Symptom Chart - NVH

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: 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 & HARSHNESS . 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 & HARSHNESS for the next likely system and continue diagnosis.

SYMPTOM CHART - 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 shocks	INSPECT for shock absorber fasteners. TIGHTEN to specifications. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure.
Clunk - noise from the rear suspension, occurs when shifting from REVERSE to drive	Loose or damaged rear suspension components	INSPECT for loose or damaged rear suspension components. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to REAR SUSPENSION .
Click or pop - noise from the front suspension. More noticeable over rough roads or over bumps	Worn or damaged ball joint(s)	INSPECT the front ball joints. REFER to the BALL JOINT INSPECTION . INSTALL new ball joints as necessary.
Front suspension noise - a squeak, creak or rattle noise. Occurs mostly over bumps or rough roads	Loose or bent front shock absorber(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 the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure.
Rear suspension noise - a squeak, creak or rattle noise. Occurs mostly over bumps or rough roads	Loose or bent rear shock absorber(s) Rear leaf spring tip isolator or bushing Damaged or worn 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 .
Shudder - occurs during acceleration from a slow speed or stop	Incorrect ride height causing incorrect driveline angle	REFER to DRIVELINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION for driveline angle diagnosis.
Shimmy	Loose wheel nut(s)	TIGHTEN the nut(s) to specification. REFER to WHEELS AND TIRES .
	Loose front suspension fastener(s)	TIGHTEN the fastener(s) to specification. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure.
	Loose front wheel bearing(s)	INSPECT the front wheel bearing(s). REFER to WHEEL BEARING INSPECTION . INSTALL new bearing(s) as necessary.
	Shock absorber(s)	INSTALL new shock absorbers as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure.
Shimmy - most noticeable on coast/deceleration. Also hard steering condition	Excessive positive caster	CHECK the front caster and ADJUST as necessary. REFER to CAMBER AND CASTER ADJUSTMENT - F-250 AND F-350 FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD), F-450, F-550 or CAMBER AND CASTER ADJUSTMENT - F-250 AND F-350 REAR WHEEL DRIVE (RWD) .
Rough/harsh ride	Shock absorber(s)	INSTALL new shock absorber(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure.
Rough/harsh ride	Spring(s)	INSTALL new spring(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure.