 9/32nds of tread left on mine and they have 23k miles and the spare has not been rotated in. I believe new they have 17/32nds I use mine off road a lot and did notice a few chunks now missing from a few of the tread lugs after this last trip to Sand Hollow and Rattlesnake Gulch. So with rotation and better treatment I think 60k is possible especially in a cooler climate.

Apr 05, 2024

#19

quadsinthemudd
I just got my tires rotated and inspected. I have 9/32nds of tread left on mine and they have 23k miles and the spare has not been rotated in. I believe new they have 17/32nds I use mine off road a lot and did notice a few chunks now missing from a few of the tread lugs after this last trip to Sand Hollow and Rattlesnake Gulch. So with rotation and better treatment I think 60k is possible especially in a cooler climate.

Okay at your rate you will hit the wear bars at 43000 miles. add in a for a fifth for rotation you hit the wear bars at 53900 miles.... So you are telling me that a cold weather location might get you an extra 6000... alright I will buy that. what I do not buy is "quite a lot of tread left after 60K" Maybe I have a different definition of quite a lot of tread left than the OP and that may be where the disconnect is.

by the way the wear bars are flush at 2/32" and are once they are showing they must be replaced in any state that mandates inspections, beyond just simply being unsafe.

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