2009 single cab F150, sudden rattle in the back

[Red Squirrel]

Going to be booking it in to get checked since it's annoying AF, but figured I'd post here in case someone happens to know what this could be.

It basically started as soon as the weather started to drop a couple days ago. It's been a warm winter but it's now in the more normal seasonal -30s. So basically as I'm driving and hit bumps (which is basically, all our roads) there is this rattle noise coming from the back, hard to tell exactly where since I have to focus on the road but it feels like it's behind me so probably more driver's side, but could easily be more in middle too, under the box somewhere. Sounds like if you were to put a couple bolts in a pan and shake it. The more I go over bumps the more it happens, so obviously something loose somewhere. I don't see anything obvious under the truck like anything hanging, but it's too cold to spend more than a minute at a time outside and I'm not really setup to go right under as I don't have a proper garage or anything to work in and it's just too damn cold.

From inside the truck when I'm parked, if I hit the back below the window I can sort of hear it too, so I feel whatever it is, is in that general area but it's hard to tell for sure. I was thinking maybe it's the sliding window, but it's frozen shut and is not loose. I was thinking maybe some ice got lodged between the box and the cab but I don't see anything in there.

Any other ideas?

 

[BoomerD]

someone toss a couple of aluminum cans in the bed when you weren't looking?

 

[herm0016]

exhaust hanger? spare tire? get under there and shake some stuff.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Also inclined to think it's an exhaust hanger that's loosened, broken. When we took delivery of our (new at the time) Subaru Impreza, it developed a ratter that sounded like bolts shaking around about 3 months in (it started to get cold). Turned out there was an exhaust hanger nut/bolt that had loosened and caused the increasingly loud rattle. Those hardware bits were replaced and it was quiet from that point forward.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I have a 2009 F150 and started getting a rattle in the back recently. All the forum searching resulted in stuff saying to grease the tailgate hinges and latches. Apparently, when the bed flexes it cause the metal parts to vibrate and squeak. I thought it was something along the lines of the bed squeaking against the cab.....but it was further back.

If you want to test that, drive around and listen for the squeak. Then park the truck in your driveway....remove the tailgate (or maybe even open it ) and drive around...

I had a tube of clear marine grease that I used to goop up the latch and around the plastic/metal sleeve.

Another common issue with F150s I read about are the leaf springs under the truck. Ford put a piece of plastic between those and they wear out. I think aftermarket, they're $12 for 4.....or $20 if you go OEM. Google F150 leaf spring pads and see what you find.

 

[Red Squirrel]

So today is a bit warmer out and I was able to spend more time to do more troubleshooting, turns out it was the jack behind the seat. It's weird since it's always been there but I took it out and the sound went away. It looks like even when the clamp is on tight it can still rattle. So I'll want to fix that when it's nicer out, or just leave it on the carpeted area for now.

Actually, speaking of leaf springs, is this normal how it's separated like that? I think I see the plastic part you're talking about.

 

[Scarpozzi]

So today is a bit warmer out and I was able to spend more time to do more troubleshooting, turns out it was the jack behind the seat. It's weird since it's always been there but I took it out and the sound went away. It looks like even when the clamp is on tight it can still rattle. So I'll want to fix that when it's nicer out, or just leave it on the carpeted area for now.

Actually, speaking of leaf springs, is this normal how it's separated like that? I think I see the plastic part you're talking about.

I may check my jack too. I think I have enough junk behind my seat that it can't move.

I don't know what's normal for spacing. It's just a point that can't easily be lubricated though everyone suggests wd-40 or silicone spray for everything. The plastic is the way to fix it.

 

[Meghan54]

So today is a bit warmer out and I was able to spend more time to do more troubleshooting, turns out it was the jack behind the seat. It's weird since it's always been there but I took it out and the sound went away. It looks like even when the clamp is on tight it can still rattle. So I'll want to fix that when it's nicer out, or just leave it on the carpeted area for now.

Actually, speaking of leaf springs, is this normal how it's separated like that? I think I see the plastic part you're talking about.

The "separated" leaf you're seeing is a helper spring. It's separate from the others because it's:

1) very, very stiff (on purpose)

2) designed that way to give the pickup something of an "easier", less stiff, smoother ride when the bed's empty or almost empty. As weight is put into the bed, the spring eventually becomes engaged, finally becoming a functional part supporting the increased weight. So when the bed's empty, below a certain point of weight contained within the bed, it's not engaged, so the ride isn't affected negatively.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Oh ok makes sense, yeah just wanted to be sure.