Metal clattering noise when driving on uneven road

[davidtg7123]

Hey all,

I noticed this sound a few months ago, any time I’m driving on any road that isn’t totally flat I hear some sort of clanging/clattering/metal on metal type noise. I figured it’s the leaf springs or suspension or something, I’ve attached a video where you can hear it clattering as I hit each bump. Any ideas? Braking or turning makes no impact on the sound.

thank you

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[21rangerCactus]

Do you have a trailer ball hitch installed? Mine wiggles around and makes a clatter sound.

Did you check your spare tire?

 

[davidtg7123]

Do you have a trailer ball hitch installed? Mine wiggles around and makes a clatter sound.

Did you check your spare tire?

Thanks for the ideas, no dice on the ball hitch. As far as the spare that was my first thought but manipulating the chain myself doesn’t make the noise I’m hearing. The tire itself is pretty tightly secured on as well, last time I rotated them I made sure it was secured well. Maybe I’ll try tightening it more, do you mean the tire itself or the chain?

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Be careful tightening that chain. The mechanism is made from very soft metal. The gear in mine stripped and failed. ($175 on back order)

Is my matching spare just too big and heavy? Could be. Did I over-tighten it the last time I lowered and raised it? I don’t recall. Was it the dealer the last time I had “The Works” performed? It’s possible.

Anyway, it’s super soft metal and the design makes it vulnerable to wear.

 

[got3fords]

Is your sway bar tight? Mine clattered like crazy when the dealership left it loose.

 

[davidtg7123]

Is your sway bar tight? Mine clattered like crazy when the dealership left it loose.

Good question, I had to google that one since I’m relatively new to owning a vehicle and even newer to taking care of it myself. Should I just give them a little shake with my hand and see if they have give or is it more subtle than that

 

[got3fords]

Good question, I had to google that one since I’m relatively new to owning a vehicle and even newer to taking care of it myself. Should I just give them a little shake with my hand and see if they have give or is it more subtle than that

Yeah, I would say you would be able to tell by grabbing them. Also look where they bolt on to see if there is a gap.

 

[21rangerCactus]

Thanks for the ideas, no dice on the ball hitch. As far as the spare that was my first thought but manipulating the chain myself doesn’t make the noise I’m hearing. The tire itself is pretty tightly secured on as well, last time I rotated them I made sure it was secured well. Maybe I’ll try tightening it more, do you mean the tire itself or the chain?

If the tire is snug and not making noises when you shake it then it's good. No need to tighten it more then what it is.

You need to get under the truck put eyes and hands on everything from back to front. Don't just grab and shake. You'd be suprised that the noise can be replicated by a little tap from a specific direction.

 

[RangerBill]

Some have had loose bolts on the rear shock absorbers. Try tightening the shock hardware.

 

[dozxab]

Be careful tightening that chain. The mechanism is made from very soft metal. The gear in mine stripped and failed. ($175 on back order)

Is my matching spare just too big and heavy? Could be. Did I over-tighten it the last time I lowered and raised it? I don’t recall. Was it the dealer the last time I had “The Works” performed? It’s possible.

Anyway, it’s super soft metal and the design makes it vulnerable to wear.

Wow! Thanks for posting that. I was concerned when I went to a matching full size spare so I added a ratchet strap (and a cheap tire cover) to avoid that. Never realized how wimpy those parts are.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Wow! Thanks for posting that. I was concerned when I went to a matching full size spare so I added a ratchet strap (and a cheap tire cover) to avoid that. Never realized how wimpy those parts are.

Hey Dave,

I like your idea of using a ratchet strap. Thanks for posting about it.

I can no longer raise the spare using the chain - it just skips and spins but if I raise the spare with my floor jack, I can tighten the chain using the crank. Unfortunately, I can’t get the tire tight up against the truck - it has quite a bit of play, which is not good. Rather than drive around without a spare or the spare in the bed, or with it up on my roof rack (won’t fit in garage), I’ll use your ratchet strap solution (maybe two) and see how that works until the new part arrives. Mrs. DukeCanBuildit bought me a great floor jack for Christmas. I guess it will get even more use now.

 

[SDXLT]

Open your door, stand on the door sill or your running board and jump up and down to see if the noise happens. I had a rattle and it was my sway bar end link loose. Use an Allen wrench and a box wrench and tighten it up and see if that’s the issue. Also found a skid plate bolt was loose on my aftermarket skid plates so checked all them and retightened. No more rattles.

 

[airline tech]

To cover all bases, jack the rear of the truck up and ensure the leaf spring is not broken.
Due to the wind noise in the video, I can barely hear the noise.

 

[ntrivers]

Does the noise go away when you brake going over the bumps? Had a similar/potentially same issue. Tightening the ebrake cable adjustment nut worked for me.

 

[davidtg7123]

Does the noise go away when you brake going over the bumps? Had a similar/potentially same issue. Tightening the ebrake cable adjustment nut worked for me.

Actually yes. Just tested it tonight on a nice bumpy road. Where did you find this adjustment nut?

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