This is the saga of an annoying noise coming from my 2013 Ford Escape SE 4WD 2.0L Ecoboost, in the hopes of retaining an accurate accounting of the situation and how addressed. More entries will be added as the story unfolds.
After returning from a 2000-mile trip around the South, I had passed the 30,000-mile mark and it was time for service; actual mileage was about 31,000. It was another couple of weeks before I could schedule an appointment to get it in, and in the meantime began to hear a metallic tapping noise coming from the rear driver side of the vehicle. I assumed that it was rock in the tread at first, but after a week, began to wonder if it was a nail. I was not losing air pressure, and could not find anything in any of the tires. The noise seems to come from the driver side rear of the vehicle.
It can only be heardwhen you are next to some sort of barrier, and the window is down.
It starts at about 60 mph; below that, it seems to be non-existent.
Above 70 mph, it is at full volume and sounds like two metal balls clicking together.
The noise cannot be heard unless you are next to a barrier with the window down.
It does appear to diminish when curving to the left, but I am still uncertain of that one
Rate of click does not appear to increase or decrease with speed, braking, or in neutral.
09.12.2015 — I took the vehicle in to Thoroughbred for 30,000-mile service, I explained that I thought I nail in my tire or something making a metallic tapping noise that sounded very similar. The service was performed and when they returned the vehicle, they said they could not find any nails in the tires. I asked, “so I should not hear any noise?” They said they did not say that, but to let them know if I did. On the way home, I heard the noise again.
09.18.2015 — I took the vehicle to Thoroughbred and they said they would check into it further. I went for a ride with the mechanic and he heard the noise.
09.19.2015 — Thoroughbred called and indicated that they would need replace one of the axles, but could not get the part until Monday.
09.21.2015 — I received no word from Thoroughbred, and so visited them at 5 pm. They were still looking into it. They could not hear the noise and indicated that I would just have to wait until it got worse.
09.25.2015 — Dropped by Thoroughbred and went for a ride with the Service Manager. He heard the noise. We went for a ride in a similar vehicle and did not hear the noise. He indicated that we would just need to wait until it got worse.
09.26.2015 — On a 40-mile drive south, the noise became much more apparent and sounds like two spoons clapping together.
09.28.2015 — Dropped by Midway and explained the situation to them, and they agreed to have a look.
09.29.2015 — Midway called to say that they could not hear the noise. Could I drop by and show them? I did. The person heard the noise.
09.30.2015 — Midway called to say they think it is the rear bearings. The bearings were ordered and should be there the next day.
10.01.2015 — Midway called to say the bearings did not arrive, but would be there the next day.
10.02.2015 — Midway called to say they had replaced the rear wheel bearings and think they resolved the issue. I dropped by, took it for a test drive, and did not hear the noise.
10.06.2015 — The noise returns at 34987 miles; although, more muted. Called Midway and informed them. They said bring it back whenever I am ready. Do they have a loaner? Not at this time, but will let me know when they do.
10.07.2015 — John from Ford Customer Service called and discussed the issue with me. He indicated he would get in touch with Midway and get back with me.
10.08.2015 — John called and indicated that Midway had a loaner for me, if I would like to drop off the vehicle again. I called Midway and arranged to deliver the vehicle at 5 pm.
10.09.2015 — Midway called around 1 pm and indicated that they had driven the vehicle about 20 miles and could not hear the noise. They said all that could be done is to wait until it becomes more apparent. The loaner was returned and I picked up my vehicle.
10.13.2015 — John called and left a message, apologizing for not calling on Monday. I returned the call and left a message asking what my options are.
10.15.2015 — Left a message for John. What are my options here?
10.16.2015 — I spoke with John today, and explained the difficulty in continuing this, but am willing to do whatever it takes. I also detailed my disappointment in dealing with mechanics who seem to want to insinuate that I am only hearing things. I am not; nor are other folks that have ridden in my vehicle. Is it my fault that their hearing is not quite what it should be? I also expressed my disappointment in the fact that they seem to be on a fishing expedition; replacing parts at random, in an attempt to fix what they obviously do not understand. The outcome of the conversation was to send it to another dealership. I would need to be transferred to another region and would be dealing with Amelia now. She will call between now and Tuesday.
10.19.2015 — AM — Still no word from “Amelia”
10.19.2015 — PM — Traded the vehicle in… had been considering trading for fuel economy anyway.
10.20.2015 — Received call from Amelia counterpart… There will be no further updates to this.
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