I have a 2012 F250. Since I got it a couple months ago, I have noticed a clicking and popping noise when backing up. After pulling a 3K lb camper about 100 miles last weekend, I now notice the same noise intermittently in forward gears. It is definitely in the transmission as the clicking speed increases with engine RPM and not with wheel speed. There is no noise in any gear while sitting still, only while moving. The clicking gets faster as I accelerate and changes speed as the transmission shifts. Powertrain is under warranty. Any ideas on this before I drop it off at the dealership and argue about it? I'm sure the intermittent noise won't be there at the dealership.

 

Sounds like the ring and pinion gears to me

 

Or a dry u-joint

 

That's what I thought at first. When the noise started in forward gears, it changes speed with the transmission shifts. Driveshaft joints and differential issues would steadily increase with vehicle speed instead of changing with the transmission shift points.

 

2 wheel or 4?
Diesel or gas?
Mileage?
Any engine lights on in the dash?


"Driveshaft joints and differential issues would steadily increase with vehicle speed instead of changing with the transmission shift points."
Yes but not in all cases. Drive train noise can resonate all over the place. So can serpentine belt systems.
You could have a converter or trans pump on its way out. Dont drive it until thats ruled out as the damage will cascade quickly.

Get under it and look at the ebrake anchor pins on the backing plate...all 4 of them, two per side. You are looking to see if they have pull through the backing plate(s)...it can make all sorts of strange noises as the rotor chews up the ebrake shoes and associated hardware. Its a rather wonderful lovely mess. Pull the rear rotors and inspect. If the pins did pull through they wont come off nicely...

Look for anything contacting the driveshafts.

Next pull the front drive shaft out...road test. Pull the rear driveshaft out...road test(Carefully as in no inclines or hard acceleration as fluid will come out of the trans). See if the noise follows either. Report the results here.
This will also give you the opportunity to feel the ujoints. If you have not greased the rear driveshaft slip splines with XG-8 Ford Teflon Grease, now is the time for that as well. Use the whole tube.

Next Id inspect the trans pan for debris and fluid condition. The 6R140 should have its oil and filter changed every 30-40-50K tops(IMO having a wrench in my meat hooks for 40 years).

Or take er into the stealership and let them deal with it. Close the loop here once the problems found.

 

Just curious if the original post had any updates as to what was making the transmission noise? My 2012 f250 is giving me similar noises.