Diagnosing what "chatter" sounds like; regarding RDU

[harrkaep]

Hi everyone. I've been active in the Reddit sub but didn't get a great answer to this question so I'm asking here because
it's been suggested there are more mechanically inclined folks in this forum.

Can someone please explain what "chatter" sounds like? I know what shuddering feels like but I'm trying to self-diagnose any
RDU issues. I have a '22 Base with 39k miles on it. Aside from two water pumps (one in late '23 and the second a month ago) it has
been perfectly reliable for me.

I'm going to explain and describe the sound I hear and it will be ridiculous but stick with me because I think it's an accurate description.

I have noticed a few times when I turn left +- 20mph, and on a slight decline, I will hear something to the effect of blowing air out of a straw in quick succession. When I hear people talking about chatter, that's what I've always thought it meant. But I just want some clarity please. I've tried finding videos with it and can't really find much.

I don't have grinding when turning or any other noises. I thought maybe this could be the turbo deactivating but at such low speeds I don't why the turbo would be on. It should be mentioned when this happens I am going from 45, 40, 35, 25 and I turn. So maybe it could be the turbo.

In advance. Thank you. Happy to have found this forum.
-Christopher
Maine

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[RSH]

As you noted you currently are not experiencing RDU prblems.
Typically if the RDU is starting to have problems it will make a grinding type sound when performing slow tight turns. Ford claims the RDU can also make the same grinding sound if the RDU fluid is contaminated, but if changing the fluid and the vent hose per the TSB doesn't remedy the issue the next step is to replace the RDU.
The sound you hear could be the electric motor engaging and disengaging the clutch in the RDU along with the driveshaft spinning up, all though the drive system is pretty quiet unless something is starting to have a problem.

The turbo on the 1.5 models is a bit noiser than the 2.0 models.

 

[harrkaep]

Thank you for the reply and clarity.

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