During standard acceleration there is a metal rattle?

2010 FORD F-150
166,214 MILES • 5.4L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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MATTM1980
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During standard acceleration there is a metal rattle. Increases in sounds and intensity. It doesn’t do it when parked and engine is revved, only when moving and pressing on gas. Almost sounds like something is flapping, but removed the loose heat shields and didn’t help. It’s only during normal acceleration, not when idling or if I’m moving but foot off the gas.

Recently switched all plugs and coil. There was a busted plug in bank 2, not sure if that piece could be rattling around. exhaust was upgraded and catalytic converters replaced.
Feb 1, 2025 at 11:52 AM
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STRAILER
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It sounds like you may have an internal engine problem, can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so I can hear the noise? That way I can tell for sure what's going on. You can upload it here with your response. We need to hear the noise, so we know which direction to go to help you fix the car. It takes time to upload so please be patient.

Please go over this guide as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-noises

Please go over this guide and get back to us.

Feb 2, 2025 at 10:20 AM
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MATTM1980
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Ken, I attempted to take the video, but you can’t really hear the rattle over the engine.
Feb 3, 2025 at 11:23 AM
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STRAILER
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Does it sound like the noise is at the top of the engine or down low? Could it be an exhaust noise?
Feb 4, 2025 at 8:49 AM
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MATTM1980
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Sounds down low. I also have a warning when I try to switch to 4x4 that says the system needs serviced. saw some videos yesterday that it could be one of the hoses within that system near the brake reservoir needing replaced.
Feb 4, 2025 at 8:51 AM
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STRAILER
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We only handle one problem per thread, please start a new question for the 4x4 problem. The engine can be the timing chains, camshaft actuator or a rod knock, please go over this video series to see the possibilities, like I say if you upload s short video of the noise I can tell for sure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuNLrE3rrb8&list=PLe3kz1i_LrtW1Jw7wWI-3jSsaml8EjQVb

Let us know how it goes.
Feb 5, 2025 at 7:47 AM
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MATTM1980
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I found this video and this is the exact sound. He said he changed out brittle vacuum hoses behind the firewall.
Video (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Feb 5, 2025 at 7:55 AM
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STRAILER
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Yes! That is not a engine rattle, it sounds like the bearing hub is going out. Here is a video of us changing the apart out which made the same noise. I would use an OEM part, they are more money but last longer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOAyXfPo7Z0

I would do both sides. Please let us know what happens.





Feb 5, 2025 at 8:35 AM
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MATTM1980
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Great Ken thank you. Always great news when it’s not the engine.
Feb 5, 2025 at 9:05 AM
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MATTM1980
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Ken, if it was a bearing/hub would it be constant when the wheels are rotating? This only happens when I’m pressing the accelerator.
Feb 5, 2025 at 11:46 AM
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Hmm, can you kind of hear if the noise is in the front or middle of the truck? It is kind of a strange sound which bearing hubs can make. Also, lets check the hub actuation solenoid, please check out this video. If when you accelerate the engine vacuum drops which can make the hub semi engaged, which can cause the noise as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyj1_cq2KtE

Let us know what you find.

Feb 6, 2025 at 8:52 AM