sound from underneath need helo

Robert Wolfe · Apr 18, 2013

I wikk try to describe this the best I can

When in reverse or forward an you push on the brake to stop sudden I hear this sound from the rear

The best way to describe it is when I stop suddenly It sounds like someth8mg Is still moving an hits

I don't know if this makes sense what I am trying to describe or not

Any ideas?

swshawaii · Apr 18, 2013

If 4WD, check the slip yoke.

Mark Price 2 · Apr 19, 2013

something sliding around in bed? loose spare tire cable? loose gas tank supports? get under there and start yanking on stuff

Rick Shellenbarger · Apr 19, 2013

It's a common issue with the Sport Trac's factory transmission tune (if my memory serves me correct). An upgraded PCM flash from the dealer may make it go away or lessen some. Mine does it too, I've just learned to live with it. If it happens every single time you stop, or gets progressively worse, I'd bring it in. But if its random chances are the dealership will just reflash the PCM and if it still persists they will most likely say that it is normal. Somewhere in this forum or "serious explorations" this topic is covered pretty well, the consensus seemed to be that its a minor annoyance but harmless.

Rick S.

blksn8k · Apr 20, 2013

Robert, do you feel anything when this happens or is it just a sound? If you had the issue Rick is describing you would definitely feel a bump at low speeds as the transmission is shifting into 1st gear at odd times. I doubt you would notice anything in reverse.

Since your ST is a 1st gen anyway ('01 correct?) I would more likely suspect you have the slip yoke issue since what Rick is describing was a gen 2 ('07 and newer) problem.

Duane Foster · Apr 20, 2013

I sometimes get a similar feel and sound with my '02. Usually happens with about 1/2 tank of gas, so in my case, I think it's just the gas moving in the tank.