Ford Explorer Grinding noise on acceleration or reving

[Austin Dorow]

Hi, this is my first time posting. The problem I have isn't causing any driving issues or anything weird. I just can't figure out what this noise is. It happens when I accelerate a little hard or when I rev in neutral. Kinda sounds like a little scrapping/grinding. I do believe there is a slight exhaust leak I have and I am wondering if that could be the cause. The trans is great never slips or anything and no problems. But if anyone could possibly have a guess of what it could be. Thank you. If anyone needs more of a description let me know I could record a video for someone to listen to it.

 

[lincolnshibuya]

sometimes the tensioner pulley or the idlers make noise during acceleration. try taking out your serpentine belt and spin the pulleys, if they freewheel then they need replacement.

I've recently replaced the idlers and tensioner pulleys on my mountaineer (new tensioner assembly) and navigator (only replaced tensioner pulley) The result is very astounding..

 

[Tech By Trade]

Search ford explorer death rattle.

 

[Austin Dorow]

sometimes the tensioner pulley or the idlers make noise during acceleration. try taking out your serpentine belt and spin the pulleys, if they freewheel then they need replacement.

I've recently replaced the idlers and tensioner pulleys on my mountaineer (new tensioner assembly) and navigator (only replaced tensioner pulley) The result is very astounding..

1. so try taking off the serpentine belt and spin the pulleys and if they keep spinning they need to be replaced? and what exactly is are the idlers? Thank you for your help.

 

[Austin Dorow]

Search ford explorer death rattle.

I don't think it is that... thankfully. I will record a video and get back to you guys soon.

 

[lincolnshibuya]

1. 
   
   
   • so try taking off the serpentine belt and spin the pulleys and if they keep spinning they need to be replaced? and what exactly is are the idlers? Thank you for your help.

that's the driver side, there's another 1 (non-ribbed) idler pulley on the passenger side just above the tensioner.

 

[Austin Dorow]

Search ford explorer death rattle.

Okay I found this, at the 8 second mark this is what is sounds like but my explorer doesn't sound as rattly when running like his,

 

[Austin Dorow]

that's the driver side, there's another 1 (non-ribbed) idler pulley on the passenger side just above the tensioner.

Was the sound that you got similar as in the video of the 8 second mark, like that scrapping/grinding and if so did doing this make the noise go away?

 

[lincolnshibuya]

Was the sound that you got similar as in the video of the 8 second mark, like that scrapping/grinding and if so did doing this make the noise go away?

it's hard to tell from the video, mine was like knocking on idle and knocks hard when revved. I thought my engine was toast (sounds like a rod knock) until I removed the serpentine belt and checked the pulleys. you could also try starting the engine without the belt for a short time to check if that same noise occurs. If the noise occurs it's not the pulleys.

 

[Austin Dorow]

it's hard to tell from the video, mine was like knocking on idle and knocks hard when revved. I thought my engine was toast (sounds like a rod knock) until I removed the serpentine belt and checked the pulleys. you could also try starting the engine without the belt for a short time to check if that same noise occurs. If the noise occurs it's not the pulleys.

I'll give that a go, I'll record a quick vid and get back to y'all wish me luck. Appreciate the help too

 

[freddygeez]

Okay I found this, at the 8 second mark this is what is sounds like but my explorer doesn't sound as rattly when running like his,

Check your exhaust that could be the cat. It sounds a lot like an exhaust obstruction or maybe the cat broke down on the inside