front end "rattle"-"issue" post alignment

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Sep 15, 2021 | 06:50 PM

dbraynor

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 131

Likes: 3

front end "rattle"-"issue" post alignment

Hello. Thanks for looking. I have 27k on my truck and took it in for alignment. The truck tracks better, but something is amiss I think. I do not have DW, but since the alignment when I hit small bumps or irregularities in pavement, I feel, not hear, a rattle more in the accelerator pedal than the steering wheel, but I do feel it in both. It was not there before. I do not feel it in the brake pedal. It is definitely in the front end. When I violently shake the steering wheel left/right, a la NASCAR pre starts, everything seems tight. I am going under the truck this weekend, but was wondering if the vast knowledge base of FTE had any tips or suggestions of what to look for. I have no suspension, tire, or wheel modifications it is stock. Thanks.

Sep 15, 2021 | 07:51 PM

morehouse7

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Mar 2021

Posts: 1,454

Likes: 606

So there are a bunch of guys that had the feeling of rattle/clunk/vibration in the pedal. Only certain fix was to replace the steering shafts (intermediate and lower I believe) because the u-joints were not moving freely and clicking. The replacement shafts were of a redesign so maybe Ford realized the issue, I don't know.
Anyway give that a whirl.

Sep 16, 2021 | 05:11 PM

dbraynor

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 131

Likes: 3

Thanks, will look.

Nov 11, 2021 | 07:53 PM

dbraynor

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 131

Likes: 3

Found it....I am an idiot

Found the rattle. Not due to the alignment. Thought it was track bar. Nope. Checked every nut and bolt in suspension and steering. All tight. Noticed U-joints on front axle were really dirty. Found the zirc and pumped them up. Cleaned them up. No more rattle. Have 28.9K on truck. Will lube more often. My bad. Hope this may help others.