Symptom Chart: NVH

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Diagnostics in this service information assumes a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Refer to DIAGNOSTIC METHODS for information about these practices.

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 to NOISE, VIBRATION & HARSHNESS for the next likely system and continue diagnosis.

SYMPTOM DESCRIPTION - NVH

Condition	Possible Sources	Actions
Squeak or grunt - noise from the front or rear 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.
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 TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS for front suspension and REFER to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS 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 .
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. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION .
	Front strut jounce bumper(s) and dust shield(s)	LUBRICATE the front strut rod(s) and the top and sides of the uppermost part of the dust shield (s) with the specified silicone brake grease.
Squeak, creak or rattle noise. More noticeable over rough roads or over bumps	Front or rear 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)	INSPECT the front and rear suspension. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION or REFER to REAR SUSPENSION .
	Worn or damaged stabilizer bar bushings or link(s) Front strut jounce bumper(s) and dust shield(s)	LUBRICATE the front strut rod(s) and the top and sides of the uppermost part of the dust shield (s) with the specified silicone brake grease.
Shudder - occurs during acceleration from a slow speed or stop	Incorrect ride height causing incorrect driveline angle	REFER to DRIVELINE ANGLE MEASUREMENT .
Shimmy	Loose wheel nut (s)	TIGHTEN the nut(s) to specification. REFER to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
	Loose front suspension fastener(s)	TIGHTEN the fastener(s) to specification. REFER to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
	Worn front wheel bearing(s)	INSPECT the front wheel bearing (s). INSTALL new bearing(s) as necessary. REFER to WHEEL BEARING AND WHEEL HUB
	Strut(s) or shock absorber(s)	INSTALL new struts or shock absorbers as necessary. REFER to STRUT AND SPRING ASSEMBLY for front suspension or REFER to SHOCK ABSORBER for rear suspension.
Shimmy - most noticeable on coast/deceleration. Also hard steering condition	Excessive positive caster	CHECK the wheel alignment. REFER to CAMBER ADJUSTMENT - FRONT or CAMBER ADJUSTMENT - REAR . 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 STRUT AND SPRING ASSEMBLY for front suspension or REFER to SHOCK ABSORBER for rear suspension.
	Spring(s)	INSPECT for broken springs. MEASURE the ride height. REFER to RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT . INSTALL new springs as necessary. REFER to STRUT AND SPRING ASSEMBLY for front suspension or REFER to SPRING for rear suspension.
	Damaged suspension component(s)	INSTALL new suspension component(s) as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION or REFER to REAR SUSPENSION .