Symptom Chart - NVH
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2018 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.
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.
| Symptom | Possible Sources | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Clunk - noise from the front suspension, occurs in and out of turns | Loose front shocks | INSPECT for shock absorber fasteners. TIGHTEN to specifications. REFER to: Front Shock Absorber - F-250/F-350 . or REFER to: Front Shock Absorber - F-450/F-550 . or REFER to: Front Shock Absorber 4WD . |
| Clunk - noise from the rear suspension, occurs when shifting from REVERSE to DRIVE | Loose or damaged rear suspension components | INSPECT for loose or damaged rear suspension components. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. |
| Click or pop - noise from the front suspension. More noticeable over rough roads or over bumps | Worn or damaged kingpin(s) or bushing(s) | INSPECT front kingpin bushing(s). . |
| Front suspension noise - a squeak, creak or rattle noise. Occurs mostly over bumps or rough road | Loose or bent front shock absorber(s) Damaged spring or spring mount(s) |
INSPECT the front suspension. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. |
| Rear suspension noise - a squeak, creak or rattle noise. Occurs mostly over bumps or rough roads | Loose or bent rear shock absorber(s) Damaged spring or spring mount(s) Damaged or worn bushing(s) |
INSPECT rear suspension. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. |
| Shudder - occurs during acceleration from a slow speed or stop | Incorrect ride height causing incorrect driveline angle | REFER to: Driveshaft . |
| Shimmy | Loose wheel nut(s) | TIGHTEN nut(s) to specification. REFER to: Wheel and Tire - Vehicles With: Single Rear Wheels . or REFER to: Wheel and Tire - Vehicles With: Dual Rear Wheels . |
| Loose front suspension fastener(s) | TIGHTEN fastener(s) to specification. REFER to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. | |
| Loose front wheel bearing(s) | INSPECT front wheel bearing(s). REFER to Wheel Bearing Inspection . INSTALL new bearing(s) as necessary. | |
| Shock absorber(s) | INSPECT shock absorbers. INSTALL new shock absorber(s) as necessary. REFER to: Front Shock Absorber - F-250/F-350 RWD . or REFER to: Front Shock Absorber - F-450/F-550 RWD . or REFER to: Front Shock Absorber 4WD . or REFER to: Rear Shock Absorber . | |
| Shimmy - most noticeable on coast/deceleration. Also hard steering condition | Excessive positive caster | CHECK front caster and ADJUST as necessary. REFER to: Front Camber and Caster Adjustment - F-250/F-350, RWD . or REFER to: Front Camber and Caster Adjustment - F-250/F-350/F-450/F-550, 4WD . |
| Rough/harsh ride | Shock absorber(s) | INSPECT shock absorbers. INSTALL new shock absorber(s) as necessary. REFER to: Front Shock Absorber - F-250/F-350 RWD . or REFER to: Front Shock Absorber - F-450/F-550 RWD . or REFER to: Front Shock Absorber 4WD . or REFER to: Rear Shock Absorber . |
| Spring(s) | INSTALL new spring(s) as necessary. REFER to: Front Spring - F-250/F-350 RWD . or REFER to: Front Spring - F-450/F-550 RWD . or REFER to: Front Spring 4WD . or REFER to: Rear Spring - F-250/F-350 . or REFER to: Rear Spring - F-450/F-550 . | |