First off-road trip = strange noise

[s-k]

I started hearing this noise on the second half of the day in which I offoaded my Bronco for the first time. 2022 Badlands, 2.7, auto. Stock otherwise except bumper, winch, SAS front shocks and some different skid plates. 20,000 miles

the first part of the day was different terrain and different driving style.

The noise started happening on a hilly trail where I’d be in M1 or M2 low range climbing a hill and as rpms climbed 2500-3000 when I’d let off the accelerator I could here a sort of rattle, but rattle isn’t best word. Sounding similar to what gears clashing together when load is removed sounded like might be a better description (video of noise included in post)

As I noticed and became more aware of the noise I tried to see when I could and when I couldn’t replicate it. In that rpm range it fairly consistently would occur. It happened in 4L, 4H, 2H while on this off-road trail. And I could get it to happen both when accelerating and decelerating but mostly on deceleration.

afterwards back on pavement, I thought I heard it once on heavy acceleration but couldn’t get it to happen again. Will be 4 wheeling again today.

I took video, will see if it uploads.

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[NC_Oak]

maybe sounds like a heat shield rattling when it happens the second time in your clip. i usually want to blame skid plates for noises, but even aluminum plates would sound a big bangier than that

 

[Brian_B]

Could be heat shield or loose skid plate. SKid plate bolts are definitely worth checking, they love to work lose and start making all sorts of racket.

Sounds more like something rubbing a spring somewhere on a coilover though but can't tell if it's following with jostles or not.

 

[s-k]

The Saturday 4wheeling day was rockier and slower speeds and I couldn't ever replicate the noise I posted about with the video.

This morning however, I was towing a small trailer and going down a steep grade I put it in M2 for compression braking which allowed the rpms to increase anywhere from 2700-3200 depending when I tapped the brakes. In this situation, just as in the similar situation offroad on Friday - the vehicle did the exact same rattle/vibration/weird type of noise.

I was under the Bronco after Saturday's trip checking out anything loose or things that could have movement and didn't find anything related to this noise (I did find a few things that I rectified before the noise was still present this morning so I know those things didn't cause this specific noise). Skid plate bolts were and are tight though.

So it's still there and does not change, start or stop with any kind of road condition or suspension travel. With all of the heat shield material around the cats and front exhaust assembly I wonder if it could be there? I would think somebody would've had something similar if that was the case.

My biggest concern is something in the engine at this rpm range occurring when letting off the accelerator and letting the engine idle up or down. I have no familiarity with newer engine technology or anything that may be happening there related to this noise potentially (like cam phasers or whatever else).

 

[dgorsett]

I really know not of what I speak, but I'll throw this out since it;s when your out of the throtle: turbo blow off vale/wastegate?

 

[EvilJim1971]

Sounds like loose metal, heat shield, skid plate, something like that.

 

[s-k]

I’ve left the Bronco in CO for an expanded trip this summer. I will update thread then. As of last review I couldn’t find anything.

My lower control arm to frame bolts did loosen. 2 of 4. Could’ve been alignment shop not tightening enough. Wouldn’t think that’s an issue going forward. Although the nuts are not lock nuts. Different kind of noise.

Had another noise from exhaust out back by muffler. The rubber hangers/isolators shifted allowing some exhaust to frame contact. Again different tone and sound.

But this noise I posted about remains. Will have to see what’s up with it again in a couple months. Thanks for your input so far.

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