Pinpoint Test G : Front End Noise - Driving Straight On Smooth Roads
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- G1 CHECK TIRE CONDITION
- Check tires for wear, damage, uneven tread or miss-matched tires (miss-matched tires are especially important on AWD and 4x4 systems).
- Verify all 4 tires are matching size and brand.
Are the tires free from wear, damage, uneven tread or miss-matching issues?
Yes GO to G2 No INSTALL new tires as necessary. REFER to: Wheel and Tire . - G2 CHECK FOR NOISE CHANGE DURING BUMPS AND VARYING SPEEDS
- Test drive the vehicle and confirm the noise.
- Make sure to drive over bumps and vary the vehicle speed during the test.
Was the noise affected by bumps?
Yes GO to Pinpoint Test D No GO to G3 - Test drive the vehicle and confirm the noise.
- G3 VISUAL INSPECTION FOR NOISE SOURCE
- The following components can cause noise issues while rotating. Inspect the following components for looseness, wear and damage:
- Axle shafts
- Axle shaft U-joints
- Drive shafts and pinion bearings
- Drive shaft center support bearing (RWD only)
- Integrated wheel ends and associated vacuum system (4x4 only)
- Transfer case assembly (if equipped)
- Wheel hubs and bearings
- The following components can cause noise issues while being disturbed
- Air dams
- Heat shields
- Radiator ducts or shields
- Tubes and hoses
- Wheel well linings and splash shields
- Wiring harnesses
- Other components not retained
Are all of the listed components OK?
Yes GO to G4 No REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. - The following components can cause noise issues while rotating. Inspect the following components for looseness, wear and damage:
- G4 VEHICLE ON-HOIST INSPECTION
- With the transmission in NEUTRAL, position the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to JACKING AND LIFTING
- Raise the vehicle until the wheels can spin freely.
- Start the engine.
- Disable the AdvanceTrac or traction control system (if equipped).
- Bring the vehicle up to speed where the reported noise can be heard.
- Listen for the noise.
Was the noise able to be replicated with the vehicle on the hoist?
Yes Using a listening device, such as Chassis Ears, LOCATE the causal component. REPAIR or INSTALL new as necessary. No GO to G5 - G5 ROAD TEST NOISE VERIFICATION
- Using a listening device, such as Chassis Ears:
- Attach probe 1 to the back side of the left front wheel knuckle or spindle.
- Attach probe 2 to the back side of the right front wheel knuckle or spindle.
- Using an assistant to test drive the vehicle, attempt to duplicate the noise while listening to the device.
Is the reported noise also heard through probe 1 or 2?
Yes The noise may be caused by the wheel bearing or related components. INSPECT and REPAIR or INSTALL new as necessary (brake components, integrated wheel ends, etc.). No REFER to the list of possible sources in step G3 for further evaluation of noise sources or, to continue NVH diagnostics, REFER to: Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) . - Using a listening device, such as Chassis Ears: