Rotational Chirping Sound - 25 XLT 2.3L

[camocustom]

Hey all,

Figured I would start a thread here. I searched the forums for mention of this and only found the brake boost chirping sounds.

2025 XLT 2.3L, purchased 8/23/25, 6000 miles, never been off road yet. City miles only.

After the truck is warm, either under load or coasting, there is a repetitive chirping, as with something rotating and contacting each other. This happens ONLY between speeds of about 18-30mph. Once you get over 30, the rpm of the rotation is now much faster and the sound 'fades out' though, it's just rotating faster at that point. The noise is not heard from the engine. In neutral or park on throttle, no chirp.

After some research, on Facebook, there was ONE individual with a 2024 XLT with the exact same issue. Dealer replaced driveshaft and some other parts, but the sound returned. This person ended up going through BBB for a buyback through ford.

In addition, it looks like the Bronco guys are having the same issues: (UPDATED) Rotational squeak / squeal noise below 30mph after driving | Bronco6G - 2021+ Ford Bronco & Bronco Raptor Forum, News, Blog & Owners Community <-- Theirs is related to the CV boot/Grease either liquifying and trapping in the pleats of the boot. The reason was because their front CV boot sits right above the exhaust. Garage fabbed heatsheilds seem to work after driveshaft replacements.

My experience thus far since I am under warranty of course:

Dropped my truck off on Tuesday 3/17 for the recall work and to discuss the issue. (this was prior to finding out about the bronco's similar issue). Of course, I get a call and a video message stating my recall work was complete and the sounds I hear are normal turbo noises. Awesome. I went up to the dealer and rode with the shop foreman. Was able to reproduce the sound clearly and he drove and also witnessed it.

In addition, as I waited, I inspected the Airbag recall. They completely destroyed my interior trim pieces. So had to order new ones.

I left him with that experience on 3/18 around 2pm. I called the foreman after the Bronco issues i found, and made him aware of the driveshaft being possibly an issue. My truck sat un-touched in the same spot (back parking lot, verified by ford app) until yesterday 03/24 at 11am.

3/24 3pm, I received a call stating, 'We ordered a new exhaust, the tech thinks the noise you are hearing is the flexible part in the exhaust pipe' I didnt have words. I do think they are completely incorrect though.

As far as my trim pieces, while they did install new ones and they are not messed up, they couldn't even handle installing the defrost wire into its cutout groove in the rear pillars, so now, every turn I get creaks and knocks from the back pillar trim areas. Why is nearly every single dealership service dept like this?

I am not sure I should go back to this dealer; I really do not see how an exhaust pipe can make a rotational chirping noise. Or do I give them a chance to 'fix it' as strike one for lemon law? What I dont want, is a brand new truck that has been taken apart and put back together 10 times, you knpw?

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[superj]

that is exactly why my truck has only been back to the dealer for oil changes and to do the ford performance tune install.

that cv axle boot deal is crazy. i wonder why it effects only certain trucks. my son and my father in law both have 4x4 rangers, one is a 25 with 2.3 and the other is a 2.7 and neither have that noise. i asked them after reading about it yesterday.

if a small home made heat shield works, i would be inclined to try that before letting them tar the truck up some more.

 

[stuartmunto]

Hey all,

Figured I would start a thread here. I searched the forums for mention of this and only found the brake boost chirping sounds.

2025 XLT 2.3L, purchased 8/23/25, 6000 miles, never been off road yet. City miles only.

After the truck is warm, either under load or coasting, there is a repetitive chirping, as with something rotating and contacting each other. This happens ONLY between speeds of about 18-30mph. Once you get over 30, the rpm of the rotation is now much faster and the sound 'fades out' though, it's just rotating faster at that point. The noise is not heard from the engine. In neutral or park on throttle, no chirp.

After some research, on Facebook, there was ONE individual with a 2024 XLT with the exact same issue. Dealer replaced driveshaft and some other parts, but the sound returned. This person ended up going through BBB for a buyback through ford.

In addition, it looks like the Bronco guys are having the same issues: (UPDATED) Rotational squeak / squeal noise below 30mph after driving | Bronco6G - 2021+ Ford Bronco & Bronco Raptor Forum, News, Blog & Owners Community <-- Theirs is related to the CV boot/Grease either liquifying and trapping in the pleats of the boot. The reason was because their front CV boot sits right above the exhaust. Garage fabbed heatsheilds seem to work after driveshaft replacements.

My experience thus far since I am under warranty of course:

Dropped my truck off on Tuesday 3/17 for the recall work and to discuss the issue. (this was prior to finding out about the bronco's similar issue). Of course, I get a call and a video message stating my recall work was complete and the sounds I hear are normal turbo noises. Awesome. I went up to the dealer and rode with the shop foreman. Was able to reproduce the sound clearly and he drove and also witnessed it.

In addition, as I waited, I inspected the Airbag recall. They completely destroyed my interior trim pieces. So had to order new ones.

I left him with that experience on 3/18 around 2pm. I called the foreman after the Bronco issues i found, and made him aware of the driveshaft being possibly an issue. My truck sat un-touched in the same spot (back parking lot, verified by ford app) until yesterday 03/24 at 11am.

3/24 3pm, I received a call stating, 'We ordered a new exhaust, the tech thinks the noise you are hearing is the flexible part in the exhaust pipe' I didnt have words. I do think they are completely incorrect though.

As far as my trim pieces, while they did install new ones and they are not messed up, they couldn't even handle installing the defrost wire into its cutout groove in the rear pillars, so now, every turn I get creaks and knocks from the back pillar trim areas. Why is nearly every single dealership service dept like this?

I am not sure I should go back to this dealer; I really do not see how an exhaust pipe can make a rotational chirping noise. Or do I give them a chance to 'fix it' as strike one for lemon law? What I dont want, is a brand new truck that has been taken apart and put back together 10 times, you knpw?

Mine also makes this sound too - only when warm, never in a cold start. 2023 Ranger Raptor with 21,000kms. It’s due a service in May so I was planning to bring it up during its service visit.

Thank you for posting that bronco link - this will help heaps!

Please let us know how you go with it! And good luck!

 

[gtistiffler]

I had the same noise. Saw all the Bronco stuff and jacked mine up and was definitely the front driveshaft boot. Mine feels like it’s almost too hard of a material. Anyway, I removed the forward boot clamp, used a grease gun with a long needle on it and pumped Motorcraft grease in it and spread it around the shaft. Then replaced the clamp with a Dorman 614-068 ear clamp using the appropriate tool. Haven’t had a noise since.

 

[camocustom]

I had the same noise. Saw all the Bronco stuff and jacked mine up and was definitely the front driveshaft boot. Mine feels like it’s almost too hard of a material. Anyway, I removed the forward boot clamp, used a grease gun with a long needle on it and pumped Motorcraft grease in it and spread it around the shaft. Then replaced the clamp with a Dorman 614-068 ear clamp using the appropriate tool. Haven’t had a noise since.

Wonder if some were just under greased from factory? No way the dealer would try this....

Thanks for that info though, its helpful!

 

[gtistiffler]

Wonder if some were just under greased from factory? No way the dealer would try this....

Thanks for that info though, its helpful!

Yeah I knew the dealer wouldn’t and with all the Bronco guys having multiple replacements I figured I’d try it. Their driveshaft is the same PN as ours. Cost me about $20 as I already had the tool.

 

[camocustom]

UPDATE: Waiting to speak with dealer service dept#1 GM to fix my headliner creaking after recall.

I also spoke to the next dealer 20 miles away, they have heard of the CV boot issue on broncos and agree that what I described is NOT related to the exhaust. I am on a loaner waiting list and their service manager is ready when I arrive for a test drive to recreate the sound. It'll be perfect as the truck will be plenty warmed up by that point.

They informed me they would NOT however, fix the previous dealers mistakes incorrect install of the recall. Which is completely understood.

 

[camocustom]

UPDATE Today 04/23:
The first crappy dealer 'fixed' the creaking noise on the interior. they had it all apart again, then brought me over and 'claimed' that my bed cover clip (rollup soft top) was pushed down between the body and the window, and that was causing the creaking. I got home and tested that, and its impossible for that clip to have gotten wedged there, even by some miracle accident. The bed cover has not been removed since I installed it 4 months ago, long before they ripped out my headliner and trim for the recall.

What I think happened, was they found their mistake, tried to save face and make an excuse.

Rotational Chirping sound is back with a vengeance.
On 4/10/26, I went for a normal trip (7 miles away) to pick up my daughter from school. As I was leaving the school, the chirping was really loud and now present at lower speeds, 15mph+. I rescheduled a visit with the new dealership that I had contacted previously.

My Ranger has been at the 2nd Dealer's Service dept since Friday, 4/17. The dealer was finally able to hear the noise, while on the lift running. They also opened a ticket with the Ford Engineer team.

Just received a text that they ordered a new driveshaft and it will be here tomorrow. I know another Ranger owner had the same issue, and a new driveshaft did NOT fix the issue, but I'll let them try it. Here's to hoping it is just the driveshaft!

 

[superj]

dang. that sucks. hopefully the ds fixes it but if not, i wonder if its the center support bearing doing it or one of the ends. i know on nissan titans, they had similar issues and it turned out nissan had to grease the splines on the drive shaft and it fixed the noise for like 30k and then it had to be greased again

 

[camocustom]

dang. that sucks. hopefully the ds fixes it but if not, i wonder if its the center support bearing doing it or one of the ends. i know on nissan titans, they had similar issues and it turned out nissan had to grease the splines on the drive shaft and it fixed the noise for like 30k and then it had to be greased again

I just found another thread here on the forums, that references the Propeller shaft (which is apparently part of the full assembly as ordered)

 

[camocustom]

Going to pick up my Truck in about 2 hours. They completed the new driveshaft replacement and have since road tested, and my Service advisor took it for a short drive (heat of the day) and did not have issues. I live about 15 miles away and it'll be nice and warm so time will tell!

 

[camocustom]

Well, they said it was the driveshaft slip joint. So far so good, time will tell.

 

[GraniteRR]

Well, they said it was the driveshaft slip joint. So far so good, time will tell.

Any update on yours? Did the driveshaft solve the issue? My 24 RR has started making this chirping sound which sound identical to the videos posted on Bronco6G.

 

[got3fords]

They replace the whole driveshaft for something that just needed grease? What am I missing?

 

[GraniteRR]

They replace the whole driveshaft for something that just needed grease? What am I missing?

On Bronco6G, it seems this is what the dealers are doing to "fix" the issue.

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