Symptom Chart: NVH
Diagnostics in this article assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to: Diagnostic Methods .
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.
Additional diagnostics may be necessary to further isolate the concern. An electronic listening tool such as Chassis Ear ® may be used. Follow the tool manufacturer's instructions and the Possible Sources found in the following NVH chart to determine the connection points.
| Condition | Possible Sources | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Front suspension noise - a crunch or creaking noise. Occurs mostly during turns over bumps. | Spring upper mount bearing | REPLACE the strut upper mount bearing and the strut bearing plate. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly . |
| Strut bearing plate | ||
| Front suspension noise - a squeak, creak or rattle noise. Occurs mostly over bumps or rough roads due to the suspension moving in an up/down motion. | Strut top nut | INSPECT and TIGHTEN to specification. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly . |
| Jounce bumper | INSPECT, LUBRICATE or INSTALL new components as necessary. | |
| Stabilizer bar insulators and/or Stabilizer bar links | INSPECT for out-of-position bushings, isolators or locating pins. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Front Stabilizer Bar . | |
| Steering gear and/or Tie rod ends | INSPECT the steering gear and tie rod ends. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Power Steering . | |
| Front brake caliper | INSPECT the front brake caliper(s). REFER to: Brake System . | |
| Lower control arm / ball joint | CARRY OUT a ball joint inspection. INSTALL new control arm(s) as necessary. REFER to: Lower Arm . | |
| Hub | INSPECT hub(s). REPAIR or REPLACE as necessary. REFER to: Wheel Knuckle . | |
| Exhaust system | INSPECT the exhaust system. REFER to: Exhaust System . | |
| Powertrain mounts | INSPECT the powertrain mounts. REFER to: Engine Mount . | |
| Subframe pin(s), welds or insulators | INSPECT subframe. REPAIR or REPLACE as necessary. REFER to: Front Subframe . | |
| Rear suspension noise - a squeak, creak or rattle noise. Occurs mostly over bumps or rough roads due to the suspension moving in an up/down motion. | Loose or damaged rear shock absorber(s) or shock absorber bushing(s) | INSPECT the rear shock absorber(s) or shock absorber bushing(s). INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Rear Shock Absorber . |
| Damaged spring(s) or spring mount(s) | INSPECT the rear spring(s) and spring mount(s). REPLACE damaged components as necessary. REFER to: Spring . | |
| Damaged or worn control arm bushing(s) | INSPECT the rear control arm bushings. REPLACE damaged or worn components as necessary. or | |
| Worn or damaged stabilizer bar bushing(s) or link(s) | INSPECT the stabilizer bar bushing(s) or link(s). REPLACE damaged or worn components as necessary. or | |
| Noise from front suspension when turning - crunch or ratcheting noise. Occurs as a result of the suspension twisting and flexing. | Strut top nut | INSPECT and TIGHTEN to specification. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly . |
| Worn or damaged front strut bearing(s) | INSPECT for worn or damaged strut bearing. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly . | |
| Coil Spring | INSPECT springs. REPLACE as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly . | |
| Strut brackets or seat(s) | INSPECT strut brackets or seat(s). REPAIR as necessary. | |
| Stabilizer bar | INSPECT the stabilizer bar. REPAIR or REPLACE as necessary. REFER to: Front Stabilizer Bar . | |
| Steering gear | INSPECT the steering gear. REFER to: Power Steering . | |
| Tie rod ends | INSPECT tie rod ends. INSTALL new components as necessary. | |
| Hub | INSPECT hub(s). REPAIR or REPLACE as necessary. REFER to: Wheel Knuckle . | |
| Lower control arm / ball joint | CARRY OUT a ball joint inspection. INSTALL new control arm(s) as necessary. REFER to: Lower Arm . | |
| Noise from front suspension when turning - Crunch clunk or grunt noise from the front suspension occurring when turning to full left or right stop. | Steering stops | Normal condition. No action required. |
| Noise while braking - Noises occurring during this condition result from rearward and downward force applied to the suspension and subframe such as rearward force applied to the lower control arm. | Front brake caliper | INSPECT the front brake caliper(s). REFER to: Brake System . |
| Hub | INSPECT hub(s). REPAIR or REPLACE as necessary. REFER to: Wheel Knuckle . | |
| Subframe insulators | INSPECT subframe. REPAIR or REPLACE as necessary. REFER to: Front Subframe . | |
| Lower control arm / ball joint | CARRY OUT a ball joint inspection. INSTALL new control arm(s) as necessary. REFER to: Lower Arm . | |
| Powertrain mounts | INSPECT the powertrain mounts. REFER to: Engine Mount . | |
| Roll restrictor | INSPECT the roll restrictor. REPAIR or REPLACE as necessary. | |
| Noise while accelerating - Noises occurring during this condition result from powertrain torque and flex, such as torque on the powertrain mounts during acceleration. | Body (inner fender, bulkhead, seams and pinch welds) | INSPECT and REPAIR as necessary. |
| Hub | INSPECT hub(s). REPAIR or REPLACE as necessary. REFER to: Wheel Knuckle . | |
| Powertrain mounts | INSPECT the powertrain mounts. REFER to: Engine Mount . | |
| Roll restrictor | INSPECT the roll restrictor. REPAIR or REPLACE as necessary. | |
| Exhaust system | INSPECT the exhaust system. REFER to: Exhaust System . | |
| Subframe pin(s), welds or insulators | INSPECT subframe. REPAIR or REPLACE as necessary. REFER to: Front Subframe | |
| Noise while entering driveways or driving over dips or depressions - Noises occurring during this condition result from the body, subframe or suspension twisting or flexing such as the tension on body structure welds. | Body (inner fender, bulkhead, seams and pinch welds) | INSPECT and REPAIR as necessary. |
| Stabilizer bar links | INSPECT the stabilizer bar links. INSTALL new stabilizer bar links as necessary. REFER to: Front Stabilizer Bar . or | |
| Subframe pin(s), welds or insulators | INSPECT subframe. REPAIR or REPLACE as necessary. REFER to: Front Subframe | |
| Clunk or pop or thump/thud - noise may be thought of as a loose part striking an adjacent part or a secure part coming loose when force is applied. A clunk is often rhythmic, repeatable and metallic in nature. | Loose fasteners | INSPECT for loose nuts or bolts. |
| Worn or damaged bushings | INSPECT for out-of-position or damaged components. | |
| Struts & shocks | INSPECT for worn or damaged struts or shocks. REPLACE as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly . or REFER to: Rear Shock Absorber . | |
| Coil spring or spring seat out of position | INSPECT for out-of-position or damaged components. ADJUST or REPLACE as necessary. | |
| Worn or damaged ball joint(s) | CARRY OUT a ball joint inspection. INSTALL new control arm(s) as necessary. REFER to: Lower Arm . or REFER to: Lower Arm . | |
| Rattle - noise occurs mostly over bumps, rough roads or uneven surfaces at low speeds (i.e. parking lot). A rattle is often a rapid, repetitive noise that can be metallic or non-metallic in nature. | Loose fasteners or brackets Loose or damaged front struts, shock absorber(s) or shock absorber bushing(s), dust boot(s), jounce bumper(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 for loose nuts or bolts. TIGHTEN to specification. INSPECT for out-of-position or damaged components. ADJUST or INSTALL new components as necessary. |
| Whine, roar or groan - noise generally occurs over 30 mph and is often more noticeable with steering input. | Loose or damaged wheel bearings | INSPECT the front or rear wheel bearing(s). INSTALL new bearing(s) as necessary. REFER to: Front Wheel Bearing . or REFER to: Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub . |
| 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 . | |
| Strut(s) or shock absorber(s) | INSTALL new struts or shock absorbers as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly . 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. |
| Strut(s) or shock absorber(s) | INSTALL new struts or shock absorbers as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly . REFER to: Rear Shock Absorber . | |
| Spring(s) | 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 . | |
| Damaged suspension component(s) | INSTALL new suspension component(s) as necessary. |