Symptom Chart - Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) symptoms should be identified using the diagnostic tools that are available. For a list of these tools, an explanation of their uses and a glossary of common terms, refer to NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS article. Since it is possible any one of multiple systems may be the cause of a symptom, it may be necessary to use a process of elimination type of diagnostic approach to pinpoint the responsible system. If this is not the causal system for the symptom, refer back to NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS article for the next likely system and continue diagnosis.

Symptom Chart - Noise/Vibration and Harshness (NVH)

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
Squeak or grunt - noise from the front suspension, occurs more in cold ambient temperatures. More noticeable over rough roads or when turning	Front stabilizer bar insulators	Under these conditions, the noise is acceptable. CHECK TSBs.
Clunk - noise from the front suspension, occurs in and out of turns	Loose front suspension	INSPECT for loose nuts or bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION article for front suspension and REAR SUSPENSION article for rear suspension.
Clunk - noise from the rear suspension, occurs when shifting from REVERSE to drive	Loose rear suspension components	INSPECT for loose or damaged rear suspension components. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to REAR SUSPENSION article.
Click or pop - noise from the front suspension. More noticeable over rough roads or over bumps	Worn or damaged ball joint(s)	CARRY OUT a ball joint inspection. INSTALL new ball joint(s) or control arm(s) as necessary.
Front suspension noise - a squeak, creak or rattle noise. Occurs mostly over bumps or rough roads	Front suspension components Loose or damaged front struts, shock absorber(s) or shock absorber bushing(s) Damaged spring or spring mount(s) Damaged or worn control/radius arm bushing(s) Worn or damaged stabilizer bar bushings or link(s)	Inspect the front suspension. Install new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION article.
Rear suspension noise - a squeak, creak or rattle noise. Occurs mostly over bumps or rough roads	Loose or damaged rear shock absorber(s) or shock absorber bushing(s) Damaged spring or spring mount(s) Damaged or worn control arm bushing(s) Worn or damaged stabilizer bar bushing(s) or link(s)	Inspect the rear suspension. Install new components as necessary. REFER to REAR SUSPENSION article.
Shudder - occurs during acceleration from a slow speed or stop	Incorrect ride height causing incorrect driveline angle	REFER to DRIVELINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article for driveline angle diagnosis.
Shimmy	Loose wheel nut(s)	TIGHTEN the nut(s) to specification. REFER to WHEELS AND TIRES article.
	Loose front suspension fastener(s)	TIGHTEN the fastener(s) to specification. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION article.
	Loose front wheel bearing(s)	Inspect the front wheel bearing(s). Install new bearing(s) as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION article.
	Strut(s) or shock absorber(s)	INSTALL new struts or shock absorbers as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION article for front suspension or REAR SUSPENSION article for rear suspension.
Shimmy - most noticeable on coast/deceleration. Also hard steering condition	Excessive positive caster	CHECK the wheel alignment. REFER to Camber and Caster Adjustment . ADJUST as necessary.
Rough/harsh ride	Incorrect tire pressure	ADJUST the tire pressure. REFER to the VC label.
	Strut(s) or shock absorber(s)	INSTALL new struts or shock absorbers as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION article for front suspension or REAR SUSPENSION article for rear suspension.
	Spring(s)	MEASURE the ride height. REFER to Ride Height Measurement . INSTALL new springs as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION article for front suspension or REAR SUSPENSION article for rear suspension.
	Loose, worn or damaged suspension component(s)	INSTALL new suspension component(s) as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION article for front suspension or REAR SUSPENSION article for rear suspension.