Turbo/wastegate actuator rattle!

[Mberfield21]

I've had a rattle for a period of time now. It's more prominent during cold start or revving the engine. I took it into the dealership and I assisted them with diagnosing where the noise was coming from. We took a screw driver and put pressure on the actuator and the rattle went away when revving. Dealership is going to open a star case to determine if this is normal or a problem. Unfortunately they stated that a whole new turbo assembly would be the "fix" which may require removing the body from the frame to swap out. This may or may not fix the rattling noise.

So far I have only seen two others with this issue.

If you have any rattling at cold start or revving this just may be the same thing

 

[RAM-Ranch-MT]

Common raptor ecobust issue. glad to see RAM learned from Fords 15 year mistakes but guess not. LOL. When do the cam phasers start failing in the hurricane? all jokes.

 

[IdealRace]

VW/Audi's had this as well. RS3 in particular. Alfa Romeo Giulia's (2.0L's) had a similar issue with a similar wastegate control.

 

[TomRHO]

I've had a rattle for a period of time now. It's more prominent during cold start or revving the engine. I took it into the dealership and I assisted them with diagnosing where the noise was coming from. We took a screw driver and put pressure on the actuator and the rattle went away when revving. Dealership is going to open a star case to determine if this is normal or a problem. Unfortunately they stated that a whole new turbo assembly would be the "fix" which may require removing the body from the frame to swap out. This may or may not fix the rattling noise.

So far I have only seen two others with this issue.

If you have any rattling at cold start or revving this just may be the same thing

Please let us know the outcome.

 

[RHO Fanboy]

I'm having this exact issue. Sounds like a loud cricket when accelerating between 1600-2000 RPMs. I've brought it to service twice, but they don't know how to fix the issue. The tech told me the same as OP, that the rattle stopped when he pushed the turbo actuator with his screwdriver. I'm also getting this high pitched ringing noise that's driving me crazy. I'm contemplating just trading it in and testing my luck with another one.

 

[Mberfield21]

@

I'm having this exact issue. Sounds like a loud cricket when accelerating between 1600-2000 RPMs. I've brought it to service twice, but they don't know how to fix the issue. The tech told me the same as OP, that the rattle stopped when he pushed the turbo actuator with his screwdriver. I'm also getting this high pitched ringing noise that's driving me crazy. I'm contemplating just trading it in and testing my luck with another one.

Did they give you any type of resolution? I've met a few other RHO guys and they don't have the noise and then I've also met a couple that do have the noise. Talking to my dealer they're in the process of trying to get an answer from corporate themselves, but you know how that goes.. they take their sweet time. They said more than likely they'll just issue me an entire new turbo assembly since they can't just replace the actuator arm itself because it comes all in one. It's definitely annoying at start up and pulling away with the window down. But they're unsure if they have to remove the cab to the frame to replace it due to the location of the turbo. If that's the case, nothing ever goes back the same it was before so I could have other noises throughout the truck due to removing the cab from the frame. Or the noise could just come back. Like others have stated I guess it's a known issue with turbos. If you look up the rattle on the eco-boost F150s. It's a well-known issue and guys are just putting tensioner spring on it to put a little tension to eliminate the rattle. The service Director at my dealership said it eventually could just be the same situation with the RHO as it is with the F150 where it just becomes normal. Not a matter of if it happens, but when it happens. I'm still in the process of determining a solution with them. I love the truck and I'm already invested with a bunch of aftermarket's.

 

[RHO Fanboy]

@

Did they give you any type of resolution? I've met a few other RHO guys and they don't have the noise and then I've also met a couple that do have the noise. Talking to my dealer they're in the process of trying to get an answer from corporate themselves, but you know how that goes.. they take their sweet time. They said more than likely they'll just issue me an entire new turbo assembly since they can't just replace the actuator arm itself because it comes all in one. It's definitely annoying at start up and pulling away with the window down. But they're unsure if they have to remove the cab to the frame to replace it due to the location of the turbo. If that's the case, nothing ever goes back the same it was before so I could have other noises throughout the truck due to removing the cab from the frame. Or the noise could just come back. Like others have stated I guess it's a known issue with turbos. If you look up the rattle on the eco-boost F150s. It's a well-known issue and guys are just putting tensioner spring on it to put a little tension to eliminate the rattle. The service Director at my dealership said it eventually could just be the same situation with the RHO as it is with the F150 where it just becomes normal. Not a matter of if it happens, but when it happens. I'm still in the process of determining a solution with them. I love the truck and I'm already invested with a bunch of aftermarket's.

No resolution. They told me it was normal, but I have a couple friends with RHO's and theirs does not make this noise. Its frustrating!

 

[Mberfield21]

Update:

New rear turbo is ordered. It'll be replaced in the next 3 or so weeks when it arrives. They are only allowing 4 hours of labor so that means the cab doesn't need pulled. Let's hope it repairs the noise.

 

[TXRHO]

I'm having this exact issue. Sounds like a loud cricket when accelerating between 1600-2000 RPMs. I've brought it to service twice, but they don't know how to fix the issue. The tech told me the same as OP, that the rattle stopped when he pushed the turbo actuator with his screwdriver. I'm also getting this high pitched ringing noise that's driving me crazy. I'm contemplating just trading it in and testing my luck with another one.

My truck makes the exact same waste gate noise. I have put it up on a lift and verified it the same way your tech did, with a screw driver. The noise goes away with very little pressure applied. I'm trying to come up with a spring that will work, just like the Raptor guys did. I already tried their spring, but its too long. I will update you if I come up with one that works.

 

[RHO Fanboy]

That's my exact issue as well. When the arm highlighted in the picture is pressed on, the noise goes away immediately and comes back when you let off.

 

[TXRHO]

That's my exact issue as well. When the arm highlighted in the picture is pressed on, the noise goes away immediately and comes back when you let off.

I am also going to try to find a thicker clip for each end of the rod. The clips are loose fitting and allow the rod to vibrate. I wonder if the noise is from the rod and not the gate itself.

 

[RamFan]

I am also going to try to find a thicker clip for each end of the rod. The clips are loose fitting and allow the rod to vibrate. I wonder if the noise is from the rod and not the gate itself.

Wonder if it’s too thick it may increase mechanical tension. But I think it’s the right direction.

I wonder if there is a high temp felt like washer to use as an insulator?

Chris

 

[RHO Fanboy]

I am also going to try to find a thicker clip for each end of the rod. The clips are loose fitting and allow the rod to vibrate. I wonder if the noise is from the rod and not the gate itself.

Wonder if it’s too thick it may increase mechanical tension. But I think it’s the right direction.

I wonder if there is a high temp felt like washer to use as an insulator?

Chris

I am also going to try to find a thicker clip for each end of the rod. The clips are loose fitting and allow the rod to vibrate. I wonder if the noise is from the rod and not the gate itself.

That's what I'm thinking. The ends of the rods fit loosely and is causing the setup to rattle.

 

[RHO Fanboy]

Update:

New rear turbo is ordered. It'll be replaced in the next 3 or so weeks when it arrives. They are only allowing 4 hours of labor so that means the cab doesn't need pulled. Let's hope it repairs the noise.

Which dealership is replacing the turbo? Mine seems to think its normal.

 

[Nick797]

I think raptor guys adding random springs or something to prevent the rattle

 

[RamFan]

Update:

New rear turbo is ordered. It'll be replaced in the next 3 or so weeks when it arrives. They are only allowing 4 hours of labor so that means the cab doesn't need pulled. Let's hope it repairs the noise.

I “think” I’d rather try an at home solution before they tear it all apart. Seems like it may just open another can of worms.

Chris