francisrust
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We recently purchased a 2005 (used) 34 ft Triple E Class A with a F550 chassis DRW 228" wheelbase 6.8 EFI Triton V10 engine, 4 speed electronic automatic transmission.
This is our first Class A and our first Ford. (We used to travel with a 3/4 ton Chev and fifth wheel.)
There is a howling noise that seems to be coming from the drive train and/or the rear end. It is the loudest between 50 - 55 mph (80 - 90 km/h). After 55 mph is gets quieter but never goes away completely.
Is this normal for this vehicle? Does anyone have any ideas? Could it be the transmission?
Karen, Fran & the Cairns:
Midas, Gino, Reba
See Karen & Frans Travel Log at: http://goodsamclub.mytripjournal.com/ramblinrusts
Currently Traveling with 2005 Triple E Embassy 34F and 2009 Honda CR-V
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Firemane
Oceanside, CA
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On any vehicle, howling from the rear end indicates a problem. Either the ring and pinion are worn, or they're not set up right. Could also be bearings, but either way I'd have the rear axle checked out by a competent driveline shop. No such thing as a "normal" howling noise coming from a drive axle.
-Brian
2002 Winnebago Sightseer 30B (F-53)
1994 Jeep Wrangler (rock-crawler)
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jdgreen42
Silsbee, TX 77656
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Joined: 05/01/2004
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This sounds like ring gear and pinion ( rear end ) trouble to me. This is very characteristic of their symptoms. You mignt try some additives, however usually the only fix is to replace them
Don
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Firemane
Oceanside, CA
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BTW, the Ford Class A chassis is referred to as the F-53 chassis, not F550.
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wolfe10
Texas
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Does the noise change as you let off the throttle, vs steady cruise vs acceleration?
Brett Wolfe
1993 Foretravel 36' U-240
Cat 3116, Allison 3060
Caterpillar RV Engine Owner's Club: www.catrvclub.org
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rgatijnet1
Florida
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Joined: 06/22/2009
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It could also be the carrier bearing in the middle of the drivetrain. This is the bearing that is between the two drive shafts. A rear axle bearing is also a possibility.
The first thing I would check is the lubricant level in the rear end. You could have a seal that has leaked and lost enough lubricant to cause the noise.
Most ring and pinion noise will go away when you let off of the gas and coast. Most bearing noises will be there all of the time.
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francisrust
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In Answer to the Question:
Does the noise change as you let off the throttle, vs steady cruise vs acceleration?
Brett Wolfe
1993 Foretravel 36' U-240
Cat 3116, Allison 3060
Yes, it does lessen when I let off the throttle. Does that mean something particular?
Thanks for the responses everyone!!!
Fran
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wolfe10
Texas
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Yup, that suggests the rear axle "Ring and Pinion".
Before driving, verify rear axle fluid level.
At your convenience, have a HD truck/Ford truck dealer go for a ride and listen with you.
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francisrust
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Thanks for the help everyone. I'll check the rear axle fluid level Monday when we get it from the storage yard before taking it to the Ford dealer to go on a test drive.
Karen, Fran & the Cairns:
Midas, Gino, Reba
See Karen & Frans Travel Log at: http://goodsamclub.mytripjournal.com/ramblinrusts
Currently Traveling with 2005 Triple E Embassy 34F and 2009 Honda CR-V
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newxmar
East Otis, MA
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Had this same rear end noise on a F-53, early 1999 chassis (new design) as did many others. Ford changed out some axles. Blamed the pinion/ring gear fit/contact. Believe Ford and the axle supplier corrected the problem midway in the model year. Rear axle was from a truck and the noise did not bother anyone, but in a motorhome it was objectionable.
Have not heard of this noise recently. As suggested here, there is probably something wrong with the rear axle/differential.
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