2014 Sport - Suspension and tranny mounts - SOLVED!

[SHUMAX]

70k on the clock this time. I've had the front struts and mounts replaced one. The entire steering rack, sway bar bushings and the stab links. Who could forget the control arms and the hydro bushings? Replaced those, too. Finally quieted the clanking down in the front end. I still contend it was the steering rack replacement that really took care of it. It came back. At the same time, I was getting a clunk in the rear when going over bumps - sudden drop of the drivers rear wheel would cause a metal on metal clank. Still further, when coming to a stop, the tranny would shift to first and I could feel it and then a clank.

Dealer called today - new front strut mounts. Apparently Ford knows there is an issue as a revised part just came out and that's what went in. Two new rear control arm bushings. Then, two tranny mounts. Yikes. Also, new rear pads and rotors (sort of expected this as they are the originals).

I continue to be completely underwhelmed with the Explorers suspension. Such a delicate little flower when it comes to these things. I've owned a lot of vehicles in my day and the Explorer is, by far, the most prone to suspension issues of any.

I'm glad I have the ESP as it covers all but the brake work.

Shumax

 

[1995E]

70k on the clock this time. I've had the front struts and mounts replaced one. The entire steering rack, sway bar bushings and the stab links. Who could forget the control arms and the hydro bushings? Replaced those, too. Finally quieted the clanking down in the front end. I still contend it was the steering rack replacement that really took care of it. It came back. At the same time, I was getting a clunk in the rear when going over bumps - sudden drop of the drivers rear wheel would cause a metal on metal clank. Still further, when coming to a stop, the tranny would shift to first and I could feel it and then a clank.

Dealer called today - new front strut mounts. Apparently Ford knows there is an issue as a revised part just came out and that's what went in. Two new rear control arm bushings. Then, two tranny mounts. Yikes. Also, new rear pads and rotors (sort of expected this as they are the originals).

I continue to be completely underwhelmed with the Explorers suspension. Such a delicate little flower when it comes to these things. I've owned a lot of vehicles in my day and the Explorer is, by far, the most prone to suspension issues of any.

I'm glad I have the ESP as it covers all but the brake work.

Shumax

This is because they took a sedan platform and slapped an SUV body on it. Sharing many common components. They did this with the older Explorers when they used a Ford Ranger frame, slapped an Explorer body on it and called it an Explorer but did little change to the suspension and was partially blamed for the high number of roll overs back in the 90s.

 

[kk239]

Dealer called today - new front strut mounts. Apparently Ford knows there is an issue as a revised part just came out and that's what went in.

Ford changed the strut mount design after the 2011-2012 model years (P/N BB5Z-18183-A) which might indicate a possible design issue causing problems. Since then the 2013-2017 Explorer strut mount P/N's continue to change, the latest being DG1Z-18183-B, and prior to that DG1Z-18183-A. The initial design change from the 11-12 was a major re-design, but it seems they are still tweaking the newer design for the 13-17 as would be indicated by the multiple P/N's. What is the P/N they note on your invoice?

 

[SHUMAX]

It will be ready today, but I can't get it until Thursday. I'll know more then. I forgot to mention - they gave me a 2008 Escape Hybrid to "use" while the work was being completed. With 210,000 miles on it, the front end of it was more solid than mine with 70k.

 

[blwnsmoke]

It will be ready today, but I can't get it until Thursday. I'll know more then. I forgot to mention - they gave me a 2008 Escape Hybrid to "use" while the work was being completed. With 210,000 miles on it, the front end of it was more solid than mine with 70k.

If you have a Ford ESP, you get rental coverage. Why did they put you in a 2008 Escape? Enterprise has fusions and escapes you could be in at no charge that are 1-2 years old.

 

[SHUMAX]

blwnsmoke - that's a good point that I had forgotten about. Definitely bring it up next time. The positive is that I got to try a Hybrid out. Put 400 miles on it and it got 30mpg with mixed driving. That's impressive and so is the fact it's still on the road with 211,000 miles now. The rear fenders have a bit of rust and the hatch area is rusted quite a bit. Other than that, not bad for the mileage.

They called and it's ready. Final tally: Front sway bar links and strut mounts. Two tranny mounts. Left rear control arm bushings. Rear pads and rotors. Alignment.

Really like the tech doing the work. His attention to detail is spot on and he's in tune to how I like things done. Definitely value that.

I pick it up tomorrow morning. Interested to see how it rides.

Shumax

 

[SHUMAX]

I got the vehicle back on Thursday and have put nearly 300 miles on it. The strut mounts were part number DG1Z18183B. I should probably knock on wood; however, so far, the front end is quiet and solid. Much more than I ever remember it being. I am attributing it to these as it's really the only thing that was replaced. I am impressed!

I do have one issue - they turned the front rotors as I complained of steering wheel shimmy when slowing from 60mph when the brakes were warm. Doing this made the condition worse. I suspect there is built up material on the pads that is not mating well to the "turned" rotors. Or, the rotors were too thin and warped even more. Regardless, it's going back in for new rotors and pads.

Also, the tranny mounts replaced were AA5Z6068A and then B. It made the drivetrain much tighter and enjoyable to drive. Finally, the rear control arm bushing was CB5Z5A638A. That, too, solved the clunk in the rear.

Overall, happy with the experience even if I do need to go back to have the front brakes repaired.

Shumax

 

[Brucecris]

I have had the same issue with my Limited. Loud clunks that nobody seems to be able to notice except me. Got to ride with a tech who heard them but he was honest enough to tell me that he wouldn't recommend new parts with my ESP because it would be exploratory and that I would have better luck letting it get worse. Now my ESP has expired so perhaps I take it back and pay for them to find the answer to my friend not end clunks. Glad it seemed Toca work out for you. Good insight for me. Thanks.

 

[SHUMAX]

I'm 1,000 miles into the repair and happy to report the noises are gone. I also got the front pads and rotors replaced. Smoothed out, but there is some random squeaking. I'm going to see if it goes away as it is very random.

The front end feels much tighter now and far less noisy over uneven surfaces. If the updated mounts are truly the long term solution - wow. Hard to believe a part that inexpensive can ruin the driving experience of a $35-45k vehicle. Though, glad to have found the solution...

 

[pup5581]

What was your clunk? I get a clunk...(not all the time..maybe 25% of drives over bumps on my front passenger side) like something is loose/rattling. I can never get it to do with when i bring it to the dealer and my PT is up in 2 K. I show them the video of the noise as it's pretty loud and he heard it.

I just have to find the time to bring it back in again.

How much did you pay for the front struts and mounts if you don't mind me asking? I am at 58K..thinking I want to replace mine to see if it helps with my noise

I need new rotors or Pads..i brake from 60+ on the highway at a decent speed and you can feel it shake and grind. Not sure if rotors or Pads. Had the front rotors replaced at 25K because of the same issue..last summer when it got hot it got worse.

 

[SHUMAX]

My clunk occurred over sharp drops/dips in the road. I chased control arm bushings, stab links, motor mount, sub frame bushings, etc. I also had the strut mounts replaced a couple of times. In hindsight, it would be fine for a day or two and then come back. This revised part does seem to work as I've not had the noise come back! The cost to replace the mounts, including the parts and an alignment was around $500. The parts are not costly - $40/side, if I remember, correctly. The issue is the labor; though, I think the book rate is high as I've seen them rip one out in 15min. and put it back in under 30min. So...

My brakes are smooth, but still squeak. Seems worse when they are wet and it's cold. I'm going to keep driving it until it does it all of the time and then deal with it.

Shumax

 

[1995E]

My clunk occurred over sharp drops/dips in the road. I chased control arm bushings, stab links, motor mount, sub frame bushings, etc. I also had the strut mounts replaced a couple of times. In hindsight, it would be fine for a day or two and then come back. This revised part does seem to work as I've not had the noise come back! The cost to replace the mounts, including the parts and an alignment was around $500. The parts are not costly - $40/side, if I remember, correctly. The issue is the labor; though, I think the book rate is high as I've seen them rip one out in 15min. and put it back in under 30min. So...

My brakes are smooth, but still squeak. Seems worse when they are wet and it's cold. I'm going to keep driving it until it does it all of the time and then deal with it.

Shumax

Do you have the part number for the revised strut mounts?

 

[SHUMAX]

I listed them above, actually...