Another cold weather issue - clicking from front

[VTRanger]

I drove in some slop/slush yesterday and my truck sat overnight in below zero temps.

I warmed the truck up for 15 mins and started driving and it was making a clicking noise from the front drivers side when I turned left, not with each rotation of the tire, it was less often than that. It almost reminded me of binding when in 4X4 at a sharp turn but I was in 2WD and it was more of a noise than it was a thump (a little thump).

Was worst at full lock to left.

At first I thought maybe it was hitting some ice in the wheel well, but when I got to work there was no build up in the wheel well.

It got up to 10 degrees now and I went outside and took it around the parking lot, it made the noise once and now it seems to be gone.

Anyone else experienced this?

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[andybj]

Yes, I experience the same thing with ice build-up. It can be bad enough that it sounds like the rattle a bad sway bar end link can make - impossible to miss! The noise goes away after the ice melts. Usually only noticeable at low speeds and seems to be worse when turning.

While I don't know for sure, my best guess is ice buildup between the body and frame. Our rangers use hydraulic body mounts which dampen sound and vibration. This means the body of the truck can move slightly up and down against the frame. Instead of the body moving up and down, it bashes against the ice that has built up. I believe this is why the noise is so loud and noticeable - it's the body itself hitting the ice.

 

[VTRanger]

Thank you, I am going to put it in the garage tonight.

Not happy with ford service when I called them for the first time today since I bought it, not helpful at all.

 

[VTRanger]

So after sitting in the garage all night it seems better, will see tomorrow when I drive it to work. Just drove around the block. I've never had this happen in another vehicle.

Was my first time ever calling about service, the girl that answered the phone didn't even ask who I was, I finally said it's a brand new ranger and she was like oh I have the wrong account, I'm like what. Then she said they are booked out till mid March and don't have loaner cars.

UPDATE: To follow up in case anyone else has this issue, the problem seems to be gone after letting the truck thaw in the garage.

 

[Dahveed]

So after sitting in the garage all night it seems better, will see tomorrow when I drive it to work. Just drove around the block. I've never had this happen in another vehicle.

Was my first time ever calling about service, the girl that answered the phone didn't even ask who I was, I finally said it's a brand new ranger and she was like oh I have the wrong account, I'm like what. Then she said they are booked out till mid March and don't have loaner cars.

UPDATE: To follow up in case anyone else has this issue, the problem seems to be gone after letting the truck thaw in the garage.

Mine was doing this exact same thing today. In 2WD, snow/ice build up. Clicking sound only when turning left. Can be the slightest of steering angle.

 

[Hounddog409]

Thank you, I am going to put it in the garage tonight.

Not happy with ford service when I called them for the first time today since I bought it, not helpful at all.

Did you expect them to diagnose a problem over the phone?

 

[VTRanger]

Did you expect them to diagnose a problem over the phone?

No, I already explained it further above.

 

[VTRanger]

Will probably have the same issue tomorrow ?

Easily solved in a warm garage, but what if you don't have one or are off-road in snow. ?

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