When I am driving at low rpm next to a wall or even quiet street, I can hear a rattle, kind of like a dragging a chain link fence with me. Doesn't do it in park, or when I am coasting, only in drive, and about 1000 rpm (most prominent). Anyone has any idea what it could be? Brought truck to the dealer and they replaced my passenger side cam phaser, said the engine was quiet but that rattle remained unchanged. I have also had my iwe vacuum system replaced with new hubs and solenoids so it's not that.

Could it be exhaust manifold related or perhaps a transmission issue? Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

No that would be your timing chain hitting the guides.. You described the symptoms exactly.

 

Thanks for the quick reply thelariat02. That makes sense. Do you think the tensioners are broken producing too much slack on the chain and it hitting the guides? There are no codes at this time and I am not sure if it's affecting the performance. But this is something I need to take care of.

 

My 07 3v makes the same noise. Had been doing it fit 20k miles. So far no problems, no codes, and no affect in performance. It's kinda the nature of the beast.

 

Welcome to the forum, bastank. Do you have any plans to return to the dealer since the noise is still present? How many miles are on your truck? I'll investigate some options to assist.

Crystal

 

I will probably take it back when I get a chance since the rattle is pretty annoying, but has been doing it forever. I have about 96K on the truck. I need to get the spark plugs replaced soon, so probably at that time I will ask them about it as well.

 

I also found this TSB:

TSB 14-0114
06/03/14
5.4L 3V - INTERMITTENT RATTLE NOISE WHILE DRIVING / ROUGH
IDLE WHEN ENGINE IS AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE
FORD:
2004-2010 F-150
2005-2010 F-250, F-350
2005-2013 Expedition
LINCOLN:
2006-2008 Mark LT
2005-2013 Navigator
This article supersedes TSB 12-7-10 to update the vehicle model years and Service Procedure.
ISSUE
Some 2004-2010 F-150, 2005-2010 F-Super Duty 250/350, 2005-2013 Expedition, Navigator and 2006-2008 Mark LT vehicles equipped with 5.4L 3V engine may exhibit an intermittent rattle noise while driving from idle up to 1200 RPM when the engine is at operating temperature. In severe cases, a rough idle and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0022, P0021, P0340, and/or P0341 may be stored in the powertrain control module (PCM).
ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Replace the left and right variable cam timing (VCT) solenoids. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303.

 

Let me know when you decide to take it back, bastank; I'll alert your regional customer service manager so they can work with your dealership on this. To get the ball rolling, PM me your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, current mileage, and servicing dealership.

Crystal

 

An update to this post. I took my 2010 F150 5.4 for the same noise (been doing it for a while). The noise was VCT solenoids. Basically it's the low oil pressure symptoms. The mechanic (Ford tech) said that replacing those should fix it, if not, not an immediate concern, could go for years. But after that if noise returns, nothing you can do but replace heads which is just as expensive as replacing an engine. But basically the engine won't blow up any time soon. However have to keep it in mind it potentially may go out.

 

To bastank could it be your heat shield run in over the top of you exhaust be loose? One of the bolts on mine is broke and makes the same noise

 

love to hear this. Mines pretty subtle. How long did it last?

 

2006 Lincoln Mark LT rough idle throwing codes for cam shaft timing o2 sensor bank 2 sensor 1 and is running rich. Has no power and acts like it wants to die. Changed cam shaft sensors and O2 sensor and all the plugs. Am at a complete loss as to what it can be. Called couple mechanics and they want to assume it’s either converters or the timing right away and wanna charge me $2,000 plus right away! I need help ASAP! Only vehicle for me and my family and have been laid off due to this pandemic going on. So limited funds. Any advice would be appreciated. It has 330,000 miles on it btw

 

Scrape up the $2000. This isn't a simple fix.

By the way, your O2 sensor was probably fine, it was doing its job *reporting* rich.

 

My truck was doing the same noise until i secured the air intake.