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Discussion starter · #41 ·
Got the van back - nothing found, my issue does not seem to be related to RPM, as we drove it to 85 km when noise is loud and then put it into Neutral noise stayed there, also manual shifting did not affect it. Ford is still saying that it maybe related to either my solar panel on roof or roof rack - so now I am taking panel and FORD rack off this weekend to eliminate that theory. Going in circles here with Ford, who are trying desperately to deflect the fact that the van has an issue. If it was stuff on the roof causing it then why does a STOCK van on their lot make the same noise at the same speed? Jonsobi or Batman do either of you have anything on your roof?. I also removed my bed and cabinet from inside the van now the noise is even worse as there is nothing left in van to absorb it. Monday I am going back to dealer for a 7th time - we are again going to drive it with a tester that has several microphones in the hope to isolate the issue. Will keep you posted.
So frustrating as in essence this van is not usable -
 
Recently I read in a sprinter forum about a common noise that is caused by the leaf springs and a harmonic vibration. Mercedes fix is to add rubber isolators on the spring pack. Not sure if this could be a source of the noise, i.e. Rear suspension.
 
My roof is clean with no mods. The thrum on mine has always been there. The service manager down here witnessed it and called it a drone, so it is acknowledged.

My open work order and multiple visits to Ford from 31 December 2015 until mid February 16, trying to sort out more serious problems, left me unable to endure any further service visits.

My Ford Transit was consuming my every day thoughts and activities, and not in a positive way. Even now, I am reminded of its defects by the daily steering wheel wobble, and the low frequency thrum from which there is no escape at 55 mph.

My only option today is to tell myself "it is what it is", and live with it.
 
So Ahoelk just trying to get this straight. I though you said the noise DID go away when you shift to 5th. Your last post said it didn't. Are you still in drive or using the manual mode. I keep my in drive and it allows me to switch off 6th gear. When I do that and drive only in 5th, no noise. Past 55 I shift to 6th and no noise. I'm wondering if I could just have the shift points changed.
 
Discussion starter · #45 ·
No Batman, I think Jonsobi said his noise goes away - if I did I certainly did not mean to, my noise stays, it is not affected by RPM it seems. Although to me it seems less when van is not under load, Monday we have more testing.
 
Hey all, new to the forum. I just got my T-250 High Roof with a QuadVan 4x4 and drove it back from Newberg, OR to Idaho where I live. I spent about 9 hours in it and I noticed between 65-70 MPH I get a pretty loud humming/drone as well. I thought maybe it was from the high roof. Because it's brand new and I have not put anything on it or on top of it (yet), I can't think of what it might be. To those experiencing this, do you also have high roofs? I will try the manual shifting to see if that makes a difference. My work around this right now is to a little slower or a little faster. Thanks
 
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Discussion starter · #48 ·
Quick note - the Ford engineering team has now been assigned - they suspect that it could be a 'differential run out'. Going back to shop on Wednesday.
 
I have a leaking differential as well as the drone. Not sure if there is a connection.
 
Discussion starter · #50 ·
Jonsobi - out of interest what kind of gas mileage are you seeing? I am only get about 12 MPG with my 3.5 with 3.31 gear ratio, which in my opinion is way off where it should be - also according what others are getting on the forum. I am wondering if vibration, humming/drone, and gas mileage are all related somehow - with something binding not/not turning as smoothly as it should.
 
My mpg varies. My dash reads 18.4 mpg today (12.8 L/100). That is averaged over 2480 km from Arizona to Vancouver. Mild weather and no a/c.

That would put me in the 17.4 mpg actual range, as my dash is always more optimistic than reality. My load is about 1500 lbs, driving mostly highway, between 65-75 mph. In Idaho, I traveled at 75mph all day for the first time. My dash mpg actually dropped from 12.9 to 12.8 L/100 during this leg. This surprising result was due to a combination of nice tailwinds, and lots of long downhill sections descending the mountains.

Sorry for the long answer, but my driving conditions might be quite different from yours, so my mpg may not be a useful comparison.
 
Discussion starter · #52 ·
Thank you - the absolute best that i have had on the dash display was 16.4 liters - that was on the I-5 so relatively flat. I drive daily from Squamish to Whistler so uphill from sea level to 650 meters and it ready at best 18.8 - I am not heavy on the gas, and cruise at a speed of about 100 km (speed limit). That is almost 4 litres more then you are using - a lot - adds up fast especially at $1.15 a liter.
 
That is higher consumption than I am seeing. Have you checked your air filter? If it is wet, I guarantee it will affect the mileage.
 
Discussion starter · #54 ·
So was under my Van today to run some wires had a look at driveshaft - i noticed that the last U joint at differential and the one before it do not line up - the last one seem off by one tooth or so, do your line up?

Will check my filter today.
 
I will have a look-see over the next few days to see if it aligns.
 
Thanks for sharing, my diff looks about the same as yours, wet oily patch.
 
I see a pattern here. It seems that all the bad Transits were sent to Canada.
Probably not, but couldn't resist. I'll have to crawl under my van tomorrow for a detailed inspection of the differential, guibo's (guido's?), drive shaft etc.
 
Discussion starter · #59 ·
Quick update - the van is back at Ford, they have been driving it around with 'chassis ears' so far they have eliminated - tranny output bearing, driveshaft, differential, and wheel bearings, they now want to check body panels and cross members. There is no seeping at my differential it is clean - it does make some noise but not the thrumming this noise is more of a whine. I hope what ever is causing this is below the cab - as I would hate to have to pull my conversion apart.
 
Discussion starter · #60 ·
Got the van back - nothing really new to report - they believe that this maybe body panel related - possibly the roof panels have too much give in between the ribs - they have had some vans with this issue and have installed spacers according to Ford Engineers - the case has now been escalated again in the hopes that someone from Engineering will come down to drive the van.
 
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