bcampbe7

2012 F150 SCREW with Ecoboost and 46k miles. Tires are newer 275/60/20 Cooper ATP's.

Lately I have noticed a strange vibration sound that sounds like it is coming from the front end. Dealer had is for two days. Said they hear it and think it is coming from one of the turbos. Something about the waste gate and cold temps causing moisture to freeze. I didn't understand what they were telling me. They said bring it back if it gets worse or more frequent.

Driving the truck, it begins when you press the brake pedal while at slow speed, coming to a stop, etc. Almost sounds like the ABS, but not as loud. Like a tire rubbing but not loud. Mud tires vibrating on the road when coming to a stop. Etc... Only occurs when moving. Stops when the truck stops, brake pedal pressed or not.

I have read about the vacuum pump being an issue, but this is not as loud as the videos I have found regarding failed or failing vacuum pumps. Maybe the beginnings of that?

Could mud lodged somewhere cause this? I first noticed it the day after driving through a muddy field. The next day it was below freezing and the truck had quite-a-bit of frozen mud in the wheel wells. I looked to see if any of the frozen mud was rubbing on the tires, but it wasn't. Planning on pulling the front tires this weekend time permitting. Any ideas on what to look for?

screamineagle

Roughly 90% of all F150's with the EB vibrate. Learn to live with it or trade it in.

bcampbe7

I have owned the truck for 22k miles and it just started doing this.

Not sure if related, but gas mileage has dropped to around 14mpg too. Bigger tires maybe? Could a sticky caliper cause this noise?

MCDavis

iTrader: (1)

I'm sorry, but WTF?

So you can hear the noise, and you don't feel a pulsation right? Does it sound a little like rocks in a tin can? If you can even remotely say yes...then it's a slight vacuum loss causing the wheel ends to barely attempt to engage. If the teeth don't line up then you hear a rotational rattle.

bcampbe7

No, not a rattle. At least that is not how I would describe it. It isn't that pronounced.

I need to attempt to get some sound/video clips. It is a quick vibration sound. Like someone threw a vibrating back massager towards the front end.

And before anyone asks... I check the drawer and all of the wife "back" massagers are accounted for. LOL

bcampbe7

MCDavis, I think you may be onto something. The sound goes away when I switch 4Auto, 4Hi or 4Lo.

When in 4Auto, Hi or Lo and I accelerate quickly I hear a similar noise.

So a vacuum leak is the cause? Where do I need to start looking?


EDIT: Searched and found threads related to grinding noises and the IWE. Going down this path at the moment... Will report back.

MCDavis

iTrader: (1)

Yep sounds like bad vacuum and poor engagement of the IWEs.

DBL Boost

Mine was doing the same, the iwes need replaced

bcampbe7

I assume that is not part of the drivetrain warranty? Or is it?

If not, what does something like this cost to replace?

MCDavis

iTrader: (1)

It should be covered under the drivetrain. How many years/miles do you have?