Symptom Chart: NVH
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
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 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: Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - RWD . REFER to: Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - 4WD . |
| 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 - RWD . REFER to: Front Stabilizer Bar - 4WD . REFER to: Front Stabilizer Bar Link - RWD . REFER to: Front Stabilizer Bar Link - 4WD . | |
| 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. Refer to Ball Joint Inspection . INSTALL new lower ball joints as necessary. REFER to: Lower Ball Joint . | |
| Hub | INSPECT hub(s). REPAIR or REPLACE as necessary. REFER to: Front Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub - RWD . REFER to: Front Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub - 4WD . | |
| Exhaust system | INSPECT the exhaust system. For 3.0L, REFER to: Exhaust System . For 3.3L, REFER to: Exhaust System . For 3.5L, REFER to: Exhaust System . For 5.0L, REFER to: Exhaust System . | |
| Powertrain mounts | INSPECT the powertrain mounts. For 3.0L, REFER to: Engine . For 3.3L, REFER to: Engine . For 3.5L, REFER to: Engine . For 5.0L, REFER to: Engine . | |
| 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 . |
| Rear leaf spring tip isolator or bushing | INSPECT the rear leaf spring tip isolator(s) or bushing(s). REPLACE damaged components as necessary. REFER to: Leaf Spring Tip Isolator . | |
| Damaged spring(s) or spring mount(s) | INSPECT the rear spring(s) and spring mount(s). REPLACE damaged components as necessary. REFER to: Spring . | |
| Rear leaf spring or bushing contaminated with dirt, sand or mud |
NOTE:
To avoid the re-occurrence of noise, make sure that all contamination and moisture trapped between the individual leaf spring components have been completely removed.
NOTE:
Do not apply any lubricant or grease to the leaf springs as this will attract dirt and moisture. PRESSURE WASH the leaf springs between the individual spring leafs and the gaps between the spring bushings, mounting brackets and shackles to remove any trapped debris. USE compressed (shop) air to remove any remaining debris and to completely dry between all of the individual spring components. Verify noise symptom is not present. If still present replace tip insert. REFER to: Leaf Spring Tip Isolator
. |
|
| 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: Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - RWD . REFER to: Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - 4WD . |
| Worn or damaged front strut bearing(s) | INSPECT for worn or damaged strut bearing. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - RWD . REFER to: Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - 4WD . | |
| Coil Spring | INSPECT springs. REPLACE as necessary. REFER to: Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - RWD . REFER to: Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - 4WD . | |
| 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 - RWD . REFER to: Front Stabilizer Bar - 4WD . | |
| Steering gear | INSPECT the steering gear. REFER to: Power Steering . | |
| Tie rod ends | INSPECT tie rod ends. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Tie Rod End . | |
| Hub | INSPECT hub(s). REPAIR or REPLACE as necessary. REFER to: Front Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub - RWD . REFER to: Front Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub - 4WD . | |
| Lower control arm / ball joint | CARRY OUT a ball joint inspection. Refer to Ball Joint Inspection . INSTALL new lower ball joints as necessary. REFER to: Lower Ball Joint . | |
| 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: Front Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub - RWD . REFER to: Front Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub - 4WD . | |
| Lower control arm / ball joint | CARRY OUT a ball joint inspection. Refer to Ball Joint Inspection . INSTALL new lower ball joints as necessary. REFER to: Lower Ball Joint . | |
| Powertrain mounts | INSPECT the powertrain mounts. For 3.0L, REFER to: Engine . For 3.3L, REFER to: Engine . For 3.5L, REFER to: Engine . For 5.0L, REFER to: Engine . | |
| 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: Front Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub - RWD . REFER to: Front Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub - 4WD . | |
| Powertrain mounts | INSPECT the powertrain mounts. For 3.0L, REFER to: Engine . For 3.3L, REFER to: Engine . For 3.5L REFER to: Engine . For 5.0L REFER to: Engine . | |
| Exhaust system | INSPECT the exhaust system. For 3.0L, REFER to: Exhaust System . For 3.3L, REFER to: Exhaust System . For 3.5L, REFER to: Exhaust System . For 5.0L, REFER to: Exhaust System . | |
| 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 Link - RWD . REFER to: Front Stabilizer Bar Link - 4WD . | |
| 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 and shocks | INSPECT for worn or damaged struts or shocks. REPLACE as necessary. REFER to: Front Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - RWD . REFER to: Front Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - 4WD . 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. Refer to Ball Joint Inspection . INSTALL new lower ball joints as necessary. REFER to: Lower Ball Joint . | |
| 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 and Wheel Hub - RWD . REFER to: Front Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub - 4WD . |
| 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 - RWD . REFER to: Front Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub - 4WD . | |
| Strut(s) or shock absorber(s) | INSTALL new struts or shock absorbers as necessary. REFER to: Front Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - RWD . REFER to: Front Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - 4WD . 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 Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - RWD . REFER to: Front Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - 4WD . REFER to: Rear Shock Absorber . | |
| Spring(s) | MEASURE the ride height. REFER to: Ride Height Measurement . INSTALL new springs as necessary. REFER to: Front Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - RWD . REFER to: Front Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - 4WD . REFER to: Rear Spring . | |
| Damaged suspension component(s) | INSTALL new suspension component(s) as necessary. | |
| Shudder -- occurs during acceleration from a slow speed or stop | Incorrect ride height causing incorrect driveline angle | INSPECT driveline angle. REFER to: Driveshaft Angle Measurement . |