Symptom Chart: NVH

Diagnostics in this article assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices.

Noise, Vibration, or Harshness (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, Glossary of Terms

REFER to: NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) . 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 AND HARSHNESS (NVH) .

for the next likely system and continue diagnosis.

Condition	Possible Sources	Actions
Squeak or grunt - noise from the suspension	Front or rear suspension components	INSPECT the front or rear suspension. INSTALL new components as necessary.
Clunk - noise from the front suspension, occurs in and out of turns	Loose front suspension	INSPECT for loose nuts or bolts. TIGHTEN to specifications.
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.
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 . REFER to: SUSPENSION SYSTEM . INSTALL new control arm(s) as necessary. REFER to: LOWER ARM .
Front suspension noise - a squeak, creak or rattle noise. Occurs mostly over bumps or rough roads	Front 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) Worn or damaged stabilizer bar bushings or link(s)	INSPECT the front suspension. INSTALL new components as necessary.
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) Damaged spring or spring mount(s) Damaged or worn control arm bushing(s) Worn or damaged stabilizer bar bushing(s) or link(s)	INSPECT the rear suspension. INSTALL new components as necessary.
Shimmy	Loose wheel nut(s)	TIGHTEN the nut(s) to specification. REFER to: WHEEL AND TIRE .
	Loose front suspension fastener(s)	TIGHTEN the fastener(s) to specifications.
	Loose front wheel bearing(s)	INSPECT the front wheel bearing(s). INSTALL new bearing(s) as necessary. REFER to: FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND WHEEL HUB .
	Strut(s) or shock absorber(s)	INSTALL new struts or shock absorbers as necessary. REFER to: FRONT STRUT AND SPRING ASSEMBLY . or REFER to: REAR SHOCK ABSORBER .
Shimmy - most noticeable on coast/deceleration. Also hard steering condition	Excessive positive caster	INSPECT the front suspension. REPAIR or INSTALL new suspension components as necessary.
Rough/harsh ride	Incorrect tire pressure	ADJUST the tire pressure. REFER to VC label.
	Low ride height	MEASURE the ride height. REFER to: RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT . INSTALL new springs as necessary. REFER to: FRONT STRUT AND SPRING ASSEMBLY . or REFER to: SPRING .
	Loose, worn or damaged suspension component(s)	INSTALL new suspension component(s) as necessary.