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Frustrating, annoying rattle

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Old Jun 8, 2024 | 08:30 PM
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Frustrating, annoying rattle

Good evening all,

I have a pretty annoying rattle that happens only when around 1250 RPM. Not at idle, or otherwise (but also can't hear much aside from exhaust because of how loud it is when accelerating, or higher RPMs). Could this be the root of the noise? The V band appears solid (can't move it) and the exhaust also seems solid (got under truck and it won't budge). The exhaust was put on Nov 2022 and haven't had any issues with it that I am aware of.




Isolated from the noise that I am experiencing, should this be fixed despite everything being sturdy?

Here is a link to the noise:

Thank you!
 

Last edited by BioEng494; Jun 8, 2024 at 08:39 PM. Reason: YT link
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Old Jun 9, 2024 | 03:01 AM
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The clamp looks like it is not seated properly. Not sure if that translates into a rattle but prolly worth getting it straight to avoid exhaust leaks there.

Behind that in the pic I think we see the up pipe. Might be worth shaking those around too. The heat shield strap looks OEM and by now OEM will be leaking, possibly bad enough to rattle around.

Is the truck tuned? Do you have an EGT gauge? Leaking up pipes often leads to low power and high EGTs.

Could not make out the sound from the video fwiw.
 
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Old Jun 9, 2024 | 09:35 AM
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Does it only happen under load? Or can you duplicate it sitting in the driveway?
 
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Old Jun 9, 2024 | 09:54 AM
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Originally Posted by aawlberninf350
The clamp looks like it is not seated properly. Not sure if that translates into a rattle but prolly worth getting it straight to avoid exhaust leaks there.

Behind that in the pic I think we see the up pipe. Might be worth shaking those around too. The heat shield strap looks OEM and by now OEM will be leaking, possibly bad enough to rattle around.

Is the truck tuned? Do you have an EGT gauge? Leaking up pipes often leads to low power and high EGTs.

Could not make out the sound from the video fwiw.
Got it. I will try to fix the clamp. A little nervous that I take it off and can’t realign it properly, but if it needs done, I’ve got to try.

I will shake things around when I am in there working.

It does have a Hydra tuner and EGT gauge. At idle, she’s ~300F, cruising ~600ishF, WOT on flat ground ~1000F, and the highest I have ever seen is uphill accelerating at around ~1140ishF. I haven’t necessarily noticed lack of power or excessive EGT.

I knew the noise was going to be challenging. I wish I could point to it to say “this is it!” But I guess to do that I would have to use a spectrum analyzer or something which I don’t have… it’s a high frequency, high pitched “rattle” that is constant throughout the entire video.
 
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Old Jun 9, 2024 | 09:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Kwikkordead
Does it only happen under load? Or can you duplicate it sitting in the driveway?
I am unable to replicate it anywhere except when cruising and the engine speed is about 1250 RPM. Cannot do it at idle, in park while revving it, or otherwise when driving…
 
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Old Jun 9, 2024 | 12:33 PM
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Have you eliminated all the noises in the cab? If it only happens at a specific rpm it could be the resonance amplified inside the cab. Like something loose under the dash
 
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Old Jun 9, 2024 | 12:55 PM
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I just took off the v band and repositioned the downpipe. It looks much better and more centered. The bolt was a bit loose for my liking so made that a bit more snug this time around.

Originally Posted by 97-psd
Have you eliminated all the noises in the cab? If it only happens at a specific rpm it could be the resonance amplified inside the cab. Like something loose under the dash
Honestly, there are so many squeaks and rattles from within the cab I’ve noticed - I would have no idea where to start. I will say, with windows rolled up, I can’t hear it. But as long as no one is concerned about mechanical condition of the truck (turbo, trans, etc), I’m not super concerned about it I guess.
 
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Old Jun 9, 2024 | 10:56 PM
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I guess keep doing what you are doing. Checking carefully along the length of the exhaust system for any signs of contact while underway. It may not be touching just sitting there, but there will be contact marks.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 02:17 AM
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Kwik makes a great point. Although the exhaust pipes in static non-running condition appear to have clearance, look closely for evidence of contact.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 07:52 AM
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My truck has so many squeaks and rattles I don't bother unless it sounds like something that will get me stranded. My recommendation: wear earplugs.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 10:58 AM
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Alternatively, turn up the music.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 11:02 AM
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Check the exhaust pipe where it gets close to the transmission pan/heat sheild. Also check it where it passes close to the diesel tank. I found mine was making contact in these two places(evidenced by scuffs on the metal parts.) But I have a 4 inch turbo back so my clearances may be different but mine is also an excursion.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 09:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Kwikkordead
I guess keep doing what you are doing. Checking carefully along the length of the exhaust system for any signs of contact while underway. It may not be touching just sitting there, but there will be contact marks.
Originally Posted by aawlberninf350
Kwik makes a great point. Although the exhaust pipes in static non-running condition appear to have clearance, look closely for evidence of contact.
Originally Posted by corpsedub
Check the exhaust pipe where it gets close to the transmission pan/heat sheild. Also check it where it passes close to the diesel tank. I found mine was making contact in these two places(evidenced by scuffs on the metal parts.) But I have a 4 inch turbo back so my clearances may be different but mine is also an excursion.
Got it. I will check this out tomorrow. I also have an excursion with a 4" turbo back exhaust setup, so perhaps it is the exact same location(s), though the sound seems to be coming from toward the front of the truck (not backed by science or anything other than a feeling).

Originally Posted by FordTruckNoob
My truck has so many squeaks and rattles I don't bother unless it sounds like something that will get me stranded. My recommendation: wear earplugs.
Originally Posted by SmokeyMcStrokey
Alternatively, turn up the music.
Ha! I definitely can't hear it with the music turned up! If I start hearing it over that, I'll have to secure a pair of earplugs for the truck haha.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2024 | 10:43 PM
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I have a 4" downpipe, then into a 5" exhaust and the clearances are TIGHT. Carefull positioning of everything ensures that I don't get that annoying rattle as well under certain conditions. Listening to the video a second time really sounds like exhaust rubbing somewhere to me.
 
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Old Jun 29, 2024 | 12:39 AM
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Alright, it has been a while since I posted but I wanted to follow up - I followed the entire exhaust from turbo to exit and noted evidence of three things. Two hangars mid-way and the exhaust against the fuel tank shield. All had evidence of contact so I removed the hangars, cut off about 1/2"-1", and then wrapped the area where it was in proximity to the tank with header wrap (just to see if the sound would change).

The sound has absolutely no change. Still characteristically only presents when moving, 1250-1750 RPM at any vehicle speed, does not occur in park or when in drive and holding the brake. Body mount(s) maybe(?) but it doesn't seem to change based on the road conditions like bumps or anything. I swapped exhaust in November 2022, replaced belt tensioner and re-routed the serp belt in May 2023, and added a lift kit in Jan 2024, among many other things but these might cause that sound. Just trying to think of ANYTHING that may contribute to this...
 
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