I did a search for rear rotors but there were only a few threads and none them answered my question.

I have been hearing a rattle under the rear of my truck but I can never duplicate it without the truck moving. I grabbed hold of the bed and starting shaking the truck from side to side real hard and it sounded like the rear wheels were loose.

So I grabbed the rear passenger tire/wheel and shook it from side to side and I could feel a little play and again it felt and sounded like the wheel was a little loose, like the lug nuts weren't tight. Did the same thing on the driver side and the results were the same. I checked the lug nuts and all were tight on both sides.

Removed the wheel/tire on the driver side, grabbed the rotor and there is a little play. The rotor moves side to side just enough to make noise.

I also check the four bolts on the back side and they are very tight.

It almost feels like the axle may be moving side to side in the axle housing but that may be mind playing tricks on me as I always think the worst.

I don't recall rotors ever having side to side play in them on any of the other trucks I have owned.

Is this normal? Could there be a bearing problem on both rotors or worse differential damage?

Truck info:
03 L
4lb pulley
SCT tune
ICEE Chiller system
34,500 miles
stock wheels/tires
never ran slicks
Many passes at the 1/4 and I'm in the boost constantly

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

If I shake the rear of my truck side to side, I get the same thing. My guess is that's just the play in the diff. Also, you do know that once you remove the rear wheel, the only thing that's holding the rotor in place is the caliper. The rear rotors aren't bolted on by anything except the lugnuts. If the rattle really was coming from the rear brakes, I would check for stuck piston maybe?

Good luck,
Edward

BTW, what color is your truck? I remember back in the day there was only that one black '00L in town. Now when I visit, I see quite a few.

 

If the wheel is tight and moving left and right, it sounds like the axle bearings for the rear end are bad and allowing the whole axle to shift around. Might wanna take it to a mechanic to verify.

 

Whats the ICEE chiller?

 

Ok, i had a rattle, and this probably isnt the rattle u are hearing, but it wouldnt hurt to check. Ok on top of the differential there is a clamp that is bolted on to the diff. and it holds the parking brake cable in place i believe. On my truck, the bolt was taken out so when i drive the metal clip would hit the diff. and i would hear a rattle. Like i said, it might not be it but its really easy to check so goodluck.

 

Edward
It's good to hear that this may be the norm for the rear rotors and I do know that the only thing holding the rotors on is the lug nuts. All of the threads I have read describe removing the rotor as one PITA. I think I could remove my rotors without any problem of course looks can be deceiving. I will take a look at the pistons just to make sure they aren't what I'm hearing. I have a red L. There are a couple of red ones around here.

Kimo,
The rotors just barely move side to side, just enough to make noise. Do me a favor and shake your truck side to side and see if it sounds like your wheels are loose. You have to really get it shaking. Since Edwards does the same thing I'm thinking this may be the norm for there to be a little rotor play. If your doesn't do it then I will defintely take it to the dealer.

LatemodelRacer2
Here is a thread I started about the ICEE Chiller system. I thought it was helping with power but as some of the members pointed out it really isn't. Talk about bursting your bubble . However I do think it helps prevent heat soak. Once I get an SCT Raptor, I will be able to provide better data based on the IAT 1 & 2 readouts. I think with this system I can possibly run an 8lber safely because the chiller systems definitely chills the IC fluid. I will be putting that to the test this summer.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...t=icee+chiller

Dman25,
Checked the clip. It's tight so I will keep looking.

Thanks for the replies fellas. I really appreciate it. If I ever find the rattle I will post back

 

Relax it's just the hubs making a little chatter. It's completely normal for a live axle vehicle.

 

I guess I just never paid this much attention on the other vehicles I have owned. Thanks MHMCGILL!!

 

Hey it's my pleasure. Enjoy the day.