Symptom Chart - NVH

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
Squeak or grunt - noise from the front or rear suspension, occurs more in cold ambient temperature with or without the presence of moisture. More noticeable over rough roads or when turning	Front stabilizer bar insulators Leaf spring bushings	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 specification. Refer to the appropriate information for the procedure.
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 appropriate suspension information.
Front suspension noise - a squeak, creak or rattle noise. Occurs mostly over bumps or rough roads	Front suspension components Loose or damaged 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 the appropriate information for the procedure.
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) Rear leaf spring tip isolator or bushing Damaged leaf spring or leaf spring mount(s) Worn or damaged stabilizer bar bushing(s) or link(s)	INSPECT the rear suspension. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to REAR SUSPENSION .
	Rear leaf spring or bushing contaminated with dirt, sand or mud	NOTE: To avoid the re-occurrence of noise, make sure that all contamination and moisture trapped between the individual leaf spring components have been completely removed. NOTE: Do not apply any lubricant or grease to the leaf springs as this will attract dirt and moisture. PRESSURE WASH the leaf springs between the individual spring leafs and the gaps between the spring bushings, mounting brackets and shackles to remove any trapped debris. USE compressed (shop) air to remove any remaining debris and to completely dry between all of the individual spring components.
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 information for the procedure.
	Loose front wheel bearing(s)	INSPECT the front wheel bearing(s). INSTALL new bearing(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information for the procedure.
	Shock absorber(s)	INSTALL new shock absorbers as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information for the procedure.
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.
	Shock absorber(s)	INSTALL new shock absorbers as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information for the procedure.
	Spring(s)	MEASURE the ride height. REFER to RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT . INSTALL new springs as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information for the procedure.
	Loose, worn or damaged suspension component(s)	INSTALL new suspension component(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate information for the procedure.