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spec24 · 05-20-2013, 05:53 PM

Ok - I'm new to the motorhome world so bear with me

I noticed the noise when I brought the coach home on Saturday, it seems the loudest at the rear end. It's not all that loud, but really high pitched and only when the engine is running - nothing else on. This is the second sound I need to get to the bottom of - first one is wheel? squeaking. Anyone know what might be causing this?

ga traveler · 05-20-2013, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spec24

Ok - I'm new to the motorhome world so bear with me

I noticed the noise when I brought the coach home on Saturday, it seems the loudest at the rear end. It's not all that loud, but really high pitched and only when the engine is running - nothing else on. This is the second sound I need to get to the bottom of - first one is wheel? squeaking.

90% of the time the wheel squeak is the hubcap flexing against the wheel. Walk along the side of the motorhome, determine which one is making the noise. Remove the cap. drive again. if it has stopped put some small pieces of rubber between the wheel and the cap. I have probably done a hundred of them.

spec24 · 05-20-2013, 06:18 PM

Thanks. Yeah, that's what someone else had said. I haven't had a chance to get back in and drive it yet to test the different theories. No idea about the whine? Seems like the kind of noise one might hear from a leaky vacuum system - but I'm just reaching here

Darwin · 05-20-2013, 06:21 PM

I would check bearings on the alternator and power steering pump. I have a purchased a scope at Harbor Freight which is useful in locating bad bearings.
I would check the brakes squeaking if it is not the hubcaps.

rvjimmy · 05-20-2013, 06:24 PM

It might be a bad bearing in a belt tensioner,just a thought.

Jim

BFlinn181 · 05-20-2013, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darwin

I would check bearings on the alternator and power steering pump. I have a purchased a scope at Harbor Freight which is useful in locating bad bearings.
I would check the brakes squeaking if it is not the hubcaps.

Problem with the above ideas; not moving so brakes wouldn't squeak. spec24 said it's loudest in the rear, and vehicle is a front engine Ford so alternator or power steering pump is at the other end.

Might be the fuel pump or even the converter/charger, but that's just a WAG. If it did happen when moving, I'd think differential, but that noise changes with acceleration or slowing.

spec24 · 05-20-2013, 07:18 PM

Well shoot! I was hoping someone would say "Oh that? That's just the ........" Seems to me this should have been something the dealer took care of before I drove it home but I know how that goes. I'll get under there for a closer look tomorrow but my guess is it'll have to head back to the dealer before I head south. Thanks everyone!!!

spec24 · 05-21-2013, 07:35 AM

I forgot to mention that the leveling jacks are down while the engine is running and I hear this noise. Might there be anything related to that occurring? I will lift them tonight when I get home and see if the noise is still there.

ga traveler · 05-21-2013, 08:12 AM

The only thing to make a noise in this area when sitting still and the engine running is the fuel pump. Crank the engine a go under the motorhome and put your ear to the fuel tank. I believe you will find it is the pump.

Dennis_K · 05-21-2013, 09:29 AM

Yep, probably the in-tank electric fuel pump. Have some turn the key on, but do not start the engine, while you are where you can hear the noise. If it's the fuel pump you should be able to hear it for a few seconds before it automatically shuts off.

spec24 · 05-21-2013, 05:41 PM

I think you guys are right. Crawled under there tonight to get a listen and it's coming from the gas tank. Here's a recording of it

Bounder Classic gas tank squeal - YouTube

Looked this issue up on the web and people are all over the place with this one. Some saying the thing is about to go while others are saying this is common and not to worry. Thoughts on this?

-- seems odd the fuel pump would go at 14k miles.

BFlinn181 · 05-21-2013, 05:56 PM

How full is the tank? If it's near empty, it would be a big echo chamber. Also, if you wait a few years, or go to a concert or two, you won't hear that frequency anymore!

spec24 · 05-21-2013, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

How full is the tank? If it's near empty, it would be a big echo chamber. Also, if you wait a few years, or go to a concert or two, you won't hear that frequency anymore!

Nope - tank is nearly full. I'l think about taking your advice

jamesrxx951 · 05-21-2013, 06:57 PM

The video seems to make the noise excessively loud. The fuel pumps do make some noise but it should be a faint back ground noise. You could take it to a dealer but unless they have a 2011 F53 chassis to compare it to, they may no problem found it. I just worked on a 2011 22000LBS chassis and I don't remember the pump being that loud. I would compare it to another 2011 myself and come armed with that info if the pump is excessively loud. Fuel pump issues are not common by any means but it can happen.