Rear noise when I stop

There is a bit of excessive play between the ring and pinion. To fix something like this requires disassembly of the differential and readjustment.

Are you having any issues while driving? Any noise or vibration when you drive it?

Joe

Not really. Sometimes a clunk vibration when the truck stops at a red light, but I don't know if that's even what this is.

Here's a photo of the differential, I'm changing the fluid now. You think it will help ?

Changing it won't hurt but it isn't going to fix worn gears or bearings. If the mileage you have is correct I would say it's just wear, It might be possible to tear down the entire differential, replace the bearings and reset the pinion depth and ring gear lash to make it better but I'm not sure it would make a lot of difference with the wear you have. If you grab the driveshaft at the yoke where you were turning it in the first video can you move it up and down or side to side? that would indicate very worn pinion bearings which could be changed out. Then it becomes a question of cost and return on investment, is the truck in great shape? Is the engine and transmission really good? Do you intend to keep it? If those are all yes, I'd probably go to a salvage yard and find a rear out of a lower mileage truck with the same gearing and options and remove it. Hopefully one that was wrecked in the front as that gives an indication that it was on the road and being used, then use that to build a new axle for your truck. That way you can take your time and still have your truck on the road. Then just swap it out on a weekend when it's ready.

The truck is in great shape, engine and transmission too. I grabbed the pinion and could not move it when I had the cover off. So I guess that's something. Should I worry about it? Or avoid pulling or hauling anything? or what?

If it's all tight and you are not hearing whining or roaring from the gears I wouldn't be super concerned, I wouldn't start towing a 40 foot camper with it, but normal use isn't going to really hurt it. That is why I suggest the spare unit to work on, you can build it and not need to take the truck out of service until you are ready to do the swap. I've seen them a lot worse and making noises that would raise the dead. On those you plan on gutting the unit and replacing everything, but you have some time before that happens. I would bet there is wear in the transmission as well with those miles, but the same holds for that, it's just a sign of a used vehicle.

But we're talking potentially year (s) right? I haven't had issues and I'm just hoping changing the fluid will slow that down. I only expect to haul my toolbox and drive it wherever.

Hi,
I agree with Steve. If it starts making more noise or new issues, then a rebuild should be considered. I looked at your pic above. I don't know if it is a reflection or what, but the ring gear appears to have different colors on the teeth. Is that just a reflection?

Also, when stopped, the differential isn't going to cause any shaking or vibrations. That sounds more like a rough idle issue.

Let us know.

Joe

Yes that is a reflection. Also guys, I hate to sound redundant, but just to be sure that video I posted it me moving the driveshaft at the transmission, not the differential. The noise is centered at the transmission end.

When you said it you had the rear lifted, I assumed you meant it was the differential. That is most likely the parking sprag you hear. Unless you had it in neutral. I attached a picture of what a parking sprag gear looks like. That is what holds the vehicle from moving.

If there was a bearing issue in the tail housing, chances are you would see ATF leaking from it.

Let us know. And no, you aren't being redundant. Feel free to ask anything you want. (dealing with cars LOL)

Yes, it was parked. Okay so, even if I'm moving the driveshaft at the transmission end, there's a differential issue?

Chances are everything is okay with both the transmission and differential. There will always be a little play. That's normal. The idea that you serviced the rear differential is a good thing. Most people neglect doing it and it is something that needs done.

Now, if you would have told me that much play was in the differential before the internal gearing connected, I would have told you what I originally said. It's a bit excessive. However, at the transmission, that doesn't concern me.

Can you explain the vibration you experience?

Joe

The gears didn't move when I tried to move them by hand once the cover was off.

Okay. The vibration is extremely hard to explain, but it feels like a "boom."

So when stopping a vehicle, it points downward and returns to normal as you let off the brake. As I stop at a red light I'm braking, and as I inch toward the driver in front and finally stop, there is that boom/vibration as I come to a complete stop. I can avoid this by coming to a creeping stop. Sometimes the same vibration comes from starting abruptly from a stop. This is the first time I've driven my own truck. I know a couple of friends who have trucks and say it's a truck thing. I don't know. Some people have said motor mounts.

A motor mount may be felt when you first try to accelerate and let off the throttle. Not what you described. Not being there makes it difficult for me, but based on what you described, it almost sounds like a brake hanging up. Think about it. When you slowly stop, you are light on the brake pedal. If you stop quicker, there is more pressure on the braking system. Just for the heck of it, check the brakes. Does it have rear disc brakes or drum brakes?

Let me know.
Joe

Rear disc. I actually just did the front brakes and rotors today and got rid of a brake vibration.

The rotors were warped. Did you check the rear brakes? I only ask because I did a 2013 Durango last week that had a clunk when stopping and found the parking brake lever (under the rotor) was rusted in place and wasn't properly releasing the brakes. For some reason, when the vehicle was stopped, they made noise when released and starting to move again. It's just a thought. I was able to run the part over a wire wheel, sprayed it down with penetrating oil and got it working again. When reinstalled, the problem was gone. It's just a thought.

It could even be a suspension issue since it happens when stopping fast. Make sure to check ball joints and bushings related to steering and suspension.

Let me know if you have questions or find anything out of the ordinary.

Joe

I checked the rear brakes today, and it's the same story as the front; rotors are under spec while the pads are relatively new. So I'll replace those, but the noise is definitely in the front. I'm sorry, I haven't driven this truck even a week, and I'm trying to make it good as gold.

Again, when I make a complete stop, as the truck halts its movement there is a "boom" feeling and a "boing" like vibration, I've felt this on other trucks before, but I just can't think of anything. A friend said check the ball joints. Maybe the struts are sticking?

When you take the rear rotors off, check the brake shoes for the parking brake as well. If the noise is in the front, make sure the coil springs are in good condition and not broken. Try to record it when it happens. When you said bong, I picture a coil spring. Also, make sure the control arm bushings are good and nothing is loose on the front.

I attached a pic and circled a few things to check. Let me know what you find.

Joe

Well, I jacked it up on the control arms and I can't find any kind of movement. I can't see anything obvious.

I have a video here. You can hear the boom as the truck ceases movement. I'm kinda leaning towards sticking shocks despite how expensive they are.

Hi,

I barely hear it. If it was a shock, you should be able to recreate it by bouncing the vehicle by hand. I wish I could hear it better, but realize that is easier said than done. Do me a favor, check to confirm there isn't any play in the control arms or sway bars. Also, recheck (and you may have already) the caliper mount, caliper slides and so on. Once last thing, make sure there is no play in the wheel bearings.

I literally held the speaker against my ear. I heard something but really can't identify it simply because of volume. I hope you understand.

Joe

I know it's hard to hear, I did my best, haha. I've checked wheel bearings and ball joints. I jacked it up by the control arms and wedged a pole underneath the tires and pressed upwards, and there was no noise or dramatic movement. I don't know how to test the sway bar links.

Also, if I come slowly to a stop I can avoid that noise, but when i let off the brakes it will do it.

That's why I'm thinking it's a bearing. Control arms can do that. Picture in your mind the rearward pressure on the front wheels/suspension when stopping. Then when you release the brake, it removes that. That's why I'm thinking it. Also, you are certain the calipers and caliper mounts are tight, correct? As far as the sway bars, take a pry bar and gently pry on them to see if there is an issue. Another thought is take a rubber mallet and tap on the it to see if you hear any noise.

Hang in there. We will figure it out.

Joe

DID you mean to say bushing or did you mean wheel bearing? Also if it means anything, I get a similar "boing" up and down vibration when I hit a manhole.

Based on hitting bumps, I wonder if it has to do with the strut plates. As far as bushings or wheel bearings, both should be checked.

Would the strut plates stick? It feels like something is sticking and that boom is the result of something springing back in place. Just a thought.

Here's something: a friend pulled up and down on the driveshaft and there's a similar noise/vibration, it seems like the driveshaft mount is letting it move up and down .

Are you referring to the universal joint? Take a look through this link and confirm it for me.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-u-joints-work

Joe

No, the center support bearing, or the carrier bearing in the middle of the shaft. I can move the driveshaft an inch in any direction, apparently the rubber part is done, but the bearing itself is fine. Any thoughts?

That sounds like the problem. I have a feeling you will need to get the entire part. I don't believe you can get parts to it.

Please let me know if that takes care of the noise. I'm really interested in knowing.

Well, I'll have to find it. Might have to order directly from Ford.

Wow! I just tried to search for one. You may be right. Not even Dorman has one. I did a Google search for a drive shaft center bearing support, and it showed several. When I clicked on them, none fit your vehicle.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

I found that a front strut has a broken piece. But would this cause a noise like that or is it cosmetic? Hands down we know the center support bearing needs to be changed, but here's another idea.

Hi,

That looks like a dust cover. That shouldn't be causing a noise. It should be plastic.

Let me know.

Joe

Yes it's plastic. Didn't know if it's a cause for worry.

Also, what about the "slip bump" going around online? Isn't there a way to service the slip yoke?

Are you referring to the center bearing on the driveshaft? A slip joint is serviced by simply cleaning and greasing the joint. Is that what you mean?

Joe

I guess it's the same if this driveshaft can be taken apart, but I see people taking out the driveshaft and greasing the yoke at the transmission end.

Yes, that is different. There are splines on between the drive shaft and the transmission output shaft. I have never greased them because they are lubricated by ATF. That's the purpose of the tail shaft seal. It prevents oil from leaking.

The only thing there I would lubricate is the seal that the shaft goes into. Anytime you replace a seal, you should always apply a lubricant to the new seal to prevent damage.

Joe

Well I guess we're back at square one. I looked at my shaft and the sticker shows BL-34-4K145-CA, and I see there's one on eBay for like $530.00 or something... yikes.

OMG!!! Is that for the entire driveshaft assembly? That's crazy if it's just the carrier. If that is the case, start checking salvage yards. I'm sure you will find a good one for much less. Wow. I got entire good running vehicles for less than that. LOL

For the entire assembly, yes. Or I could order it straight from Ford for $623.00. And there are no salvage yards near me with this truck or any like it. Yay!