Loud Thudding Sounds at Highway Speeds

[mchello]

My Bronco Sport Big Bend is making a low thudding sound almost like a vibration at speeds around 50 and up. It’s not affected by acceleration or breaking. I’ve taken it to two mechanics and they haven’t been able to figure it out. They have put it on the air and ran it and can’t seem to replicate the sound. I’m thinking it’s something caused by wind when it gets up to speed. The ford dealer said it was the underside liner which was a little torn but I removed that and the engine shield to make sure it wasn’t them making the noise. Not sure if anyone has dealt with this?

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[PaulOinMA]

Where is the sound? Front or rear? There are rear vents by the wheels that are an issue to some on the Escape forum.

 

[Mark S.]

It’s not affected by acceleration or breaking.

Can you elaborate what you mean when you say "not affected?" Does that mean the volume or frequency of the noise doesn't change with speed?

 

[DLakeBadlands]

If it's coming from the rear I found that it was the styrafoam inserts around the spare. Some well placed small towels eliminated it. Seemed to be caused by the mentioned rear air exhaust vents.

 

[mchello]

Where is the sound? Front or rear? There are rear vents by the wheels that are an issue to some on the Escape forum.

It’s coming from the front of the car and sounds central.

 

[mchello]

Can you elaborate what you mean when you say "not affected?" Does that mean the volume or frequency of the noise doesn't change with speed?

Correct, volume and frequency doesn’t change except if you brake so much that you’re going under 50 mph.

 

[Mark S.]

Correct, volume and frequency doesn’t change except if you brake so much that you’re going under 50 mph.

That means it doesn't have anything to do with the wheels or tires. If it did, then the frequency (thumps per second) would change as you speed up or slow down. Is that correct?

 

[mchello]

Correct, volume and frequency doesn’t change except if you brake so much that you’re going under 50 mph.

Yeah that’s what I’m thinking. No check engine lights, and haven’t noticed any drivability changes in the car.

 

[Dadio]

I think our cars have a cooling shutter in the front grill / rad area somewhere … wonder if that is loose ?

 

[Mark S.]

I think our cars have a cooling shutter in the front grill / rad area somewhere … wonder if that is loose ?

Yeah, this was going to be my next suggestion. The shutter is in front of the primary heat exchanger (radiator). It closes at highway speeds to reduce drag created by forcing air through the radiator. It's possible yours has become disconnected from the motor allowing the shutter to flap open and closed, or the motor may be malfunctioning.

 

[mchello]

Yeah, this was going to be my next suggestion. The shutter is in front of the primary heat exchanger (radiator). It closes at highway speeds to reduce drag created by forcing air through the radiator. It's possible yours has become disconnected from the motor allowing the shutter to flap open and closed, or the motor may be malfunctioning.

Will definitely look into this and report back. Thanks guys!

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

My Bronco Sport Big Bend is making a low thudding sound almost like a vibration at speeds around 50 and up. It’s not affected by acceleration or breaking. I’ve taken it to two mechanics and they haven’t been able to figure it out. They have put it on the air and ran it and can’t seem to replicate the sound. I’m thinking it’s something caused by wind when it gets up to speed. The ford dealer said it was the underside liner which was a little torn but I removed that and the engine shield to make sure it wasn’t them making the noise. Not sure if anyone has dealt with this?

Windows up or down?

 

[Ford Motor Company]

My Bronco Sport Big Bend is making a low thudding sound almost like a vibration at speeds around 50 and up. It’s not affected by acceleration or breaking. I’ve taken it to two mechanics and they haven’t been able to figure it out. They have put it on the air and ran it and can’t seem to replicate the sound. I’m thinking it’s something caused by wind when it gets up to speed. The ford dealer said it was the underside liner which was a little torn but I removed that and the engine shield to make sure it wasn’t them making the noise. Not sure if anyone has dealt with this?

Hello there. I would like to take a closer look at your noise concerns on my end. To get things started, can you please send over a message with your VIN and the name/location of the Ford dealer you have been working with?

 

[DLakeBadlands]

There’s also a big fibre material shield under the car (Badlands anyway) that may have come loose.

 

[mchello]

Just to update. Ford are saying it was an issue with the drive shaft and are replacing it under warranty.

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