Didn't there used to be some posts about the jack causing a slight rattle in some of the supercab trucks? After driving ~75miles today I picked up on a slight rattle coming from behind me on the passenger side under the seat. I've heard the pwr rear sliding window rattle and this wasn't it.

Also, I've got a slight rattle/chatter coming from under the steering wheel. Sounds like a bundle of wires with a "zip-tie" that could possiably be rubbing against something while traveling down the road. Anyone else notice this?

These are NOT major problems and they can't be heard with the radio on. Just wondering if they've already been discovered and if someone knows a quick easy fix. Ford really out did themselves with the quietness of this truck, so much so that it's almost like they shot themselves in the foot. Reason being, it's so quiet in the cab every little rattle/plastic sqeek is easily noticed with out the radio on.

 

My jack bracket was loose. One of the bolts cross-threaded before it was driven all the way down. Took it into the dealership and they pulled it, ran it through the die and drove it home. Didn't even ask for my information. I was in and out almost instantly.

-ii

 

LOL, c'mon IziInBloom, you build these trucks and you took it back to the dealership for that. I know, I know this is what a warranty is for. But it just seems weird hearing the guy that builds the trucks taking it in for something like this.

On a different note, I let the rear seat up today and tightened the jack. Seems like the problem is solved for now. Looked under the steering wheel and looked through the maze of wires, I did find some loose tape ends that appeared to be rubbing against "things" under the dash which would cause the noise I heard. Haven't drove the truck since I did this so I don't know if the problem is solved.

Ultra

 

yeah, I know I should be ashamed. I have all the tools except for a die. I didn't want to drive it home with an air wrench and cross thread the crap out of it, because I would like to relocate it in the future. I actually work in an office building, but visit the plants on a somewhat regular basis....I'm just an engineer so the executive garage won't see me....lol....

-ii

 

so this explains how you've got time to run an almost infinate amount of VIN checks lol.

I read your post in another thread about valve noise being a "tale-tale" sign of having one of the engines with upside down valve springs? My truck was built 3-11-04 (my salesman wants to know how I knew this, lol) runs fine, no throttle lag like I read about, but man it sounds like a dadgum diesel. This is especially noticable after a drive of 15 miles or more, pulling up to a red light I can certianly hear it. Each time I get home or to my destination I make it a point to let the engine idle a few minutes before shutting it down and the noise is easily heard in the cab. Any suggestions, and by the way I've only got 200 miles.

 

Yup, mine sounds like a diesel too at times. Built mid Feb. Hope that valve spring problem was identified before my build date!

 

Dusty1 do you notice that it appears louder after the truck has been ran for a little while? I'm just hoping its the new 3 valve technology. Surely if they new they had a problem with the engines they would have identified the bad batches by now?

 

From my understanding the upside-down valve spring results in failure almost immediately. It's a very distinctive "clicky" sound. If you've made it 200 miles, i'm guessing that isnt it. As far as the cause of the sound? Hard to say....sounds like a diesel? like a low growling at idle? Without hearing it, it could be everything from air induction to exhuast....I bet the techs can identify it.

-ii

 

Thanks IZZY, I'm about 99% sure that it's valve noise. Imagine an older engine with a clicking valve, that's what I hear. It runs fine and at highway speeds I hear nothing but slight wind noise I'll keep an ear out for it, if I think it's getting worse I'll take it in early for the first oil change. So how sure are you that if it we're to be the upside down valves that it would cause almost imediate failure?


On another note, I know you don't actually build the trucks now, but maybe you can answer this question. Especially since you're an engineer. What kind of duct tape does ford use? It appears to be a cheap cloth like tape that is drivng me nuts under my steering wheel. While traveling down the road I hear an almost constant "chatter" in this location, which I think is a loose end of tape rubbing or rattling against something. I've looked 3 times now and each time I find a loose piece of this cheap looking duct tape, its like some guy on 3rd shift just got happy with the duct tape on my truck. Maybe a few more attempts of looking and I'll find the guilty culprit and remove it lol!

 

ultramaxer21,

In answer to your question, no, it doesn't seem to get louder after driving a while. I've got 1400 miles on mine so far, and it's getting decent gas mileage, so my guess is it's just how the new engine sounds.

 

Are you sure it isn't your keys rattling?

 

Hasn't there been multiple posts on a seemingly similar clicking sound that has been identified as the injectors?

Maybe I'm way off base, but I thought there was lots of chatter about the fuel injector clicking at idle, and it being "normal". A few folks suggested putting a long screwdriver up to your ear and resting the other end on top of each cylinder at idle and you can hear the injector.

PS - Mine clicks too.

 

That's it!! Take a really long screwdriver and put it to your ear with the head towards your own head. Be VERY VERY still while you do this. Have a neighbor or buddy take a 16lb sledge hammer to the other end of the screwdriver. I'll guarantee that you won't worry about the noise anymore!!

Totally kidding...Don't do that.

On a serious note...Is it possible for the engine to be 'pinging' this early? I would guess 'no', but I have never owned a 2004 F-150 until now.

 

I am having the same issue, and I dont think it is what is historically known as "pinging", as pinging is predetonation, or spark knock, and rarely happens with no load on the engine, such as when the engine is in park, which is when I am hearing the noise the most. I have a theory that I think was mentioned already. The theory is that the noise is orginating from whatever it is that actuates or restricts the third valve. I am not absolutely certain how that deal works, but something extra is moving to make it happen, I am sure. Typically, if it is not a motor built specifically for performance, I have no idea, so this is simply a theory. If the noise has not abated by the time I make my first payment, she's goin back for a checkup.

 

Ok I've came to a conclusion about this "diesel sound". Maybe I forgot to mention that it isn't overly loud but still it is noticeable. Tonight when I got home and I was letting the truck idle for a few minutes before I shut it down I noticed something... I didn't hear the noise!?!? I had the A/C on and the fan on the lowest setting and I couldn't hear the noise. I shut the A/C off and there it was the noise.

My conclusion, it's the injectors. The small amount of sound generated by the blower motor on low was enough to drown out the noise. Also I realized that I pay way to much attention to small detail!