Symptom Chart -- NVH

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.

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 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	Action
Feedback (rattle, chuckle or knocking noise in the steering gear) -- roughness is felt in the steering wheel when the vehicle is driven over rough surfaces	Steering column shaft/ coupling joints damaged or worn	INSTALL a new steering column shaft. REFER to: Steering Column Lower Shaft . or REFER to: Steering Column Upper Shaft .
	Loose, damaged or worn tie rod ends	INSPECT and INSTALL new tie-rod ends as necessary. GO to Steering Linkage Test
	Steering gear insulators if equipped, or mounting bolts loose or damaged	TIGHTEN the bolts to specification or INSTALL new bolts as necessary. REFER to: Steering Gear - Vehicles With: Hydro-Boost™ .
	Steering column shaft/ coupling bolts are loose	TIGHTEN the bolts to specification. or REFER to: Steering Column Upper Shaft .
	Steering column damaged or worn	REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering column as necessary. REFER to: Steering Column .
Front End Noise - During Acceleration (Tip-In) Or Deceleration (Tip-Out) May Occur With Braking	NOTE: Noises when accelerating or decelerating involve parts which move during an acceleration tip-in (pressing foot on gas pedal) or parts which move during deceleration tip-out (when taking foot off gas pedal). These noises are not typically associated with the steering gear. Steering shaft slip joints or lower input shaft (requires lubrication)Roll restrictorPowertrain mountsExhaust heat shield (tinny rattle)Exhaust isolators and bracketsSubframe mountsEngine to chassis wiring, tubes, brackets (loose or out of position)	GO to Pinpoint Test F
Front End Noise - During Braking	NOTE: If the noise occurs during braking and during tip-in or tip-out, this is not typically a steering gear related noise. Caliper anchors, calipers or brake padsTop strut mount or bearings (if equipped)Lower control arm attachment to sub frame bushings and boltsEngine to chassis wiring, tubes or brackets (loose or out of position)Powertrain mounts or engine roll restrictor mountsExhaust isolators or bracketsSteering shaft slip jointsSubframe mounts	GO to Pinpoint Test F
Front End Noise - Driving Straight On Smooth Roads	NOTE: Front end noises while driving straight involve parts which rotate continuously while the road wheels are rotating. Typically not a steering gear. NOTE: Wheel hub bearings can produce noise after achieving 56 km/h (35 mph) while driving straight if they are worn. Rotating Sources: Axle shaftsCarrier bearing (noise is typically felt through the console)Drive shaftsTransfer case assembly (if equipped)Wheel hub and wheel bearings (typically higher speeds)Wind Sources: Air damsHeat shieldsRadiator ducts or shieldsWheel well splash shields	GO to Pinpoint Test G
Front End Noise - Over Bumps, Rough Roads, Dips, Depressions Or When Entering A Driveway	NOTE: Noises over bumps and rough roads involve parts which move and contact during up and down motion. Jounce bumperStabilizer bar insulators or linksFront shock brackets or strut mountsLoose steering gear tie rodsLoose steering gear boltsLoose front brake calipers or pinsLoose lower control arm-to-subframe bolts or bushingsLoose ball jointLoose exhaust heat shield, isolators or bracketsSubframe to body attachments pointsUpper or lower steering shaftInternal or external steering gear stops	GO to Pinpoint Test D
Front End Noise - Turning At Slow Speeds Or During Parking Lot Maneuvers	NOTE: Exterior front end noises when turning at slow speeds involve parts which move, rotate or make contact during a partial or full turn. Springs, shocks, struts and bearings or bushings (most common)TiresSteering gear internal stops (full turn)External steering stops (full turn)Steering tie rods (loose)Loose steering gear mounts or boltsStabilizer bar links and insulatorsIntegrated front wheel ends (4x4 only)Front control arms and bushingsSubframe or crossmember condition, mounts or fastenersEngine or transmission mounts	GO to Pinpoint Test D
High speed shake or shimmy -- occurs at high speeds	Worn or damaged steering linkage components	GO to Steering Linkage Test
Noise When Turning - Noticed More In The Interior	NOTE: Interior cabin noises involve parts moving or contacting during a steering wheel turn or interior parts moving or contacting during steering column tilt or telescopic operations. Steering column shroudsSteering shafts and steering shaft jointsSteering shaft boots or sealsClockspring (when lubricant on the clockspring is dry or drying)Steering column tilt or telescoping motor (if equipped)Shifter cables (if equipped)Adaptive front steering motor (if equipped)	GO to Pinpoint Test E
Power steering hiss or whistle	Steering column shaft/ coupling-to-steering gear is binding or misaligned	REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering column shaft as necessary. REFER to: Steering Column .
	Grounded or loose steering column boot at the dash panel	REPAIR as necessary.
	Damaged or worn steering gear input shaft and valve	REPAIR or INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. REFER to: Steering Gear - Vehicles With: Hydro-Boost™ .
	Restricted power steering lines/hoses	GO to Pinpoint Test A
	Hydro-Boost brake booster	START the engine. RAISE the power steering fluid temperature to 74-80 deg. C (165-176 deg. F) by rotating the steering wheel fully to the left and right several times. CARRY OUT the Power Steering Fluid Leak Test . REPAIR any leaks found. If no leaks are found, INSTALL a new Hydro-Boost brake booster. REFER to: Brake Booster - Vehicles With: Hydro-Boost™ .
Power steering pump moan -- loud humming noise occurs when the steering wheel is rotated to the stop position. Produces a 120-600 Hz frequency that changes with rpm	Low fluid and/or air in the steering hydraulic system (aerated fluid)	CHECK for leaks in the system. REFER to Power Steering Fluid Leak Test PURGE the air from the system. REFER to: Power Steering System Purging . If a pump moan still exists, INSTALL a new power steering pump. REFER to: Power Steering Pump - 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel . or REFER to: Power Steering Pump - 6.8L Triton-30V - V10 .
	Blockage in the power steering fluid reservoir filter/ screen or return ports caused by power steering fluid contamination	NOTE: It may be necessary to remove the power steering fluid reservoir to flush contamination trapped in the reservoir filter/screen or to remove blockage in the return ports. CHECK the power steering fluid reservoir filter/screen or return ports for contaminants or blockage. FLUSH the power steering system as necessary. REFER to: Power Steering System Flushing .
	Power steering line/hose grounded to chassis	INSPECT the power steering lines/hoses. REPAIR as necessary.
	Power steering pump brackets loose or misaligned	CHECK bolts, brackets and bracket alignment. TIGHTEN bolts to specification. REPAIR or INSTALL new brackets as necessary. REFER to: Power Steering Pump - 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel . or REFER to: Power Steering Pump - 6.8L Triton-30V - V10 .
Power steering pump noise (steering wheel turned fully to stop/lock)	Power steering fluid flow into the bypass valve of the pump valve housing, with fluid temperature below 54 deg. C (130 deg. F)	Acceptable condition.
Power steering pump noisy	Blockage in the power steering fluid reservoir filter/ screen or return ports caused by power steering fluid contamination	NOTE: It may be necessary to remove the power steering fluid reservoir to flush contamination trapped in the reservoir filter/screen or to remove blockage in the return ports. CHECK the power steering fluid reservoir filter/screen or return ports for contaminants or blockage. FLUSH the power steering system as necessary. REFER to: Power Steering System Flushing .
Power steering pump noisy	Power steering pump	INSTALL a new power steering pump as necessary. REFER to: Power Steering Pump - 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel . or REFER to: Power Steering Pump - 6.8L Triton-30V - V10 .
Power steering pump whine noise	Aerated fluid	CHECK for a leak in the system. REFER to Power Steering Fluid Leak Test PURGE the air from the system. REFER to: Power Steering System Purging .
	Blockage in the power steering fluid reservoir filter/ screen or return ports caused by power steering fluid contamination	NOTE: It may be necessary to remove the power steering fluid reservoir to flush contamination trapped in the reservoir filter/screen or to remove blockage in the return ports. CHECK the power steering fluid reservoir filter/screen or return ports for contaminants or blockage. FLUSH the power steering system as necessary. REFER to: Power Steering System Flushing .
	Damaged power steering pump	INSTALL a new power steering pump as necessary. REFER to: Power Steering Pump - 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel . or REFER to: Power Steering Pump - 6.8L Triton-30V - V10 .
Steering column rattle	Loose bolts or attaching brackets	TIGHTEN the bolts to specification. REFER to: Steering Column .
	Loose, worn or insufficiently lubricated column bearings	LUBRICATE bearings or INSTALL new steering column bearings or steering column as necessary. REFER to: Steering Column .
	Steering column shaft/ coupling compressed or extended	INSPECT the rubber spider coupling for damage. INSTALL a new intermediate/flexible shaft as necessary. REFER to: Steering Column Lower Shaft . or REFER to: Steering Column Upper Shaft .
Steering column squeak, cracks or grinds	Loose or misaligned steering column shrouds	TIGHTEN or ALIGN the steering column shrouds.
Steering column squeak, cracks or grinds	Steering wheel rubbing against steering column shrouds	REPOSITION the steering column shrouds.
Steering column ticking or creaking noise	Steering column lower bearing	VERIFY that the noise is coming from the lower bearing and REPLACE steering column as necessary. REFER to: Steering Column .
Steering gear clunk -- occurs only while cornering over a bump (can be temperature sensitive)	Steering gear	INSPECT the steering gear for loose mounting bolts. TIGHTEN to specification as necessary. REFER to: Steering Gear - Vehicles With: Hydro-Boost™ .
Steering gear squeak	Incorrect power steering fluid in system	If incorrect power steering fluid is suspected, FLUSH the power steering system. REFER to: Power Steering System Flushing . If noise persists after system flush, INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to: Steering Gear - Vehicles With: Hydro-Boost™ .
	Steering gear rotary seal	NOTE: Use the chassis ears to verify that the steering gear is the source of the noise. It may be necessary to replicate the customer operating conditions (fluid temperature, turning rate of steering wheel) to get the squeak to reoccur. INSTALL a new steering gear as necessary. REFER to: Steering Gear - Vehicles With: Hydro-Boost™ .
	Stone shield (if equipped)	MAKE SURE that the stone shield is correctly installed and that it is not making contact with the steering shaft. REPOSITION stone shield or INSTALL a new stone shield as necessary.
Steering grunt or shudder -- occurs when turning into or out of a turn at low speeds (temperature sensitive)	Air in the steering hydraulic system (aerated fluid)	CHECK for leaks in the system. REFER to Power Steering Fluid Leak Test PURGE the air from the system. REFER to: Power Steering System Purging .
	Steering gear or power steering hoses	GO to Steering Gear Grunt/Shudder Test
Steering system clonk -- hydraulic knocking sound	Air in the steering hydraulic system (aerated fluid)	NOTE: Some amount of clonk noise is considered acceptable. If in doubt of the acceptability, compare to another vehicle. CHECK for leaks in the system. REFER to Power Steering Fluid Leak Test PURGE the air from the system. REFER to: Power Steering System Purging .
Steering system cold start noise	Blockage in the power steering fluid reservoir filter screen or return ports caused by power steering fluid contamination	NOTE: Some noise during an extremely cold start (-12.2 deg. C [-10 deg. F]) is normal and should improve as the steering system warms up (usually within 60 seconds). NOTE: It may be necessary to remove the power steering fluid reservoir to flush contamination trapped in the reservoir filter/screen or to remove blockage in the return ports. CHECK the power steering fluid reservoir filter/screen or return ports for contaminants or blockage. FLUSH the power steering system as necessary. REFER to: Power Steering System Flushing .
Steering system cold start noise	Air in the steering hydraulic system (aerated fluid)	CHECK for leaks in the system. REFER to Power Steering Fluid Leak Test PURGE the air from the system. REFER to: Power Steering System Purging .