Hum/droning noise at 70+ mph

[Jtom97]

Need some help. I have a 2020 ford ranger with 31k miles on it. Had it for about 6 months. It has a hum/droning when you’re coasting down a hill at 70mph+ and are lightly pressing on the throttle. If you’re coasting and don’t press the peddle at all, it won’t do it. If you’re pressing on the gas while going down hill or up a hill, it won’t do it. It won’t do it if you get below 70 mph. It keeps getting worse slowly. I have gotten tires rotated and balanced. I have taken it to the dealer 3 times while it was under warranty and they tell me they cannot recreate the issue or they don’t see any problems. Don’t know if anyone has had this issue or knows what the issue is. Thanks

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[machinist85]

Definitely sounds like something in the driveline just starting to wear out. Possible causes might be:

1. drive shaft support bearing.
2. rear pinion bearing
3. maybe a u-joint starting to go but usually has vibration with it.
4. transmission output shaft bearing (usually has a whining noise though. there is a TSB on this for 2020's built in late 2019. If there's no noise then it's probably not your issue.)

Check your diff oil after a short drive and check for metal particles to rule it out.

 

[Jtom97]

Definitely sounds like something in the driveline just starting to wear out. Possible causes might be:

1. drive shaft support bearing.
2. rear pinion bearing
3. maybe a u-joint starting to go but usually has vibration with it.
4. transmission output shaft bearing (usually has a whining noise though. there is a TSB on this for 2020's built in late 2019. If there's no noise then it's probably not your issue.)

Check your diff oil after a short drive and check for metal particles to rule it out.

I will definitely take a look at those. Thanks for reaching out

 

[Lcr3000]

Add one more check to your list for the driveshaft. Check the front boot, make sure it's not damaged. Quick visual inspection with some good lighting should do it. I addressed my issue in another post in the forum, where the boot was torn off and the bearing got dirt and grim built up and caused and awful bearing racket when in a pull.

 

[SilverSlugger]

Mine does the same thing but I just haven't taken the initiative to fix it. I think mine may be more minor than yours. The only time I can hear it is if everything is dead quit and I focus on listening for it. It's been like this since 10,000 miles. I have around 40000 on it now.

I think it's from Ford going with a 2 piece driveshaft or how Ford uses weights to balance the driveshaft from the factory.

 

[Msfitoy]

Take it back to the dealership but go with the tech for a ride...when it happens, go "THERE! YOU HEAR IT! YOU HEAR IT!? ARE YOU DEAF?!"...

 

[RedDakooter05]

Take it back to the dealership but go with the tech for a ride...when it happens, go "THERE! YOU HEAR IT! YOU HEAR IT!? ARE YOU DEAF?!"...

Then slam his face into the dashboard repeatedly.

 

[Msfitoy]

Then slam his face into the dashboard repeatedly.

Damn straight...making me take 4 trips and waste my time for a ride along...

 

[RedDakooter05]

Damn straight...making me take 4 trips and waste my time for a ride along...

I gave up after the first time they didn't find an issue.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

When I’m coasting down a hill at 70 mph, my transmission automatically downshifts (as it should). When it does, there is a definite change in engine sound (as there should be). Could it simply be this?

At least, I think it’s the transmission shifting - some folks here are calling this “engine braking” but is it really a Jake brake or just a downshift? Topic for another thread.

Anyway, try it again and watch your tach (if equipped/displayed) - it should increase. Or, keep it in D and press the button on your shifter so your gears display on the dash and watch to see if it shifts down when you hear this hum/droning noise.

 

[DaveP]

Mine ('21 w/20k miles) does this at 55mph. This is after Ford performed a new-ish TSB that included replacing the driveshaft. I've honestly grown tired of Ford dealers telling me 'nothing is wrong.' Have they not ridden in any other vehicles in their life? As a result of this and overall meh quality, I plan on getting rid the Ranger early next year.

 

[SilverSlugger]

When I’m coasting down a hill at 70 mph, my transmission automatically downshifts (as it should). When it does, there is a definite change in engine sound (as there should be). Could it simply be this?

At least, I think it’s the transmission shifting - some folks here are calling this “engine braking” but is it really a Jake brake or just a downshift? Topic for another thread.

Anyway, try it again and watch your tach (if equipped/displayed) - it should increase. Or, keep it in D and press the button on your shifter so your gears display on the dash and watch to see if it shifts down when you hear this hum/droning noise.

I get what you're saying but this is absolutely not the case with my situation. The sound OP and I am explaining is not coming from the transmission.

 

[Jtom97]

When I’m coasting down a hill at 70 mph, my transmission automatically downshifts (as it should). When it does, there is a definite change in engine sound (as there should be). Could it simply be this?

At least, I think it’s the transmission shifting - some folks here are calling this “engine braking” but is it really a Jake brake or just a downshift? Topic for another thread.

Anyway, try it again and watch your tach (if equipped/displayed) - it should increase. Or, keep it in D and press the button on your shifter so your gears display on the dash and watch to see if it shifts down when you hear this hum/droning noise.

At this point I’m willing to try anything. It’s to the point where I can’t not hear it. I’m over focused on it (maybe my fault) and it’s driving me crazy haha. I appreciate the advice. I’ll check it out.

 

[Jtom97]

I’m

Mine ('21 w/20k miles) does this at 55mph. This is after Ford performed a new-ish TSB that included replacing the driveshaft. I've honestly grown tired of Ford dealers telling me 'nothing is wrong.' Have they not ridden in any other vehicles in their life? As a result of this and overall meh quality, I plan on getting rid the Ranger early next year.

I’m almost to that point as well. Local Dealer has been absolutely terrible to deal with. Bought it from them and as soon as I gave them money they completely changed. No responses. No calls back. Had to go pick it up without them doing any work to it two weeks later. Have even taken it to other dealers same result. At least they called me back. Been loyal to ford. On my 6th truck. Might be switching soon

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

At this point I’m willing to try anything. It’s to the point where I can’t not hear it. I’m over focused on it (maybe my fault) and it’s driving me crazy haha. I appreciate the advice. I’ll check it out.

I hope you figure it out soon. ?

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