weird noise, 2003 eddie bauer

[David Pedron]

hi all,

thanks in advance for your help!

I have a 2003 5.4 4WD, It recently started making a weird noise which sounds like its coming from the front drivers side but I could possibly be wrong about that.

The noise happens primarily in 2wd. when I put it in 4wd the noise is much less noticeable and is not as consistent but still there, slightly. I had two different mechanics tell me the hubs needed to be changed so I changed them myself. The install went fine, no issues there, but the noise was still there when I took it out for a test drive. the noise is loudest when I press the gas and when I let go, something kinda bangs under the truck, the noise stops for a moment, and then starts again a few minutes later.

I've attached a video here , I'm hoping someone else has experienced this. I cant seem to figure out what is causing this noise.

I appreciate any input,

Thanks

 

[Aspen03]

Not a clue but I'll follow along being i have a high mileage '03. Might save me a headache one of these days.

Is it more of a rattle? A bit hard to tell on cell phone speakers.

 

[David E]

Hi there.
Sounds very much like my ac compressor clutch/bearings(went bad). Could you ever replicate it while standing? By pressing the pedal? Of only happens when driving then it must be related to the the wheels and all that possibly attached to them. How does it sound from the passenger side? That is the side where the ac compressor is located. If you have a camera like go pro or similar you can have it set possibly under the car while driving and watch what's happening then.
Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Hamfisted]

The noise is only present when you're driving? Did you inspect the hub actuator and it's vacuum line ? Or what parts did you actually replace?


https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...5.4l+v8,1411119,drivetrain,4wd+actuator,10456

 

[SoCalStig]

My 2006 Limited 4WD seems to be doing the exact seem thing. It makes a very similar noise in 2WD (without the bang), and it seems to go away when I put it in 4Auto. Going to have it looked at next week. Looking forward to hopefully getting this resolved.

 

[David Pedron]

The noise is only present when you're driving? Did you inspect the hub actuator and it's vacuum line ? Or what parts did you actually replace?


https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...5.4l+v8,1411119,drivetrain,4wd+actuator,10456

 

[David Pedron]

Hi, sorry guys I didn’t realize you were replying, I thought I had notifications turned on.

yes, the noise is only present when driving, only while accelerating. When I let go of the gas it goes away.

I just changed the actual hubs up front, I didn’t change any vacuum lines or actuators. I may have to check that out.

I’ll keep you all posted, sorry again for the lack of communication.

 

[SoCalStig]

So, as a follow-up to the post on my 2006 limited. Was advised that the vacuum line(s) had pinhole leaks in them, which was causing the noise from the actuator(s). Hopefully this will take care of it.

 

[David Pedron]

Yeah I think I’m having the same issue. I took a look under the truck and the vacuum lines are in pretty bad shape just by the look of them. I’m going to bring it to my mechanic and see what he says.

I’ll keep you all posted.

thanks everyone

 

[riphip]

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...8,1411119,exhaust+&+emission,vacuum+hose,5024

Replace them all. Cheap enough

 

[SoCalStig]

The vacuum lines that had the leaks were the ones that were right behind the battery. I had taken the Expedition to two other shops (one being a Ford dealer). The first thought it was the material inside the catalytic converter rattling around, and the Ford dealer said they couldn't find the source of the noise, but wanted to open up the top end of the engine to look in the valve train (to the tune of $1,400.00). Looking in this forum as well as in some F-150 forums (plus switching the vehicle from Auto4WD to 2WD and back really narrowed it down to either the vacuum lines or the wheel actuators. Two hours after dropping the Expy off at the 3rd shop and it was diagnosed and fixed (for $156.00).

 

[Al Steel]

Hard to tell but that's sounds a lot like metal on metal soo.. does it get louder or change pitch at higher speeds? Could be your brake dust shield has rusted out or broken loose and is rubbing against the hub or other brake related issue.

Vacuum lines, maybe if the hubs aren't engaging fully. You could lift each wheel off the
ground and spin it by hand and see if the noise shows up.

Edit: You replaced the hubs so that's not it, should have read a little more..

 

[riphip]

The vacuum lines that had the leaks were the ones that were right behind the battery. I had taken the Expedition to two other shops (one being a Ford dealer). The first thought it was the material inside the catalytic converter rattling around, and the Ford dealer said they couldn't find the source of the noise, but wanted to open up the top end of the engine to look in the valve train (to the tune of $1,400.00). Looking in this forum as well as in some F-150 forums (plus switching the vehicle from Auto4WD to 2WD and back really narrowed it down to either the vacuum lines or the wheel actuators. Two hours after dropping the Expy off at the 3rd shop and it was diagnosed and fixed (for $156.00).

Glad you found a good, trustworthy mechanic. Drop off treats every now and then or buy a lunch. Will be glad to see you returning & will remember your name. He could have stuck you for more $$ especially since he fixed it

 

[RichardH]

Glad you found a good, trustworthy mechanic. Drop off treats every now and then or buy a lunch. Will be glad to see you returning & will remember your name. He could have stuck you for more $$ especially since he fixed it

Great idea to take care of the mechanic. I had another car (not an expy) but was convinced I needed a new starter (prob around $300+). Small indy shop took a look and determined it only needed a relay to the tune of $35. Sent them some pizzas for lunch and beer (for after work - lol).

To OP - glad you got the issue fixed and found a trustworthy shop!