I have an '02 Sport Trac, V6 RWD. It has the factory running boards installed. Over the last week, I've noticed a really annoying squeaking/rattling that sounds like it's coming from the door/dash area on the passenger side. I thought it might be the seat squeaking or something on the floor board, but after cleaning everything up I've ruled those out.

The noise only happens when the truck rattles/shakes/goes over bumps. I thought it might be the shocks/mount/wheel bearing (since the noise is audible outside of the truck). The shocks are new and still tight. The wheel and bearing are both on tight. I even took it to a local mechanic to look at and he didn't see anything wrong or loose with the suspension, brake, or steering system.

I tried rocking the truck and can't get it to reproduce. It only makes the noise when it runs and the truck is moving. I think I narrowed it down to the passenger-side running board (oddly enough). The noise seems to be coming from the area where it connects to the body.

Has anyone seen (or heard) this before? I'm going to try and put it up on stands to hopefully tighten up the screws, but I wasn't sure if there might be some padding or a bushing that might have worn out. The running boards are connected into/next to a plastic runner that runs beneath the door, and I wasn't sure if maybe the squeaking could be coming from under this moulding?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

I would check your sway bar bushings