Odd tapping sound on the highway

[mmdpg]

So this is not a huge deal but it is annoying.

When driving on the highway above 55 MPH I can hear a sporadic tapping sound, to me it sounds like a large cable or tube against metal or thick plastic, coming from the passenger seat or passenger footwell area. Not that loud, not in time with turning wheels or driveline.

First I thought it was wind related because it only occurs at higher speeds so I got under the truck and glued or aluminum taped down all the loose insulation, sound deading or heat shielding I could find under the cab. I re-attached the small holder on a tube going into the transfer case. I turned up the stops on the hood to reduce any vibration, glued down a panel to the firewall that was loose and I taped down the antenna cable in the fender. I even removed the short aftermarket antenna to see if that was the cause and it made no difference.

Then I thought it was vibrations causing the noise so I checked everything I've added to the cab (air pump, first aid kit) to make sure there are no rattles, put cloth tape on two wires in clips behind the glove box, poked, prodded and wiggled everything I could find under the dash, under the seats, on the doors and still getting the noise.

It doesn't sound like the noise people have described from the mirror panels on the doors (to be sure I did remove those panels and tightened the nuts there anyway).

It doesn't happen at low speeds over rough roads or bumps.

Any ideas?

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[True North]

So this is not a huge deal but it is annoying.

When driving on the highway above 55 MPH I can hear a sporadic tapping sound, to me it sounds like a large cable or tube against metal or thick plastic, coming from the passenger seat or passenger footwell area. Not that loud, not in time with turning wheels or driveline.

First I thought it was wind related because it only occurs at higher speeds so I got under the truck and glued or aluminum taped down all the loose insulation, sound deading or heat shielding I could find under the cab. I re-attached the small holder on a tube going into the transfer case. I turned up the stops on the hood to reduce any vibration, glued down a panel to the firewall that was loose and I taped down the antenna cable in the fender. I even removed the short aftermarket antenna to see if that was the cause and it made no difference.

Then I thought it was vibrations causing the noise so I checked everything I've added to the cab (air pump, first aid kit) to make sure there are no rattles, put cloth tape on two wires in clips behind the glove box, poked, prodded and wiggled everything I could find under the dash, under the seats, on the doors and still getting the noise.

It doesn't sound like the noise people have described from the mirror panels on the doors (to be sure I did remove those panels and tightened the nuts there anyway).

It doesn't happen at low speeds over rough roads or bumps.

Any ideas?

Why not take it to a dealer and have a tech ride with you on that side?

 

[mmdpg]

I could, my experience at dealers isn't great, especially for a minor sound. Most times they say they test it and "Can't reproduce customer complaint" if you leave the truck with them. And the selling dealer is about 10 miles from a highway so it would take a while to get back and forth.

 

[True North]

I could, my experience at dealers isn't great, especially for a minor sound. Most times they say they test it and "Can't reproduce customer complaint" if you leave the truck with them. And the selling dealer is about 10 miles from a highway so it would take a while to get back and forth.

I guess I can relate to that. Good luck.

 

[BladeSilver976]

I have have the exact same issue. Any follow up to the sound/fix?

 

[firesprinkguy]

My bet is this is part of the heat shield/driveshaft recall. I experienced the same thing but at lower speeds. I took it into the dealer and they acknowleged this but had to order parts before repair could occur.

 

[BladeSilver976]

My bet is this is part of the heat shield/driveshaft recall. I experienced the same thing but at lower speeds. I took it into the dealer and they acknowleged this but had to order parts before repair could occur.

I have checked my heat shield around the driveshaft and its secure with no movement. Its definitely near the passenger foot well area under the truck. At least I can't hear it when the music is on.

 

[Mtnman1]

Active air dam?

 

[mmdpg]

I thought of that too since it only seems to happen at highway speeds for me.

 

[jdr]

My bet is this is part of the heat shield/driveshaft recall. I experienced the same thing but at lower speeds. I took it into the dealer and they acknowleged this but had to order parts before repair could occur.

My recall was for Underbody Insulators and drive shaft. The insulators apparently can become loose and cause issues for the drive shaft. Just had it at the dealer yesterday for the repair. I've had a similar sound on the highway, only when towing my RV though. I was wondering if the recall issue would take care of it however, have not had a chance to take the RV out again.

 

[charmnh]

Has your driveshaft been replaced. Mine in shop for 6 weeks now with no replacement in sight.

 

[DannyGRT]

Any update on the noise source?

 

[mmdpg]

Not really for me, seems to come and go. Frankly I've been dealing with the insulators recall and a dive shaft seal that was damaged and needed to be replaced so I'm just happy to have my truck back and working.

 

[mmdpg]

So I found a possible cause for the sound I was hearing. When I opened the passenger side rear door I happened to bang it with my elbow and there is a piece of trim on the leading edge of the window frame that is loose and made a pretty loud clattering/clicking sound. When the door is closed and you thump the door frame with the palm of your hand you can hear the clicking.

I think the piece might be there to reduce wind noise and fill the gap between the rear edge of the front door and the leading edge of the rear door. It's loose on the passenger side and it's tight and doesn't move on the drivers side.

I put 5, 1 inch long pieces of 3M automotive trim double sided tape under the edge of the trim piece to stick it to the painted frame. That stopped it from moving and making any noise when you thump the door frame (open and shut).

Fingers crossed this helps. I've only been on the highway once since putting on the tape and didn't hear the noise but I'm not 100% sure I've fixed the problem.

 

[Zengineer]

I read something here about a weight of some sort inside the passenger seat back rattling but can't find the thread.

I assume you've ruled out rear seatbelts flopping around?

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