2004 5.4l 2WD 173000 miles

I have a really noticeable rattle when I let off of the accelerator when driving. Even after light accelerating.
It seems like the same rattle I have at start up. I've had the start up rattle since 89000 miles but it would always go away after a few seconds.

I also have a loss of power when accelerating.

It also makes the noise in park

Any ideas of what it is?

 

its a 2004 5.4l 2WD 173000 miles

 

It finally set a P0345 code.

camshaft position sensor.

Can the sensor cause all the rattling if its bad?

 

I had something similar to that and it was the back plugs working loose. I checked them all and torqued them to 25ft lbs and now its fine.

 

OK, I changed both Camshaft Position Sensors and cleared the code.

No improvement.

 

Finally set some timing codes:
P0011
P0021
P0022
P0345
The noise must be the broken plastic guides in the chain path.
Gonna tear into replacing the guides. Also going to remove the oil pan to remove the broken pieces.

 

Cam Phaser problem?

 

maybe, but the rattle is like plastic rubbing on bicycle spokes.
I haven't really read about phasers going catastrophically bad.
I've only read that mechanics have told owners they were on the verge of it all going south, and that 1500 dollars later they should feel glad they let them do the work.

If I have the phaser noise afterward, then I'll consider doing those at a later date since they can be replaced without tearing down the front.

 

Ok. I started today and have a quick question.
Does the power steering pump need to come off to remove the timing chain cover?