So the infamous 5.4 "knocking sound. Been searching this since I bought the truck. This just isn't something a $28,000 truck should do. I have the v8 5.4 just like the guy in the video only in my 09 and it makes the exact same noise. Now I know the Ford guys will say it's "normal". I know some will just say "get used to it". No. I just want to know what the sound is and how I can fix it! It bugs the mess out of me when my nice slick truck sounds like crap pulling up to someone at a red light, you know? So here's the video, sounds just like it at the exact same time, not when cold and at the same RPM. Anyone? Bueller?

 

Well, I got lucky with mine. I had a really faint tapping (nowhere near this audible) very early, and I kicked up a bit of a fuss and they replaced a VCT solenoid. This was 40,000KM ago and it's been quiet as a mouse since. They had to fall back on a TSB related to the Lincoln.

To check if its the phaser for sure, disconnect the lead and see if the sound goes away. This is one of the trouble shooting steps in the TSB. If it does- get ready to shell out or live with it unless its still in warranty

Don't hear of too many like this after the '08 year.

 

Yeah unfortunately it's out of warranty. My 09 was made very early on so I could see them not improving the problem. We'll see what happens I guess.

 

Well, good luck with it! If its a phaser, its still a worthwhile fix on that truck. Strong, long living engine that will serve you for a lot of years

 

Oh yeah I understand that it won't do anything to the dependability of the engine. Mom had an 01 lariat f150 5.4 that we bought when it was brand new, just rolled over 200,000 miles and the only 2 problems it has had is being stolen and the seat heater broke :P