2010 2WD 5.4 Tapping Sound in Gear
 

2010 2WD XLT. 5.4 engine.

I noticed a tapping sound coming from under the truck when driving at low speeds near a wall (such as a drive thru).
I put the truck into neutral and the sound stops. I only notice it when I am near a wall - NOT at highway speeds, etc. I do NOT hear the sound in park when I rev the engine.

Probably due for a timing job. Have someone stand outside by the front. Put the truck in gear, leave foot on brake pedal and then rev the engine. Doesn’t take much. Get it to around 1500 rpms. If it knocks really loud then I am betting that is the case. Mine did exactly as you describe and sounded like it was coming from under the drivers seat. Thought it was the transmission or transfer case until the dealer had me do the above while they listened.

Thanks Blue, I was thinking it was engine related until it stops when switching into neutral (at the same RPM).

Mine didn't do it in park or neutral either. It's because, there is no load on the engine. I could rev mine all day long and it wouldn't do it if it wasn't in gear. That's why I thought it was the transmission or transfer case at first as well. Put it in gear, brake on and rev it up and boom there was the noise. Same thing going up a hill, I'd hear it if I was going by some place that echoed it back. Going down, nadda because the engine wasn't under a load. I'd almost put money on it that if you had a helper listen up by the engine (listening to both sides), they'd tell you it was coming from there. If you think you don't have enough miles on yours, mine had just over 54,000 miles when I had it done. It actually had it at 49,500 miles when I bought it. Just didn't know it until I found this forum.

Also, does it sound like you are driving a diesel? Meaning is the sound similar to what a Diesel engine makes?

That was it Blue! Under load, foot on the brake I heard it..

I know there are issues with the roller followers. Thoughts on next steps? Its got about 130k on it.

Well in my case the dealer thought it was just the VCTs. Turned out they had to replace those, the timing chains, tensioner and the phasers. Thank goodness I bought a warranty. That cost more to repair than what I paid for the warranty.

From my understanding the VCTs are fairly easy to change as all you have to do is remove the valve covers to get to them. However it’s a good idea to check everything while in there. Not sure how much you can see of the tensioner with just the valve covers off.

Keep in mind there could be other things that cause this also. I believe the head gasket going bad will make a similar sound. I do not know if it manifests in the same way as I have never had, and hope not to, have that issue.

Or it could be the followers but, that is beyond what I have dealt with so I cannot answer that.

However based on my experience, something in the timing needs to be replaced. I don’t know if you are a DIYer but, I will see if I can find the thread that someone wrote up on how to do the timing.

Here is that thread I mentioned:

https://www.f150forum.com/f4/final-r...-sound-141266/