So one of two things is happening:

1. I'm paranoid because I just bought my 2011 3.5 Eco 4x4 a month ago and every little thing I hear go bump I stress over...

Or...

2. I've got a control arm/U-joint issue.

When I make turns beyond say 20 degree wheel turn (so almost 90% of turning distances) I hear a groaning type sound coming from the truck. Sounds like it's located in the front suspension area. Sounds like the sound is following the rotation of the wheels though if you can visualize what I mean.

I've had new tires put on since I bought it Oct. 5th but just noticed the noise about a week or two ago. No other work done since purchasing.

Anyone experience anything similar or have any ideas? Thanks

~Mike

 

Further inspection of this leads me to believe it's actually from the rear of the truck and not the front. Still not sure what it could be. Performance seems solid but just sounds like an old ship pulling out of the harbor.

 

Hope you locate it. Nobody likes a strange noise in a newly acquired truck.

 

First thing I would check is my power steering fluid. If it's okay then try to eliminate variables. Does it make the noise if you are not moving & turn the wheels? Does it make the noise if you first turn the wheels then start moving? Does it only make the noise if you are turning and moving at the same time? Is it safe to assume you are on smooth level ground? If you are not try it on smooth level ground. The truck will make some noise if you turn the wheel all the way to the lock position.

 

Congrats on the new rig, Mike. I'd return to the dealership where you bought the truck so they can inspect. How many miles are on it?

Crystal

 

The truck was purchased from a lot rather than Ford dealer. Currently there are 55,000 miles on it and I'd planned to take it in soon for scheduled maintenance and will check then.

 

I don't believe the 2011 and up trucks use hydraulic power steering, that does not mean they won't have their share of groans and strange noises from the electronic steering rack though.
http://youtu.be/em4uSrBZwIk

I would make sure this isn't the culprit before too much time passes between the purchase and the complete failure. Good luck with it.

 

oh yeah that's right. I think only the specialty models have hydraulic systems (the raptor and 6.2 Liter). At any rate, still need to do some simple test to eliminate variables.

 

Does this truck have a limited slip differential, an open diff, or an electronic locking rear diff?

Please say either #2 or #3...

 

My 2011 used to have a bit of a groan during left turns while leaving the garage in the morning. Turned out to be a $900.00 part called a "clutch pack", and replacement cured it. Was just within warranty at the time. Good luck.

 

This makes me feel...better?

Only warranty left is 60k powertrain. The groan is almost always. I've been traveling and haven't really had access to the truck but first things first will be running through the checklist of "what could be" as far as obvious things go.

Hoping for the best, or at least not the worst.

~Mike

 

3.55 Limited Slip...please let me down easy. Haha

 

Well, since you have the LSD, it could be the clutch packs as Big Red has hinted. But it's impossible to diagnose over the internet. If you don't find something else to be the culprit, I'd take it in to let your mechanic diagnose.

If it is the clutch packs, and you are under warranty, there is a Ford TSB for this...

 

Good hints. I'm taking it in next week for some scheduled maintenance and will have them look at it then. Just always good to have some ideas going in so I can help explain the issue better. I appreciate everyone's tips!

 

Good deal, CavsQB15; I'll hang around this thread to see how things go at the dealership. If you need my help after getting a diagnosis, just give me a shout.

Crystal