Creaking underbody????

Bruno-the-Dominator · #1 (**permalink**) 02-11-2004, 01:14 AM

Here is one that really has me stumped. I have an 01 E-350 extended with 5.8 and love it. A while ago it started making a creaking noise while stopping and more noticably during take off. It almost sounded like the exhaust was flexing so I took it to Midas and we put it on the hoist. We bumped and tugged at the exhaust and of course couldn;t get it to make a peep. The noise is made primarily when it's wet outside. Sounds as though it's coming from the passenger side towards the front. The sound is best described as a creaking/flexing type noise. I am at a loss and about to take it to the dealer but thought I would see if anyone here may have had this experience so I could better guide the dealer what to look for. I'll update once the problem has been identified and corrected.

c96drumm · #2 (**permalink**) 02-11-2004, 02:28 AM

I'm not that familiar with the late model vans, but the creaking could be sway bar bushings, or if those have ball joints, could be those... How many miles on it?

Gene W · #3 (**permalink**) 02-11-2004, 03:09 PM

Hi Bruno,

Here is something else you may want to check from a post in one of the other areas of this forum.

http://www.fordtrucks.com/forums/sho...hreadid=197559

My van makes a popping sound when I go through gutters or simalar road features. I haven't had a chance to check for the cause yet, but the problem outlined in the above thread is one of the things that I plan to check.

Gene

cocot · #4 (**permalink**) 02-11-2004, 08:33 PM

I would check the radius arm bushings or if you have had the shocks replaced, a lot of the time they break the shock stud and replace it with a nut an bolt. This allways loosens up and could make that noise.
DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a mechanic. I only play one on the internet.

Bruno-the-Dominator · #5 (**permalink**) 02-14-2004, 01:54 AM

Well I went to the dealer today. The mechanic test drove it but heard nothing, so I told to spray the under carriage with water and drive it again. He heard it loud and clear that time. Well, turns out the previous owner had the tranny worked replaced and when it was reinstalled the mechanics(use that term loosely) forgot to replace two bolts in the tranny crossmember!! So this mechanic(great guy) replaced the bolts and problem solved! Best part is.... he didn;t charge me a penny! Now I have that nice warm fuzzy feeling again.... who says Friday teh 13th is jinxed?