So I have been fighting this ticking sound for almost a year now...had it in the shop somewhere around 15 times. That ticking sound that everyone keeps telling me is normal and that im just picky, well its now a KNOCK! So 2 days ago I tried again at the dealership. they kept it for the 2 days and finally found out that my cam shaft is moving horizontally outside of specs when under load... So now I have to get the motor pulled and fix/replace anything. ford said 1600 just to pull motor and put it back in not including fixing anything...

anyone have a better idea or advice/opinions? I'm pissed and not sure what to do.

 

I'm asking around as we speak for this apparent ticking noise. Was told it's my Cam Phasers. Dealer ship said over $2000 to fix! I'll share any further information i'm digging up with you. Let me know if you find anymore answers. Cheers Al

 

Talked to ford again. 2700 to fix cam. 9000 to replace motor with remanufacture motor. 4000 to replace with used motor... I have only had the truck a year put 30000 miles, I feel screwed over...thanks ford!

 

Sounds like you got someone who doesn't know these 3 valves very much. I've been fixing these things since 04 and have never heard of the "cam movement" being an issue. It is always the phasers, and in extreme cases, the timing chain tensioners bleeding off oil pressure. That usually happens at higher mileages, though.

 

I have a 06 FX4 5.4 with 140 thousand kilometers on it. Do you think i need more than just cam phasers done? Have you done anything else to correct this phaser problem than just putting in new ones, like additives or anything? And is the new phasers built right, so they down break down like the older ones did? Thanks for any insight. Al

 

Would that explain why it is worse under load? Or why it has kept getting worse and is now knock in replace of a tick?

 

Yes. I had one a couple months back that sounded like it was ready to come apart, then clear itself up and purr like a kitten. Once the engine idled low enough, the pressure was bleeding by the tensioners allowing the chains to slack. New tensioners and guides repaired it. I can't say for sure that's what yours is doing, but it fits all the parameters of the others that I have seen. However, I would also recommend replacing both phasers if you go through all that trouble to replace the tensioners. Also, if that is what is happening, don't be surprised if the chains have been rubbing against the front cover.

 

so would i need to replace the front cover? or is that a non issue?

 

You'll find out when its torn apart. If you do need to and how deep the wear is. My buddy and I did his 04 5.4 in the backyard without pulling the motor. It was a PIA! He is a mechanic at Ford also. His front cover only had some wear. He has never replaced a front cover yet and he has done a few of them.

 

So has anyone had to replace the chain? and about how much $$ are we talking? either way its cheaper than my local dealer was saying of replacing the motor so thanks for the info!!!