Symptom Chart - NVH: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup. 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
Axle howling or whine - front or rear axle	Axle lubricant low	CHECK the lubricant level. FILL the axle to specification. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
	Axle housing damage	INSPECT the axle housing for damage. REPAIR or INSTALL a new axle as necessary. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
	Damaged or worn wheel hub bearings	CHECK for abnormal wheel hub bearing play or roughness. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION - REAR WHEEL DRIVE (RWD) , FRONT SUSPENSION - FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) or REAR SUSPENSION .
	Damaged or worn differential ring and pinion	INSPECT and INSTALL a new differential ring and pinion as necessary. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
	Damaged or worn differential side or pinion bearings	INSPECT and INSTALL new differential side or pinion bearings as necessary. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
Driveline clunk - loud clunk when shifting from REVERSE to DRIVE	Incorrect axle lubricant level	CHECK the lubricant level. FILL the axle to specification. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
	Excessive backlash in the axle	CHECK the axle backlash. REPAIR as necessary. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
	Damaged or worn pinion bearings	REPAIR or INSTALL new pinion bearings as necessary. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
	Damaged or worn U-joints	INSPECT the U-joints for wear or damage. INSTALL new U-joints or driveshaft as necessary. REFER to DRIVESHAFT .
	Loose or missing fasteners	CHECK all driveline fasteners for proper torque. REFER to DRIVESHAFT , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
Driveline clunk - occurs as the vehicle starts to move forward following a stop	Worn driveshaft CV joint or U-joints with excessive play	INSPECT the CV joint and U-joints for a worn condition. INSTALL a new driveshaft or U-joints as necessary. REFER to DRIVESHAFT .
	Loose axle mount	CHECK the axle for loose bolts. TIGHTEN to specification. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
	Loose or missing fasteners	CHECK all driveline fasteners for proper torque. REFER to DRIVESHAFT , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
Driveline clunk - occurs during acceleration or from cruise to coast/deceleration	Damaged or worn CV joint	INSPECT the CV joint and boot. INSTALL a new CV joint as necessary. REFER to FRONT DRIVE HALFSHAFTS .
	Loose or missing fasteners	CHECK all driveline fasteners for proper torque. REFER to DRIVESHAFT , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
Clicking, popping or grinding - occurs while the vehicle is turning	Inadequate or contaminated lubrication in the CV joints	CHECK the CV boots and joints for wear or damage. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT DRIVE HALFSHAFTS .
	Another component contacting the halfshaft	CHECK the halfshafts and the area around the halfshafts. REPAIR as necessary.
High pitched chattering - noise from the axle when the vehicle is turning	Incorrect or contaminated lubricant	CHECK the vehicle by driving in tight circles (5 clockwise, 5 counterclockwise). CLEAN and REFILL the axle to specification. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
	Damaged or worn differential (differential side gears and pinion gears)	REPAIR or INSTALL new differential side gears or pinion gears as necessary. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
Buzz - buzzing noise is the same at cruise or coast/deceleration	Incorrect driveline angles	CHECK for correct driveline angles. REPAIR as necessary. REFER to DRIVELINE ANGLE MEASUREMENT .
Rumble or boom - noise occurs at coast/deceleration, usually driveshaft speed-related and noticeable over a wide range of speeds	Driveshaft is out-of-balance	CHECK the driveshaft for damage, missing balance weights or undercoating. REFER to DRIVESHAFT RUNOUT AND BALANCING .
	U-joints are binding or seized	ROTATE the driveshaft and CHECK for rough operation or seized U-joints. INSTALL new U-joints or driveshaft as necessary. REFER to DRIVESHAFT .
	Misalignment of yellow dot on driveshaft-to-yellow dot on pinion flange plus or minus 1 bolt hole	REINSTALL driveshaft with yellow dots aligned plus or minus 1 bolt hole. REFER to DRIVESHAFT .
	Worn or damaged driveshaft center bearing support	CHECK the insulator for damage or wear. ROTATE the driveshaft and CHECK for rough operation. INSTALL a new driveshaft as necessary. REFER to DRIVESHAFT .
Grunting - normally associated with a shudder experienced during acceleration from a complete stop	Driveshaft CV joint binding	CLEAN the CV joint and INSTALL a new driveshaft as necessary. REFER to DRIVESHAFT .
	Loose axle mount bolts or suspension fasteners	INSPECT the rear suspension and axle. TIGHTEN the fasteners to specification. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
Howl - can occur at various speeds and driving conditions. Affected by acceleration and deceleration	Incorrect ring and pinion contact, incorrect bearing preload or gear damage	INSPECT and REPAIR as necessary. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
Chuckle - heard at coast/deceleration. Also described as a knock	Incorrect ring and pinion contact or damaged teeth on the coast side of the ring and pinion	INSPECT and REPAIR as necessary. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
Knock - noise occurs at various speeds. Not affected by acceleration or deceleration	Gear tooth damage to the drive side of the ring and pinion	INSTALL a new ring and pinion. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
Scraping noise - a continuous low pitched noise starting at low speeds	Worn or damaged pinion bearings	INSPECT and REPAIR or INSTALL new pinion bearings. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
Driveline shudder - occurs during acceleration from a slow speed or stop (vehicle unloaded)	Drive axle assembly mispositioned	CHECK the axle mounts and the rear suspension for damage or wear. REPAIR as necessary. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
	Loose axle bolts	CHECK the axle for loose bolts. TIGHTEN the bolts to specification. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
	Loose or missing fasteners	CHECK all driveline fasteners for proper torque. REFER to DRIVESHAFT , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 9.75-INCH RING GEAR or FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .
	Driveline angles out of specification	MEASURE and ADJUST the driveline angles as necessary. REFER to DRIVELINE ANGLE MEASUREMENT , DRIVELINE ANGLE ADJUSTMENT .
	U-joints binding or seized	ROTATE the driveshaft and CHECK for rough operation or seized U-joints. INSTALL new U-joints or driveshaft as necessary. REFER to DRIVESHAFT .
	Binding or damaged driveshaft CV joint	INSPECT the driveshaft CV joint and coupling shaft for wear or damage. INSTALL a new driveshaft as necessary. REPAIR as necessary. REFER to DRIVESHAFT .
	Transfer case	REFER to FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) SYSTEMS .
Driveline shudder - occurs during acceleration from a slow speed or stop (vehicle loaded)	Driveline angle out of specification due to loaded condition	MEASURE and ADJUST the driveline angles as necessary. REFER to DRIVELINE ANGLE MEASUREMENT , DRIVELINE ANGLE ADJUSTMENT .
Take-off shudder - with 1-piece driveshaft (loaded or unloaded)	Driveline angle out of specification	MEASURE and ADJUST the driveline angles as necessary. REFER to DRIVELINE ANGLE MEASUREMENT , DRIVELINE ANGLE ADJUSTMENT . If concern is still present lower axle pinion using 1 degree shim with thick end forward. REFER to DRIVELINE ANGLE ADJUSTMENT .
Take-off shudder - with 1-piece driveshaft (loaded or unloaded) after driveline angle adjustment using 1 degree shim	Driveline angle out of specification	Lower axle pinion replacing 1 degree shim with a 2 degree shim with thick end forward. REFER to DRIVELINE ANGLE ADJUSTMENT .
Driveline vibration or moan - occurs on deceleration (coast down) above 45 mph with 1-piece driveshaft (loaded or unloaded)	Driveline angle out of specification	MEASURE and ADJUST the driveline angles as necessary. REFER to DRIVELINE ANGLE MEASUREMENT , DRIVELINE ANGLE ADJUSTMENT . If concern is still present raise axle pinion using 1 degree shim with thick end rearward. REFER to DRIVELINE ANGLE ADJUSTMENT .
Driveline vibration or moan - occurs on deceleration (coast down) above 45 mph with 1-piece driveshaft (loaded or unloaded) after driveline angle adjustment using 1 degree shim	Driveline angle out of specification	Raise axle pinion replacing 1 degree shim with a 2 degree shim with thick end rearward. REFER to DRIVELINE ANGLE ADJUSTMENT Driveline Angle Adjustment.
Shudder on acceleration from 10-25 mph under medium to heavy throttle - with 2- piece driveshaft (loaded or unloaded)	Driveline angle out of specification	MEASURE and ADJUST the driveline angles as necessary. REFER to DRIVELINE ANGLE MEASUREMENT , DRIVELINE ANGLE ADJUSTMENT . If concern is still present lower axle pinion using 1 degree shim with thick end forward. REFER to DRIVELINE ANGLE ADJUSTMENT Driveline Angle Adjustment.
Shudder on acceleration from 10-25 mph under medium to heavy throttle - with 2- piece driveshaft (loaded or unloaded) after driveline angle adjustment using 1 degree shim	Driveline angle out of specification	Lower axle pinion replacing 1 degree shim with a 2 degree shim with thick end forward. REFER to DRIVELINE ANGLE ADJUSTMENT Driveline Angle Adjustment.
Driveline vibration or moan - occurs on deceleration above 45 mph with 2-piece driveshaft (loaded or unloaded), after driveline angle adjustment using 1 degree shim is installed with the thick end forward	Driveline angle out of specification	Lower the center bearing. Driveline Angle Adjustment.
Driveline vibration or moan - occurs on deceleration above 45 mph with 2-piece driveshaft (loaded or unloaded)	Driveline angle out of specification	MEASURE and ADJUST the driveline angles as necessary. REFER to DRIVELINE ANGLE MEASUREMENT , DRIVELINE ANGLE ADJUSTMENT . If concern is still present raise axle pinion using 1 degree shim with thick end rearward. REFER to DRIVELINE ANGLE ADJUSTMENT Driveline Angle Adjustment.
Driveline vibration or moan - occurs on deceleration above 45 mph with 2-piece driveshaft (unloaded), after driveline angle adjustment using 1 degree shim is installed with the thick end rearward	Driveline angle out of specification	Raise axle pinion replacing 1 degree shim with a 2 degree shim with thick end rearward. REFER to DRIVELINE ANGLE ADJUSTMENT Driveline Angle Adjustment.
Shudder on acceleration from 10-25 mph under medium to heavy throttle - after driveline angle adjustment using 1 degree shim is installed with the thick end rearward - with 2-piece driveshaft (unloaded)	Driveline angle out of specification	Lower the center bearing. Driveline Angle Adjustment.
Driveline vibration - occurs at cruising speeds	Worn U-joints	CHECK for wear or incorrect seating. INSTALL new U-joints or driveshaft as necessary. REFER to DRIVESHAFT .
	Misalignment of yellow dot on driveshaft-to-yellow dot on pinion flange plus or minus 1 bolt hole	REINSTALL driveshaft with yellow dots aligned plus or minus 1 bolt hole. REFER to DRIVESHAFT .
	Worn or damaged driveshaft center bearing support	CHECK the insulator for damage or wear. ROTATE the driveshaft and CHECK for rough operation. INSTALL a new driveshaft as necessary. REFER to DRIVESHAFT .
	Loose driveshaft-to-axle pinion or transmission flange bolts	INSPECT the axle pinion flange. TIGHTEN the pinion flange bolts to specification. REFER to DRIVESHAFT .
	Excessive axle pinion flange runout	CARRY OUT a runout check. REPAIR as necessary. REFER to COMPONENT TEST .
	Driveshaft is out-of-balance	CHECK the driveshaft for damage, missing balance weights or undercoating. CHECK the driveshaft balance. CARRY OUT a driveline vibration test. REFER to DRIVESHAFT RUNOUT AND BALANCING .
	Binding or damaged driveshaft CV joint	INSPECT the driveshaft CV joint for wear or damage. INSTALL a new driveshaft as necessary. REFER to DRIVESHAFT .
	Excessive driveshaft runout	CARRY OUT a runout check. REFER to DRIVESHAFT RUNOUT AND BALANCING .
	Driveline angles out of specification	CHECK for correct driveline angles. REPAIR as necessary. REFER to DRIVELINE ANGLE MEASUREMENT .
	Incorrectly seated CV joint in the wheel hub	CHECK the outer CV joint for correct seating into the hub. REPAIR as necessary. REFER to FRONT DRIVE HALFSHAFTS .
	Damage or missing driveshaft slip yoke damper (163 in wheelbase and 133 in wheelbase 4.6L 4x2 do not get dampers)	INSTALL a new driveshaft as necessary. REFER to DRIVESHAFT .