Sponsored

Incessant Clunking from Rear Suspension

OP
OP

dafuture

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 22, 2024
Threads
10
Messages
61
Reaction score
25
Location
New York
Vehicles
2023 Ford F-150 Lariat 502A
I inadvertently caused a clunk that I could hear within the cabin after installing an under-seat tray unit. I thought something in the bed, driveshaft, or leaf springs (common in my 2014 when temps would dip into teens drastically).

The culprit, after chasing somewhat of a ghost was the rear LEFT passenger backrest never clamped back into its horizontal striker pin.

Dumbest thing ever. ?
Funny enough, I just put in the Builtright Industries Seat release. I definitely triple checked it to make sure that wasn't the issue, figured it was more likely I was being stupid than something actually wrong haha.
Sponsored

 

Gros Ventre

Well-known member
First Name
Bill
Joined
Nov 13, 2021
Threads
47
Messages
2,690
Reaction score
1,815
Location
Western Wyoming
Vehicles
Powerboost
Ah, I see. Well I'll keep that as a last resort if I can't find the culprit this week. I don't want to blindly throw parts at it if it's something else.
...And that's exactly why it kicked my butt. The real way I ID'd the fault was to go out and purchase a set of noise gear sensors and a receiver box, then go out driving so I could listen. Got it on not just throwing parts at the noise... Like I said, it kicked my butt for weeks..........
 
OP
OP

dafuture

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 22, 2024
Threads
10
Messages
61
Reaction score
25
Location
New York
Vehicles
2023 Ford F-150 Lariat 502A
...And that's exactly why it kicked my butt. The real way I ID'd the fault was to go out and purchase a set of noise gear sensors and a receiver box, then go out driving so I could listen. Got it on not just throwing parts at the noise... Like I said, it kicked my butt for weeks..........
Figures haha. I suppose if I really wanted to I could throw the stock rears back on and see if the noise goes away. That being said, laying in the cold with a bad back changing those out sounds terrible! I may just have to turn it over to a shop if I can't figure it out otherwise.
 

VRFlyer

Well-known member
First Name
Chase
Joined
Dec 10, 2021
Threads
3
Messages
640
Reaction score
609
Location
MDW
Vehicles
2023 XLT 3.5EB SCRW FX4
Occupation
InofoTech
Funny enough, I just put in the Builtright Industries Seat release. I definitely triple checked it to make sure that wasn't the issue, figured it was more likely I was being stupid than something actually wrong haha.
Yeah, when I added that one, I had an obnoxious issue with the striker pin not engaging, had to put a bit of pressure (pushing) the headrest area to make it "click."

The LEFT passenger was another oddball, it had to be slammed so it would catch.
 

Henfield

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 15, 2021
Threads
2
Messages
637
Reaction score
478
Location
Usa
Vehicles
2021 XLT Screw 5.0,4x4,302Asport,
Assuming its nothing that is loose inside the cab or bed of the truck, Something that isn't properly secured (eg pipework) or perhaps a leaking shock are the likely suspects
 

Sponsored

OP
OP

dafuture

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 22, 2024
Threads
10
Messages
61
Reaction score
25
Location
New York
Vehicles
2023 Ford F-150 Lariat 502A
Assuming its nothing that is loose inside the cab or bed of the truck, Something that isn't properly secured (eg pipework) or perhaps a leaking shock are the likely suspects
I took everything out of the cab that it could be, even took out my bed divider. A leaking shock is possible, I may have to throw my OEM shocks back on to test that theory.

What pipework are you referring to?
 

Gros Ventre

Well-known member
First Name
Bill
Joined
Nov 13, 2021
Threads
47
Messages
2,690
Reaction score
1,815
Location
Western Wyoming
Vehicles
Powerboost
I took everything out of the cab that it could be, even took out my bed divider. A leaking shock is possible, I may have to throw my OEM shocks back on to test that theory.

What pipework are you referring to?
When you get to re-installing the OEM Shocks... Look over each bushing, nut, & bolt for ovalling. That could be the problem also and you wouldn't see it without disassembling the bolted joint. Along with just tightening down the bolts (as you've done) wouldn't fix it.
 
Last edited:

FaaWrenchBndr

Well-known member
First Name
Greg
Joined
Jun 23, 2024
Threads
13
Messages
2,552
Reaction score
2,555
Location
Denver, IN
Vehicles
‘24 XLT Powerboost
Occupation
Semi retired aircraft mechanic
My money is on the shocks as being the source
 

Hans Moleman

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 3, 2024
Threads
31
Messages
348
Reaction score
278
Location
SF Bay
Vehicles
2023 XLT 302A Powerboost FX4 Sport
I have the clunk when going over speed bumps. I thinks it is the tail gate step clunking. I can also hear noises when I’m shaking the tail gate.
 
OP
OP

dafuture

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 22, 2024
Threads
10
Messages
61
Reaction score
25
Location
New York
Vehicles
2023 Ford F-150 Lariat 502A

Sponsored


Davidwnuc

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 13, 2022
Threads
5
Messages
631
Reaction score
536
Location
Mississippi
Vehicles
On order ‘22 RCSB.
My recommendation is to get a rubber mallet and get under the truck and start hitting stuff (with caution) until you find the source.
good luck
 

js312

Well-known member
First Name
Joe
Joined
Dec 12, 2023
Threads
4
Messages
333
Reaction score
268
Location
New England
Vehicles
2023 Lariat PowerBoost
Occupation
IT Director
If you have the 2+1 leaf pack it could be the leaf spring isolators. 13th Gen was notorious for them wearing out and making clunking noises.
 

nicholsbradley

Well-known member
First Name
Bradley
Joined
Jan 1, 2021
Threads
6
Messages
234
Reaction score
122
Location
Louisiana
Vehicles
2021 Ford F150 Platinum
Occupation
Analyst
I would be curious to hear what you find. I think it is more common than we think. Mine is a 22 PowerBosst and does it as well. I just gave up looking.
 
OP
OP

dafuture

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 22, 2024
Threads
10
Messages
61
Reaction score
25
Location
New York
Vehicles
2023 Ford F-150 Lariat 502A
I would be curious to hear what you find. I think it is more common than we think. Mine is a 22 PowerBosst and does it as well. I just gave up looking.
I'll definitely update with what I figure out. I have an appointment with Ford for Thursday, and if they can't sort it out I'll be under the truck sometime this weekend.
 

Gros Ventre

Well-known member
First Name
Bill
Joined
Nov 13, 2021
Threads
47
Messages
2,690
Reaction score
1,815
Location
Western Wyoming
Vehicles
Powerboost
I ended up purchasing a set of strap on Sound Sensors that transmit sound via wireless ink. I then went out on the road and listened. That is what finally zeroed in on the strut itself. Then I replaced it and the clunking went away. But it did kick my butt for weeks.
Sponsored

 
 







Top