Noisy Tow Vehicle

[Baldicon]

I have a 2017 Ford F350 diesel dually with the factory puck system. Bought it to travel, but have less than 20k miles. It has developed a very loud squeak, which is getting worse. And, it only makes the noise when I have the 5th wheel trailer (Montana 3121RL) connected. When unloaded it does not make a peep. I have a B&W companion hitch with a Trailair pin box. I lubricated the hitch and pin box and torqued all bolts, and adjusted the hitch locking cams. My son-in-law rode in the bed of the truck around the campground to see if it was the hitch or pin box, and he said neither made any noise and the sounds were definitely coming from under the truck. While he was in the bed of the truck, I crawled underneath with my phone on video, and he rocked the truck from side-to-side and it sounded like an old rusty box spring being used for adult purposes. It’s embarrassing to drive through the campground. So, I called the local dealer to schedule an appointment to get it looked at, and the scheduler asked if it made the noise with out the trailer and I told him no. His reply was that he didn’t see how they could diagnose the problem. I told him I would bring the trailer down there or they could put 3500 lbs in the back of the truck. I will do anything they ask to help get this fixed. He said he would get the service manager to call me, but he hasn’t yet. Any thoughts on what it could be? I can’t tell if it is suspension related or possibly something in the puck hitch system. But either way, it is totally unacceptable for this new of a truck to sound like a 30-year-old garbage truck. Any help or advice as to how get it resolved will be greatly appreciated. I have a feeling that I will have a battle getting them to fix it.

[jimcol]

Could it be a shock or the rubber bushings on the shocks? Just a guess but something to look at.

[JABURKHOLDER]

My first thought is your hitch but you say no.
Crazy thought. Try hitting your snubbers with some kind of lube. Maybe silicon or white lithium spray. Also, make sure they are tight. Could be making noise hitting your overload spring.
Also check all the mounting hardware for your leaf springs. Hanger bushings, u-clamp around the axle, etc.

[Preston & Terri]

A squeak makes me think of two things rubbing together. A rattle would be something loose. Therefore I would spray some lubricant on those components that move when you start placing the load on the rear suspension.

[mtlakejim]

Check the bolts on the bed box. They have rubber bushings and if they are a little loose or the rubber is worn out/dry rotted you could develop a squeak. And it may only happen under load if the bolts are tight enough when your not loaded. Also might check how the hockey pucks are bolted in may be a similar issue?

[Sdgood1]

Also check to see if the overload spring is loaded or touching when the trailer is hooked up. Just something to check

[Skw774]

does it sound rotational like a u-joint. i have seen them only squeek under load

[Baldicon]

Originally Posted by jimcol

Could it be a shock or the rubber bushings on the shocks? Just a guess but something to look at.

Yes it could be, but the few minutes I had under the truck I couldn't isolate where the noise is coming from. Hoping this evening to be able to hook the camper back up to the truck at the campsite and see if I can find where it's coming from. Biggest disappointment is from the dealer, basically saying they can't help me (it is still under warranty). Service manager is supposed to call me back, but hasn't yet.

[skidoomatt]

I agree with the others on the rubber pads your overload springs contact under load. My '02 F-250 had the overload springs and anytime I had a load big enough in the bed it would squeak going over bumps, etc. I've also heard of some guys having issues with the plastic bushing pads in the leaf spring pack...could hurt to check those too.

[mtheo]

Had a similar problem with an 02, chevy. Spring packs were squeaking, had a hard time locating the squeak. Lube the spring and that took care of problem.

[3 fingers]

Morning , 1 thing else to look at is where your wheel weights are. If they are clamped on to the inside of wheel on rim I have experienced squeek from when the wheel weight gets to bottom and load of truck is on them. Also years ago after changing u joints,wheel bearings I found it to be the clips on the wheel covers when the clips went to the bottom of the rotation, These are a couple of items you could look at, just a squirt of wd 40 or glass cleaner on tire bead then try if this changes..Person can get old enough with out noises like this that keep you up wondering, good luck.

[Ram Montana High Country]

When trying to locate the noise under the truck, use an empty wrapping paper tube. Putting one end to your ear and move the other end to different areas. This helps isolate the source of the noise. Sounds strange but does work. I use to apply this technique to find a noisy fixture in the warehouse.

[Baldicon]

Thanks to all that replied, problem solved (I hope). And, the dealer was of no help, still waiting on the service manager to call me back. I cleaned the ends of the overload springs and rubber bump stop blocks with WD-40 and then applied WD-40 dry lube. Completely eliminated the noise. I felt the underside of the rubber bump stop blocks for any signs of wear or damage, but all four were as smooth as a baby’s bottom. FWIW, my pin weight is 3000-3500 lbs., and the springs were barely making contact with the bump stop blocks. My load capacity per the yellow sticker is 5700 lbs. To those that replied that they have lubricated their overload springs/bump stops, how often do you have to reapply? I know that’s highly dependent on a lot of factors. And another question, do any of you routinely apply some type of lubricant to all of the suspension rubber bushings or spring ends?

Thanks again. I now have another issue that I’ll start a new thread about.

[WeBeFulltime]

Baldicon check your trucks spare tire for tightness of mount. That very problem happened to another CFP friend of mine but his truck was a Ram.

[Baldicon]

Originally Posted by WeBeFulltime

Baldicon check your trucks spare tire for tightness of mount. That very problem happened to another CFP friend of mine but his truck was a Ram.

I think I found the problem (overload spring rubber stops). I move the camper late next week, and if still making noise will check the spare tire mount, Thanks.

[MARK A]

Sounds like the overload springs are making noise. Maybe a missing spring bumper or try some silicone lube. Well hell...too late to help LOL


Mark

[Baldicon]

Thanks Mark and to all who replied. We move Thursday, if still making noise I'll be back.

[Annnsteve]

On our new F350 SWD the truck squats and the spring fully rests on the rubber pad, the pin weight is 2,240 ish, should it not be doing that? Have only towed one trip with the truck. It also makes a lot of noise.

[Baldicon]

Originally Posted by Annnsteve

On our new F350 SWD the truck squats and the spring fully rests on the rubber pad, the pin weight is 2,240 ish, should it not be doing that? Have only towed one trip with the truck. It also makes a lot of noise.

I have a dually, I think it has stiffer springs and rear axle.

[paulinbaja]

Still under warranty, park it across their driveway until the return your call.