5.4 cam phaser
 

Hi all,
Just wanted to say what a wonderful site this is. I was just googling around for 5.4 triton engine knock and cam accross this site so I registered to see what advice I could get. After reading numorous post on the cam phaser, I came to the conclusion that is what is wrong with my 2004 f150 fx4 screw. I currently have 37k miles on and just a coupe of weeks ago started to notice all of the symptoms of the cam phaser knock. Starting my truck in the morning before work it sounds normal, by the time I get to my work, I hear the knocking sound in the cab (mainly on the passagner side) and have also noticed it starts to sound like a disel when I am in a drivethru. Anyways, called the ford dealership and they quoted me $1500 to replace both cam phasers. Well, I don't have that kind of money right now, so I guess my questions are, will it be allright to drive for awhile? Would it be allright to have just the one replaced and the other later? Is there a procedure anywhere on how to do change them out? A friend of mine has been a mechanic in a small shop for about 10yrs, he said he could probably do the replacement if we had a procedure, since he has never seen nothing like that come through his shop. If you have any advise please let me know.
Thanks

I have an o4 that does the same thing. aparently the noise will not do any harm, although it drives me nuts. I am going to replace both of mine myself. I did the research and talked to some techs at my ford dealer. I am a bmw tech, and am familiar with doing engine work. I have discovered that the procedure is not that difficult. It just requires one special tool. It is called a timing wedge. I believe that the phaser kit costs about $180 each. It is ok if you just replace one. although, if you have the tool, it is probably better to replace both. You will also need valve cover gaskets.

Thanks for the reply. The noise also drives me nuts myself. Hopefully my friend can find this tool and get it replaced for me. I'll keep you posted. How do you get the procedure?

Hey guys i got a 2004 5.4L 3V and had the problem of the cam phasers tapping. Well i only got 21,000 miles on my F150 and took it to 2 dealers near my house an they said they couldnt do anything. Well while i was up in Michigan visiting my wife parents i took it to a Dealer up their and they took care of it in 1 (one) uno day. I was very happy and it was on the factory warranty dime. Im so glad , i feel your pain and am sorry that you couldnt get it taken care of before your warranty when out. Good luck

Hey i almost forgot , dont you froget to get the spark plugs looked at i did and wow it was a good thing. FYI

rsarek

How's about posting some photo's when you do the repair.
I'm in the same boat as you, I just can't make my self pay someone $1500.00 if I can do it my self.
Thanks and good luck
FX4jim3

if you are nice enough to the ford techs at the dealer, they can print the repairs for you. but i also purchased the factory repair manuals on dvd on ebay. these are slightly outdated (2005) but they also have this repair on them. the older repair just doesnt state that the phaser can be removed this way. It just says the cam can be done this way using the wedge. The procedure is the same for replacing cams and replacing cam phasers, just dont remove the cam bearing caps, and lock the cam down so that it doesnt jump timing, and mark everything. then unbolt the phaser(cam sprocket) and replace with the updated part. I will take some pics when i do the repair. I am very confident, after talking to the techs that this repiar is simple, as long as you have that timing wedge, mechanical knowlege, and patience.

The knocking on my 2008 f150 started at 15 kilometers. It was so bad the truck would not even idle. The dealer replaced the engine, but at 1700 kilometers I can here a faint knocking again. now they are going to change the cam phasers. This is the first vehicle I have ever leased, in three years the truck goes back and I'm going Japanese.

Bill

Yeah the Japanese cars/trucks have never had engines go bad...LMAO

I had the Ford powertrain warranty for 5yrs/75,000 mi. My dealer diagnosed the problem( I already knew what it was thanks to this site) cam phasers, but told me it wasn't covered. Another dealer told me it was... the first used the wrong part #'s... They(first dealer) fixed it....bill was $900+ and I believe the parts portion was around $300 give or take. It made a night and day difference for me power wise on the freeway! Not sure about in town. No more downshifting while accelerating....unless you tromp it of course!!:-headbang The engine is quiet like it should. They had my truck for only 4 hours or so so it can't be too awful tough. Good luck and let us know how it goes!!

Yeah the Japanese cars/trucks have never had engines go bad...LMAO

I'm sure they have, but two engines in 1700 kilometers has hurt my confidence in this engine. Also the ford tech that replaced my engine told me that this (cam phasers) is a common problem with the 5.4 that usually appears around 60000 km. (right around the time the warranty expires). His words not mine. This problem combined with the spark plug ejection problem makes owning a Triton past the warranty period unsettling. Now I still have three years of warranty left so we shall see.

P.S. there is a two month back order for the cam phasers.

Bill

There is NO spark plug ejection problem. This was on the 97-03's. The 2004-2005 or 6 has a problem with them sticking but that is fixed on yours.

Camshaft Phaser and Sprocket <SUP>http://www.fordtechservice.dealercon...1527/adobe.gif Printable View (200 KB)</SUP>

****** content="Camshaft Phaser and Sprocket" name=tps_proctitle>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="50%" border=1><CAPTION>Special Tool(s)</CAPTION><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD>http://www.fordtechservice.dealercon...96/ST2969A.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top>Locking Tool, Timing Chain
303-1175</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Removal

1. If servicing the RH camshaft phaser and sprocket, remove the RH camshaft. For additional information, refer to Camshaft — RH in this section.

1. If servicing the LH camshaft phaser and sprocket, remove the LH camshaft. For additional information, refer to Camshaft — LH in this section.

1. NOTICE: Damage to the camshaft phaser and sprocket assembly will occur if mishandled or used as a lifting or leveraging device.
   NOTE: Do not remove the Timing Chain Locking Tool at any time during assembly. If the Timing Chain Locking Tool is removed or out of placement, the engine front cover must be removed and the engine must be retimed. For additional information, refer to Timing Drive Components in this section.
   Remove the camshaft phaser and sprocket from the timing chain.

1. Inspect the front of the camshaft phaser and sprocket for missing or damaged roll pins.
   • If the roll pins are missing or damaged, a new camshaft phaser and sprocket must be installed.

1. Inspect the rear of the camshaft phaser and sprocket for a deformed or damaged location pin.
   • If the location pin is deformed or damaged, a new camshaft phaser and sprocket must be installed.

1. Visually inspect the camshaft phaser and sprocket for squareness (A). If the trigger wheel or spring is deformed or damaged (B), install a new camshaft phaser and sprocket.

Installation

1. NOTICE: Damage to the camshaft phaser and sprocket assembly will occur if mishandled or used as a lifting or leveraging device.
   If installing a new camshaft phaser and sprocket, transfer the original scribe mark to the new camshaft phaser and sprocket.

1. NOTICE: The timing chain must be installed in its original position onto the camshaft phaser and sprocket using the scribed marks, or damage to valves and pistons will result.
   NOTICE: Damage to the camshaft phaser and sprocket assembly will occur if mishandled or used as a lifting or leveraging device.
   Align the scribe marks and position the camshaft phaser and sprocket into the timing chain.

1. If servicing the RH camshaft phaser and sprocket, install the RH camshaft. For additional information, refer to Camshaft — RH in this section.

1. If servicing the LH camshaft phaser and sprocket, install the LH camshaft. For additional information, refer to Camshaft — LH in this section.

Hope my previous post helps. Just don't mess up the camshaft timing or you can kiss your engine goodbye. Good Luck!

You don't need to remove the Camshaft. You install a rubber wedge into the front cover to hold the timing chain from falling down, line the crank up to TDC and mark the chain on the camshaft. Gun the bolt off with an impact and change the phasers.

Ok, bringing this one back...

I've got a new cam phaser kit, and the Rotunda timing wedge tool. Pull valve cover, install wedge, and this is done at TDC. Does anything need to be done to lock the camshafts in place once the phaser is removed? When I did the VANOS on my M3, I had to use cam locking plates to keep them camshafts from rotating once the Vanos (cam phaser) was removed.

According to my Chilton's you are suppose to remove the exhaust rocker from the #1 cylinder and both intake rockers on #4 cylinder with the keyway on the crankshaft at 12 o'clock position. this should be just past TDC on cylinder #1.(passenger side head )
for the other side (drivers side ) rotate engine 180 degrees or the keyway at the 6 o'clock position remove the intake rockers from cylinder #5 and exhaust rocker from cylinder #8.
This is to prevent valve to piston contact

Yeah, but I think that's only required if you're removing the camshaft itself, which it sounds like you don't have to do if you're just replacing the phaser. Can anyone clarify the procedure? I'm going under the assumption that you:

1) pull the valve cover
2) align the engine to TDC (for the passenger side head, or another value for the driver's side)
3) shove the timing wedge in
4) mark the timing chain link, phaser, and camshaft in relation to each other
5) remove the phaser bolt and remove the phaser
6) transfer the mark to the new one
7) install the new one in the same orientation as the old one
8) install the new bolt, torque to 30ftlbs, add a 90* turn
9) pull the timing wedge
10) install valve cover

Also, I heard somewhere that you have to discharge the AC and remove/move the condenser to get clearance for the passenger side valve cover to come off. Any clarification on that?

Thanks!

I just had mine done at the dealership.....that cured the ticking noise. When the engine was apart the dealer took me over by the machanic and showed me this phazer thing. From what I could see, you don't have to remove the cam, you need that tool to hold the timing chain in place. the machanic made it sound easy with the right tools. I hope this helps...I really just wanted to know what the hell this thing does and will I need to replace it again in another 40k.

mms://multimedia.ford.com/seopts/Tech22_250k.wmv

Here is the in vehicle procedure.

mms://multimedia.ford.com/seopts/Tech17_250k.wmv

I don't know if those links will work. Here is the site. Look at episode 22, and 17

Try this link: Automotive Technicians | Mechanics | Auto Techs | Auto Advice | Auto Tech Forums | Ford Techs | GM Techs | Chrysler Techs | Toyota Techs | Honda Techs | Nissan Techs | Volvo Techs | Land Rover Techs | Diesel Techs | BMW Techs | Volkswagen Techs | Lex

I read this in a Hayne's manual. It doesn't look as though the valve cover can be removed on the driver's side without moving an A/C line. Therefore you would have to discharge the A/C system.

I've looked at those videos, but they include removing the camshaft, which some say you don't need to do...

Just got done talking with a friend of mine who's a Ford master tech who's done a bunch of these. He says:

Pop the valve cover
Mark everything (chain, phaser, camshaft)
Throw vice grips on the camshaft so you've got something to hold the cam in place with when you unbolt the phaser from it (to keep it from drastically shifting, and to help you line it back up when you bolt the new phaser in place)
Shove the timing wedge in good
Pull bolt and remove the phaser
Transfer mark to new phaser, bolt it up, torque specs, yadda yadda
No need to pull lash adjusters, line the motor up, pull the cam, or anything, "simply as hell".

He says I "might" be able to move enough stuff around on the passenger side to get the valve cover off, but if not, then I'm going to have to discharge the AC.

I'll try to take some good pics while doing this and make a good DIY writeup.

I am not sure if I have the same problem but I was under the hood today and I heard this like clicking/ticking noise...Is this the cam phasers? my truck is an 07' with not even 20k

Should I take it to the dealer? Is this something that will go out again in another 20k?

Thanks for any info

A light clicking/ticking noise from the top of the engine is probably injectors and is considered normal. A bad cam phaser will sound like a diesel at warm idle only.

it is a light ticking/clicking i hear when the engine is at idle regardless of temp

not to hijack the thread but one thing that I failed to mention was I noticed this after I took it to my local dealer for an oil change (I usually always do it myself)

Could the dealer have used the wrong oil? The guy didnt even put in the right amount....it was a quart low

I hope it is just normal injector noise

Thanks

Check this video, it has the various different noises the 5.4L's make in it...
mms://multimedia.ford.com/seopts/Tech22_250k.wmv

wow thankyou so much this video described exactly the "injector" noise we heard with the hood up....i'm glad its normal

thanks again

As long as you make plenty of reference marks, you should be fine. If the cam does move, you should be able to line it back up. I do not know of a cam lock tool for this engine.

Another cam phaser issue
 

My F-150 is a 2007 with 10,000 miles on the odometer. TG it's still under warranty!!

I never could get the truck to act up at the service department of our Ford dealer so problem could not be diagnosed. Picked it up today after it having been there 2 days with no luck (this was the second time in less than 3 weeks that it's been there trying to get this issue resolved). We went out to eat & was heading home when I pulled up to a stop sign and it started shaking like an earthquake. 15 minutes till the shop closed so back I went. Service guy brought out his handy dandy laptop computer/diagnosic machine, plugged it in & said "by jove, I think I have it". It's the cam phaser. New word for me so he explained. Now I see I'm not the only one who's suffered through this issue.

The first time it happened I'd just gotten a full tank of gas & figured I had some bad gas. Got a bottle of injector cleaner & put in & it seemed to help but hadn't really (as we all know now!).

I am sure instead of helping the engine be more fuel effecient it's wasted more as I have had to keep the RPMs up above 900 when stopped in traffic to keep from getting my teeth jarred out!

Thanks for all the help....parts on order & will be getting repair done when they come in (hope there's no longer a 2 month wait!!).

Thank you...great bit of info
 

Thanks for that info Steve. You just made my day. I have the wedge ($95 from SPX) and the phasers, but was unsure if the cams could stay. Now with my trusty vice grips:-jammin I'm confident I can do this!

phaser failure
 

hey all, I have a ford 150, 2004, and the cam phaser broke. I have 60,000 miles and I drive to work and back. I was told there are pins on the phaser that just boke off. So, I wouldn't push the problem. They had a hell of a time figuring it out in the first place.......good luck

hello everyone,

Well my 04' has been ticking quite loudly now for about 14k miles. It is VERY loud and sounds destructful. Started just before the warranty ran out. Truck now has 49K on it and is obviously out of warranty.

I know it's the cam phaser and was just wondering how this job went for those of you that did it yourself. I'm no mechanic but very mechanically inclined and have no hesitations about trying this stuff myself as long as i have good De-structions. How much does the phaser cost?

My truck also just started to get a weird shimmy in it. Almost like a wheel/tire is out-of-round or something. Anyone?

On another note I've never had my truck in the shop for anything and am wondering if there are any updates that should be done.

Thanks for any advice,
Ron

Hey Ford mechanics...
 

I took my '05 in for a ticking noise and was told it was the phasers. Got them replaced (paid a $100 deductible) and the noise came back. Took it back in they've had it for two days; said they had a guy come in from Ford to look at it. Now they tell me it's the lash adjusters. And...since it is a different part/service they are charging me an Additional $100.

WTF!!

The service guy said that they must have backed off after I took it home. The noise was not there when I first fired it up but it got progressively louder and when I dropped it off it was as loud as when I took it in the first time.

Does this sound like a load of chit or what? I figure that as long as the covers are off and you're working on the engine because of valvetrain noise wouldn't you check the valve lash since the noise is nearly indistingushable from cam pahser noise?

Cam Phaser knock
 

I have a 2004 F 150 that is being repaired for the cam phaser issue. The Service Department told me that this issue is caused from using "Quick Lube" establishments and not Ford certified facilities. I was told that there are design differences in the various oil filters and that the Quick Lubes may use a sub-standard filter. The sub-standard filter will not allow the engine oil to flow completely to the far side of the engine resulting in cam phaser failure. If your vehicle is making this noise take it to the dealer quickly as this can result in having to replace the motor. I believe this to be true as there are three others that I know that have F150's; 2 make the same knock and one does not. The difference in the one truck is that it has only been serviced by Ford. This is a very expensive repair and I wish you luck.

Hey Phil150, I am going through the same issue, local dealers just don't know. Do you know the name of the dealer im MI....I may call on them as well.

Thanks
cclar193

Phil150,

do you mind giving the name of the MI dealer who fixed yours? THANKS

cam phaser knock
 

good day all,

My name is john, and i have just joined this forum. I have a 2004 f150 with the 5.4, the truck has 59,000 miles, and started this loud tick, then knock on the passenger side of the engine. After reading your forum inputs i think this is the problem. I took the truck to a auto parts store, and had them run the engine codes. The first was p1352, and 1537. the truck is at the ford dealer right now, waiting for there diagnostic results. Any imput would be greatly appreciated. Take care all

Guess it's my turn, I have a 2005 F150 5.4 Triton with the same issues, sounds great till it warms up then it has the engine knock, just started a couple weeks ago, sounds like a lifter.. also started throwing a message engine failure safeguard, after which you loose pedal response, engine shuts down and you coast to a stop, key off, key on and away you go for a couple days, local Ford dealer says throttle body, said engine noise is typical.. sounds like I'll be reading more about how to change out the cam phasers.. can anyone tell me how much they cost, any detailed teardown instructions would be appreciated... anyone having the throttlebody problem?