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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 545 (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) >> Diagnosis And Testing >> Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) >> Symptom Charts >> Symptom Chart - Squeak and Rattle

Symptom Chart - Squeak and Rattle

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and 2004 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
SYMPTOM CHART-SQUEAK AND RATTLE

Condition Possible Sources Action
  • Squeak - heard inside the vehicle when closing/opening the door
  • Insufficient lubrication on the door hinge or check strap.
  • LUBRICATE the hinge or check strap.
  • Internal door components loose, rubbing or misaligned.
  • CHECK the inside of the door. TIGHTEN or ALIGN as necessary. USE the Rotunda Squeak and Rattle Kit to isolate any rubbing components.
  • Squeak - heard inside the vehicle when closing/opening the window
  • Worn or damaged glass run/channel.
  • Squeak - heard outside of vehicle when closing/opening the door
  • Exhaust shield rubbing against the chassis or exhaust pipe.
  • CHECK the exhaust system. REPAIR as necessary. Refer to EXHAUST SYSTEM .
  • Squeak - occurs with initial brake pedal application
  • Disc brake pads.
  • Under certain conditions, asbestos free pads can generate a squeak noise. This noise is normal and does not indicate a concern.
  • Squeak - a constant noise that occurs with brake pedal applications
  • Damaged or worn disc brake pads.
  • INSPECT the pads for oil, grease or brake fluid contamination. CHECK for glazed linings. A brake disc with hard spots will also cause a squeak type noise. REPAIR or INSTALL new pads as necessary. REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION for front disc brakes or rear disc brakes.
  • Squeak - noise occurs over bumps or when turning
  • Worn control arm bushings.
  • INSPECT the control arm bushings. Spray with lubricant and CARRY OUT a "bounce test" to determine which bushing. REPAIR as necessary. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION for 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive.
  • Worn or damaged shock absorber/strut.
  • INSPECT the shock absorber for damage. CARRY OUT a "bounce test" to isolate the noise. INSTALL a new shock absorber/strut as necessary. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION for the front shock absorber/strut or rear shock absorber/strut.
  • Rattle - heard when closing/opening the door or window
  • Loose internal door mechanism, bracket or attachment.
  • REPEAT the motion or CARRY OUT a "tap test" to duplicate the noise. INSPECT the door for loose components. TIGHTEN loose components or USE the Rotunda Squeak and Rattle Kit to isolate any rattling components.
  • Squeak or rattle - heard inside the vehicle over rough roads/bumps
  • Misaligned glove compartment door/hinge.
  • ALIGN the glove compartment door.
  • Instrument panel trim loose or misaligned.
  • INSPECT the instrument panel trim for missing or loose clips or screws. REPAIR as necessary.
  • Loose interior component or trim.
  • CARRY OUT a "touch test". ELIMINATE the noise by pressing or pulling on interior trim and components. USE the Rotunda Squeak and Rattle Kit to isolate any rattling/squeaking components.
  • Squeak or rattle - noise with a vibration concern
  • Damaged or worn body mounts.
  • INSPECT the upper and lower absorbers and washers for damage or wear. CHECK the body mount brackets for damage. CHECK the nuts and bolts are tightened to specifications. TIGHTEN as necessary.
  • Damaged or worn sub-frame mounts.
  • INSPECT the upper and lower absorbers for damage or wear. CHECK the sub-frame for damage. CHECK the nuts and bolts are tightened to specifications. TIGHTEN as necessary.
  • Squeak - noise from the rear suspension, occurs mostly over bumps or rough roads
  • Stabilizer bar link bushing is pushing out of the link eyelet, allowing metal-to-metal contact between the link and the rear stabilizer bar.
  • A loose stabilizer bar link.
  • JOUNCE the rear of the vehicle to confirm the location of the noise. INSPECT the stabilizer bar link for damage (bushing pushed off center) or if the stabilizer bar link is loose. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. TORQUE stabilizer bar link nut to 103 Nm (80 lb-ft).