I have a 2011 Ecoboost with 214k mls. I been hearing a rattling noise for a little while and keep wondering why does my engine sound like it's empty. Plenty of oil with a recent oil change. I just changed the wheel hubs on my truck and every time I start my engine I smell water. Saw a little bit of water around the lower front and then a small puddle. Didn't see any leaks on the hoses. I really suspect it's the water pump. Don't water pumps some times create a rattling noise when they start to go bad?

 

Not all the time.

Get that fixed before you have a costly mistake.

 

I did. It defiantly was the water pump along with a heater hose assembly. I took it to brakes plus. They showed me the estimate and then I asked them to show me. When they verified their findings, I said ok. I asked them to help me on the bill. It was $1147. They knocked it down to $1050. It helped. A lot of things I will do, but that was a little too much! Now, it's nice & quiet. No more rattling!