Loud rattle sound when driving over bumps?

DOOB

MEMBER
2003 FORD F-150
4.6L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
199,000 MILES

When going over bumps big and small I have this loud metallic sound like a bag of washers or loose linkage sound. I replaced sway bar bushings and end links I thought maybe the front half shaft was not disengaged fully. Also, the boot was ripped so changed half shaft I checked heat shields front brake calipers. Sound does not abate when applying brakes. I have been working on this for 2 weeks. So, today while my wife drove I rode in the back and it sounded as I described like loose linkage or bag of washers and from where I was riding it sounded like it was coming from the area between cab and bed. It's like a (chincky chink sound only when going over bumps sounds like something is really loose down there its very loud now. Thank you

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,640 POSTS

Hi,

Is anything loose on the exhaust or fuel tank? There isn't too much in that area. If you take a rubber mallet and tap on things, can you reproduce the sound?

Also, if it is loud enough to record with your phone, could you record and upload it for me to hear?

In the interim, check to make sure there are no issues with the leaf springs (cracked) or the shackles where the springs mount. Check to make sure you don't have a failed shock or shock mount. See pic below

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

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Wednesday, March 13th, 2024 AT 8:01 PM

DOOB

MEMBER
70 POSTS

Tell me if it could be the front axle not fully disengaged or 1/2 engaged reason being I saw I had a broken vacuum line that's part of the 4wd system (a large black one] so I'm going to go ahead and replace it and check the other 2 that come from the 2 solenoids on firewall. From what I understand so far it takes constant vac to keep 4wd disengaged. Also was thinking of getting under the truck and trying to move the actuator by hand to put it into 2wd and maybe that would alleviate the noise. I'm starting to believe the noise may be coming from the front axle or t-fer case pinpointing exact origination of noise is very difficult, I checked fuel tank straps all exhaust hangars cat converter shield I'll try and get you a recording. Thank you so much.

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Thursday, March 14th, 2024 AT 4:16 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,640 POSTS

Hi,

You are very welcome. If it is staying engaged in 4wd, I would think you would feel the steering fighting you when making turns on dry pavement. Have you noticed that at all?

Joe

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Thursday, March 14th, 2024 AT 7:51 PM

DOOB