lacampercop

I have a 2001 F-250 Super Cab w/5.4 V-8, 2 WD with only 9000 miles. I have an intermittant noise and vibration that is driving me nuts. When taking off while towing (and occassionally when empty), a loud "rattling" noise and vibration seems to come from under the truck. It is similiar to a fan blade hitting something or the muffler striking the frame. I have taken it back to the dealership twice, and of course, no noise can be heard. They have checked the engine mounts and muffler. I have gotten under the truck and can find no possible source of the noise. I tow a camper and the problem is very bad when first taking off or when the truck downshifts to pull a hill.

Has anyone ever had this or a similiar problem? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I want to get the problem fixed while the vehicle is still under warranty and before I am away on a camping trip and get stranded.

Thanks

LunaticSVT

check the heat shields on your catalytic converter. I had a similar problem on wifes honda. I know not towing anything, but when the car was full of passengers ie 5 adults it was underloads and would rattle.

Check the pipe connections under the truck as well. if they are loose then you could expect the rattling. Another thing may be the spare tire holder. A friend of mine was having noises from under the truck. We found it to be the spare tire holder. It was missing a bolt on one side and we assume that it worked its way out.

Hope this helps some.

Thunter

I had the same problem with my F-150 and I found it to be an exhaust clamp that was turned with the legs up. When I would put a load on the truck or tow with it, one leg of the clamp would vibrate against the underbody. It took me about 6 months to find it and didn't start happening until I had about 85,000 miles on the truck (I'm assuming the body mounts had settled enough after this many miles to allow this to happen). After a thorough going over, I didn't find any other problems. Replacing the clamp took care of that one.

LunaticSVT

thanks for the info there Thunter. Never thought about the clamps as one of the probs that he may be encountering.

joe310us

i have a 99 f250 6.8v10 and had a similiar vibration and it was cat heat shield