Ford quality or service department issues?

[CO_FWC_Tremor]

I have a 22 Tremor with 27K miles on it. I just got my truck back from my local Ford Dealership, it was there for 2 weeks for the second time, same issue, a clunking coming from the rear end.

The first time they replaced the transfer case and leaf springs. When I drove away, it initially felt better. It came back pretty quickly.
The second time, I did more research, and determined it was likely the slip yoke, so I specifically asked them to look at that first. The service advisor called me and said that was indeed the issue, and they replaced the entire drive shaft, so far it feels perfect.

It makes me question whether or not the other parts needed to be replaced. Having had several significant parts replaced before I hit 30K miles is raising some questions about whether or not this is typical Ford quality? Did I potentially get a lemon? Or is this really just this specific dealership messing up, chasing the wrong fix and replacing things that didn’t need to be replaced?

This is my 2nd F150, the first one was a 2019 and I had a bunch of issues with that one, both turbos replaced, cam phasers a couple times. I purchased and had that one serviced at a different dealership in a different state.

The combination of the two experiences with both trucks, multiple repairs while still relatively new, and having a terrible experience with both service departments is what’s making me wonder how “normal” this is.
I love my truck, but this is kinda ridiculous.

Has anyone else run into similar issues? How have your trucks treated you in terms of repairs needed, that were not the result of you having fun with it?

 

[Escape Hatch]

Knocking on wood but I haven't had a single issue with my 22 402A in 27k miles.

 

[Eff One Fiddy]

Covid cars are a real thing.

 

[CO_FWC_Tremor]

Knocking on wood but I haven't had a single issue with my 22 402A in 27k miles.

That’s great, it seems like that is the majority.
Fingers crossed this is the last issue.

 

[CO_FWC_Tremor]

Covid cars are a real thing.

That had occurred to me as well.
Not sure it’s worth the extra dough to trade up to a newer one. Yet lol.

 

[MSgt46270]

I have the issue also and it feels like the transmission, but I've had the transmission rebuild two times and the transfer case also. I have over 60K miles on the truck now, so the drive-train warranty is gone. But I do have an extended warranty.
Can you post your invoice without any personal information.
Thanks Ed

 

[Bucket1]

I have a 22 Tremor with 27K miles on it. I just got my truck back from my local Ford Dealership, it was there for 2 weeks for the second time, same issue, a clunking coming from the rear end.

The first time they replaced the transfer case and leaf springs. When I drove away, it initially felt better. It came back pretty quickly.
The second time, I did more research, and determined it was likely the slip yoke, so I specifically asked them to look at that first. The service advisor called me and said that was indeed the issue, and they replaced the entire drive shaft, so far it feels perfect.

It makes me question whether or not the other parts needed to be replaced. Having had several significant parts replaced before I hit 30K miles is raising some questions about whether or not this is typical Ford quality? Did I potentially get a lemon? Or is this really just this specific dealership messing up, chasing the wrong fix and replacing things that didn’t need to be replaced?

This is my 2nd F150, the first one was a 2019 and I had a bunch of issues with that one, both turbos replaced, cam phasers a couple times. I purchased and had that one serviced at a different dealership in a different state.

The combination of the two experiences with both trucks, multiple repairs while still relatively new, and having a terrible experience with both service departments is what’s making me wonder how “normal” this is.
I love my truck, but this is kinda ridiculous.

Has anyone else run into similar issues? How have your trucks treated you in terms of repairs needed, that were not the result of you having fun with it?

I think my 15 was built better. That being said on my 15 at about 30000miles the truck was jerk down shifting especially on tow mode. There was a tub that the drive shaft splines had a coating on the that was wearing off.I bought the special grease that Ford had. Dropped the drive shaft out and lubed it up. Was smooth after that shifting. At first zI thought the transmission was going tit's up.

 

[b-real]

Or is this really just this specific dealership messing up, chasing the wrong fix and replacing things that didn’t need to be replaced?

I would lean towards this being the issue. Seems there are 2 ways warranty work goes with dealerships:

• Dealership claims your issue is normal and/or not covered by warranty, thereby refusing to address the issue
• Dealership throws parts at the issue, eventually getting it fixed
• I guess sometimes a 3rd which is actually correctly diagnosing and fixing the issue on the 1st visit

 

[KewTremor33]

I have a 22 Tremor with 27K miles on it. I just got my truck back from my local Ford Dealership, it was there for 2 weeks for the second time, same issue, a clunking coming from the rear end.

The first time they replaced the transfer case and leaf springs. When I drove away, it initially felt better. It came back pretty quickly.
The second time, I did more research, and determined it was likely the slip yoke, so I specifically asked them to look at that first. The service advisor called me and said that was indeed the issue, and they replaced the entire drive shaft, so far it feels perfect.

It makes me question whether or not the other parts needed to be replaced. Having had several significant parts replaced before I hit 30K miles is raising some questions about whether or not this is typical Ford quality? Did I potentially get a lemon? Or is this really just this specific dealership messing up, chasing the wrong fix and replacing things that didn’t need to be replaced?

This is my 2nd F150, the first one was a 2019 and I had a bunch of issues with that one, both turbos replaced, cam phasers a couple times. I purchased and had that one serviced at a different dealership in a different state.

The combination of the two experiences with both trucks, multiple repairs while still relatively new, and having a terrible experience with both service departments is what’s making me wonder how “normal” this is.
I love my truck, but this is kinda ridiculous.

Has anyone else run into similar issues? How have your trucks treated you in terms of repairs needed, that were not the result of you having fun with it?

So important to find a dealer you can trust, you certainly have to self diagnose the issue and then tell them what to fix . I always try to diagnose to see what exactly may be going on. The fact that you got a new transfer case and leaf springs is a plus, though, but the down time on the truck and 2 visits is frustrating !! The simple tings such as replacing oil or fluid caps etc, I would always check under the hood on any service!!

 

[BillfLang]

I have a 22 Tremor with 27K miles on it. I just got my truck back from my local Ford Dealership, it was there for 2 weeks for the second time, same issue, a clunking coming from the rear end.

The first time they replaced the transfer case and leaf springs. When I drove away, it initially felt better. It came back pretty quickly.
The second time, I did more research, and determined it was likely the slip yoke, so I specifically asked them to look at that first. The service advisor called me and said that was indeed the issue, and they replaced the entire drive shaft, so far it feels perfect.

It makes me question whether or not the other parts needed to be replaced. Having had several significant parts replaced before I hit 30K miles is raising some questions about whether or not this is typical Ford quality? Did I potentially get a lemon? Or is this really just this specific dealership messing up, chasing the wrong fix and replacing things that didn’t need to be replaced?

This is my 2nd F150, the first one was a 2019 and I had a bunch of issues with that one, both turbos replaced, cam phasers a couple times. I purchased and had that one serviced at a different dealership in a different state.

The combination of the two experiences with both trucks, multiple repairs while still relatively new, and having a terrible experience with both service departments is what’s making me wonder how “normal” this is.
I love my truck, but this is kinda ridiculous.

Has anyone else run into similar issues? How have your trucks treated you in terms of repairs needed, that were not the result of you having fun with it?

Well they didn't really need to replace your drive shaft! My 2018 FX4 made noise with a bump from reverse to drive and it had 28000 miles on it. They said I needed a new drive Shaft. Well I did some research and it said the Splinds on the driveshaft at the transmission needed to be cleaned and greased. Well I did that and Problem solved .

 

[RearclunkLegend]

I have a 22 Tremor with 27K miles on it. I just got my truck back from my local Ford Dealership, it was there for 2 weeks for the second time, same issue, a clunking coming from the rear end.

The first time they replaced the transfer case and leaf springs. When I drove away, it initially felt better. It came back pretty quickly.
The second time, I did more research, and determined it was likely the slip yoke, so I specifically asked them to look at that first. The service advisor called me and said that was indeed the issue, and they replaced the entire drive shaft, so far it feels perfect.

It makes me question whether or not the other parts needed to be replaced. Having had several significant parts replaced before I hit 30K miles is raising some questions about whether or not this is typical Ford quality? Did I potentially get a lemon? Or is this really just this specific dealership messing up, chasing the wrong fix and replacing things that didn’t need to be replaced?

This is my 2nd F150, the first one was a 2019 and I had a bunch of issues with that one, both turbos replaced, cam phasers a couple times. I purchased and had that one serviced at a different dealership in a different state.

The combination of the two experiences with both trucks, multiple repairs while still relatively new, and having a terrible experience with both service departments is what’s making me wonder how “normal” this is.
I love my truck, but this is kinda ridiculous.

Has anyone else run into similar issues? How have your trucks treated you in terms of repairs needed, that were not the result of you having fun with it?

I have a new 2025 Tremor 402A package and I also have a rear passenger side clunk. Brought it into Ford and they claim its the C Clips and Axel play. It will be back at the dealer on Wednesday. Originally the service manager was trying to tell me its a normal clunk but I persisted and finally they gave in. 1700km on the truck its brand new.

 

[Larry]

I have a 22 Tremor with 27K miles on it. I just got my truck back from my local Ford Dealership, it was there for 2 weeks for the second time, same issue, a clunking coming from the rear end.

The first time they replaced the transfer case and leaf springs. When I drove away, it initially felt better. It came back pretty quickly.
The second time, I did more research, and determined it was likely the slip yoke, so I specifically asked them to look at that first. The service advisor called me and said that was indeed the issue, and they replaced the entire drive shaft, so far it feels perfect.

It makes me question whether or not the other parts needed to be replaced. Having had several significant parts replaced before I hit 30K miles is raising some questions about whether or not this is typical Ford quality? Did I potentially get a lemon? Or is this really just this specific dealership messing up, chasing the wrong fix and replacing things that didn’t need to be replaced?

This is my 2nd F150, the first one was a 2019 and I had a bunch of issues with that one, both turbos replaced, cam phasers a couple times. I purchased and had that one serviced at a different dealership in a different state.

The combination of the two experiences with both trucks, multiple repairs while still relatively new, and having a terrible experience with both service departments is what’s making me wonder how “normal” this is.
I love my truck, but this is kinda ridiculous.

Has anyone else run into similar issues? How have your trucks treated you in terms of repairs needed, that were not the result of you having fun with it?

I worked in Ford product engineering for 40 years, and worked on this problem off and on the entire time, we call it a slip/bump, the process is still the same for the least 50 years, the splines are Broached and the sides off teeth the under a microscope are kinda saw toothed, about 20 years ago they started to plate the internal splines with Nickel trying to make the surface finish better, it helped, but still not perfect, The f150 Regular cabs were the worst because the back of truck so so high the slip yoke didn't like the drive line angle, the latest attempt(also started about 20 yrs ago) is Teflon grease Motorcaft part no. XG-8 This is only a temporary Fix, eventually the splines will get dry and the slip/bump will come come back, then clean the splines add the grease good to go (for a while)

 

[CO_FWC_Tremor]

I have the issue also and it feels like the transmission, but I've had the transmission rebuild two times and the transfer case also. I have over 60K miles on the truck now, so the drive-train warranty is gone. But I do have an extended warranty.
Can you post your invoice without any personal information.
Thanks Ed

Here you go, hope this helps.

 

[CO_FWC_Tremor]

I would lean towards this being the issue. Seems there are 2 ways warranty work goes with dealerships:

• Dealership claims your issue is normal and/or not covered by warranty, thereby refusing to address the issue
• Dealership throws parts at the issue, eventually getting it fixed
• I guess sometimes a 3rd which is actually correctly diagnosing and fixing the issue on the 1st visit

Agreed. I have experienced all of this. It’s disappointing.

 

[CO_FWC_Tremor]

Well they didn't really need to replace your drive shaft! My 2018 FX4 made noise with a bump from reverse to drive and it had 28000 miles on it. They said I needed a new drive Shaft. Well I did some research and it said the Splinds on the driveshaft at the transmission needed to be cleaned and greased. Well I did that and Problem solved .

I was told by the Service Manager that Ford has changed how they handle this particular issue. There was a TSB for this, and at first they were servicing it as you described. But now, they do not consider the service a “fix,” so they replace the driveshaft completely.

 

[CO_FWC_Tremor]

I have a new 2025 Tremor 402A package and I also have a rear passenger side clunk. Brought it into Ford and they claim it’s the C Clips and Axel play. It will be back at the dealer on Wednesday. Originally the service manager was trying to tell me its a normal clunk but I persisted and finally they gave in. 1700km on the truck its brand new.

Oh man, I’m sorry to hear that! Not something you should have to deal with on a brand new high end truck. I hope they can sort it out for you, good luck.

 

[CO_FWC_Tremor]

I worked in Ford product engineering for 40 years, and worked on this problem off and on the entire time, we call it a slip/bump, the process is still the same for the least 50 years, the splines are Broached and the sides off teeth the under a microscope are kinda saw toothed, about 20 years ago they started to plate the internal splines with Nickel trying to make the surface finish better, it helped, but still not perfect, The f150 Regular cabs were the worst because the back of truck so so high the slip yoke didn't like the drive line angle, the latest attempt(also started about 20 yrs ago) is Teflon grease Motorcaft part no. XG-8 This is only a temporary Fix, eventually the splines will get dry and the slip/bump will come come back, then clean the splines add the grease good to go (for a while)

This seems ridiculous to me lol, how has Ford not been able to figure this out yet?
Best selling vehicle in North America, you’d think that they would have had someone correct something as significant as a driveshaft.
Sadly, this validates my concerns about Ford’s quality, and their commitment and sense or urgency to fix things that they know are a problem. Additional examples being cam phasers and turbos.
Thanks for the response, very helpful.

 

[Nordicbeast]

I'm going through the phantom clunking/rear end noise issue right now....bringing my '24 into the the dealer tomorrow to get the spring packs replaced. I had the infamous "slip yoke clunk" on my first gen Raptor as did many others. And as Larry mentioned above, the XG-08 grease was the fix...I still have a can of the blue grease in my tool cabinet. After a few applications (on the new driveshaft replaced under warranty), it seemed to go away for good.

The noise on my Tremor is different....it sounds like there's something loose in the rear end. The noise is like a soft clunk (like a loose exhaust) that predominantly occurs at low speed on uneven surfaces, side to side motion....not a jarring clunk when accelerating/decelerating like the slip yoke clunk. Another member here described it perfectly and he recommended cleaning/greasing the isolating pads between the leaves. I definitely think that it's a rear suspension issue....apparently everything else is tight.

Hopefully, the spring pack replacement solves the problem!

 

[RearclunkLegend]

I'm going through the phantom clunking/rear end noise issue right now....bringing my '24 into the the dealer tomorrow to get the spring packs replaced. I had the infamous "slip yoke clunk" on my first gen Raptor as did many others. And as Larry mentioned above, the XG-08 grease was the fix...I still have a can of the blue grease in my tool cabinet. After a few applications (on the new driveshaft replaced under warranty), it seemed to go away for good.

The noise on my Tremor is different....it sounds like there's something loose in the rear end. The noise is like a soft clunk (like a loose exhaust) that predominantly occurs at low speed on uneven surfaces, side to side motion....not a jarring clunk when accelerating/decelerating like the slip yoke clunk. Another member here described it perfectly and he recommended cleaning/greasing the isolating pads between the leaves. I definitely think that it's a rear suspension issue....apparently everything else is tight.

Hopefully, the spring pack replacement solves the problem!

Just checking to see if your clunk noise is gone. I had both rear axels and c clips replaced and clunk is still there.

 

[Escape Hatch]

Just checking to see if your clunk noise is gone. I had both rear axels and c clips replaced and clunk is still there.

Maybe it is throttle angle during driving causing the clunk. I have notice if I provide abrupt throttle inputs it will do it. If I drive casually no issues.