1995 Explorer XLT/Squeaking doors

[stann59]

Well I just bought this 95 Explorer and so far most of the important things are fine.....but I've discovered one annoying problem. I'm getting squeaks from both front doors (drivers side is worse) the squeak if coming from the top-back part of the door (of course right about ear level). The squeaks almost sound like something rubbing against glass, yet when I roll the window down it's still there.....with the window down if I reach out and pull the top of the door in tight it goes away.....I can't see any evidence of any rubbing anywhere on the door....I know that this has probably been dealt with before but if anyone could point me in a direction I'd appreciate it, I'm stumped!!! I can't see where anything is rubbing and I have tried rubbing WD-40 and 3 in 1 all over and no results!!! Please Help!!!! Thanks, Stan

 

[briwayjones]

I assume you mean it's squeaking with the door closed while you're driving around?

 

[koda2000]

I had a squeak that drove me nuts for months. it also sounded like it was coming from the upper rear corner of the driver's door. I finally tried greasing the bear-claw latch and striker. it hasn't squeaked since.

 

[stann59]

Re;

OK ...I get to play stupid....what is the bear claw latch and striker? and yes it's squeaking with the door closed....thanks for the feedback!!!!

 

[briwayjones]

It's the door latch that holds the door closed down in the middle of it.

 

[chefduane]

I had the same issue with my driver side passenger door. The rubber stoppers mounted on the door itself had shrunk over the years and compressed allowing the striker and latch to rattle. I used some rubber bumpers stuck to the stoppers to extend them a bit and make the door latch a little tighter. No more rattle.

 

[swshawaii]

First place to check are the door striker BUSHINGS. If worn or missing replace the strikers. If they appear OK you may need to move the striker in with a T45 or T50 Torx bit. The door latches should also be greased where it contacts the striker bushings.

If you want to temporarily fix the squeak or rattle, and confirm the cause are loose door strikers, wrap with black tape and test.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=332513

 

[PAExplorerXLT]

I don’t have a squeak. I have a rattle when I hit a bump on the road. It comes from the driver door. I suspect something loose inside the door because when I slam it shot I can hear a secondary sound as if something rattling or vibrating. A few months ago my mechanic changed the door latch while he was fixing the remote door lock so I keep thinking may be he left something loose there. Would the door striker be causing this?

 

[swshawaii]

Possibly. If the striker bushings appear worn, wrap a few turns of black tape around them and see if it reduces the rattle and movement. Also, it wouldn't be the first time something was left inside the door. Only way of knowing is to remove the panel.

 

[Flash]

I don’t have a squeak. I have a rattle when I hit a bump on the road. It comes from the driver door. I suspect something loose inside the door because when I slam it shot I can hear a secondary sound as if something rattling or vibrating. A few months ago my mechanic changed the door latch while he was fixing the remote door lock so I keep thinking may be he left something loose there. Would the door striker be causing this?

Free screwdriver!

 

[PAExplorerXLT]

I don’t know what it is but I love to find out. Removing door panels has to be one of my least liked repairs. You never know what you are pulling on and invariably something breaks.

 

[swshawaii]

Really not too difficult. Guess I've done panel R&R so many times it became second nature troubleshooting latch and actuator issues. Ultimately replaced both in the two front doors. Most important thing after removing the screws is to slightly LIFT the panel UP before pulling it out. There is an easily broken plastic "hook" on the panel near the mirror that's easily broken. The "Christmas Tree" clips also require replacing after a few removals. Here's a great source for small parts that ncranchero posted years ago.

http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/Door_Trim_Panel_Clips_Retainers_s/268.htm

 

[PAExplorerXLT]

I dont see any visible screw heads from the outside. Do you just pull on the panel?

 

[swshawaii]

There are tons of posts searching door panel removal or speaker replacement. Use a thin blade such as a stiff putty knife to pry.

http://www.bodyshopzone.com/archives/trim/door_panels/Ford/Explorer_1999/front_rear_99exp.html