Explorer A-Pillar Rattle/Noise

[jrmexplorer]

I have a 2011 Limited that was built on 3/4 and we are seeing the A-Pillar noise issue when there is a strong crosswind on the highway. I called my Ford Dealer and of course he has never heard of this issue and can't find any TSBs on this. He is saying that they will have to hear this issue themselves before they can fix it. Is there an updated TSB number that they can look up? If not is there anything I can do to not have to 'demonstrate' this very hit or miss issue?

You might try printing out this thread and giving it to the dealer. Lots of folks have reported this problem, and one person even posted the parts necessary to fix it. If this doesn't convince the dealer, then I would find another dealer who will take care of it.

 

[yourstone]

I have a 2011 Limited that was built on 3/4 and we are seeing the A-Pillar noise issue when there is a strong crosswind on the highway. I called my Ford Dealer and of course he has never heard of this issue and can't find any TSBs on this. He is saying that they will have to hear this issue themselves before they can fix it. Is there an updated TSB number that they can look up? If not is there anything I can do to not have to 'demonstrate' this very hit or miss issue?

Here is my story on the A pillars. My dealer, Don Chalmer's Ford in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, never questioned me on this. And Jamie at Ford on the Explorer Facebook site can assist you in getting action from your dealer. Here is my fb post:

I had both of my A pillars fixed 4/11. A few times I have heard rattles in both A pillars at 55 mph or higher with a strong crosswind. Don Chalmer’s Ford, Rio Rancho New Mexico used the following parts: SPO BB5Z 7803137 AA, SPO BB5Z 7803137 BA, SPO BB5Z 7803136 AA, and SPO BB5Z 7803136 BA, all listed as moulding windshield. The original vertical gaskets that run along the A pillars were noticeably thinner and easily lifted off the windshield. The new ones are noticeably thicker and more substantial. The install job is perfect. On 4/11 I got it up to 65 mph with a 15 mph crosswind. No noise at all.
A-pillar noise is totally gone now. On 4/14 I drove North ten miles up to 80 mph, South ten miles up to 90 mph, then West five miles at 65mph, and finally East eight miles at 70 mph. All in wind gusts to 65mph. Royally quiet A-pillars. The repair worked. Thank you Don Chalmers Ford. This should be the standard Ford repair in my opinion.

Good luck with this,
Steven

 

[austintxeric]

Yes, I referenced the many complaints on online Forums and even mentioned that I had the part numbers and his reply was that "they couldn't just replace without a service bulletin, because if that didn't fix the issue, they could get into trouble with Ford"

 

[yourstone]

And don't let your dealer tell you that these are the same as the original parts. The new A-pillar gaskets are noticeably thicker. I had to wait for the fourth of the four parts to be released by Ford to address this.

Get r dun!

Steven

 

[yourstone]

Yes, I referenced the many complaints on online Forums and even mentioned that I had the part numbers and his reply was that "they couldn't just replace without a service bulletin, because if that didn't fix the issue, they could get into trouble with Ford"

Have your dealer contact Don Chalmer's Ford service department. Ford warranty paid for mine. It takes less than 90 minutes: http://www.donchalmersford.com/

 

[Holligl]

Did you have Cory escalate to Ford Customer service first or did you go to the dealer first? How did they know what parts to order?
Thanks

I got a case number assigned by Cory, Customer Service called the dealer, and then called me. The dealer started off down a path of "bring it in and let us look at it (and give you a loaner)". I told them they would only be able to replicate on a windy day at interstate speed. I emailed the Service Manager yourstone's info in this thread. Told them I did not need to leave the car for a week waiting on parts. I am not in a hurry since I have no road trips planned. No issues in city driving. I do have a coupon for a free oil change I plan to do at the same time, and I'm just at 3,300 miles.

 

[whsbuss]

Well I Just ordered my 2011 Limited yesterday. I sure hope the factory installs the thicker moldings so I don't have to deal with this problem at the dealership.

 

[yourstone]

Well I Just ordered my 2011 Limited yesterday. I sure hope the factory installs the thicker moldings so I don't have to deal with this problem at the dealership.

I hope so too. Ford will need to verify on several vehicles that the problem exists and that the solution that I received is the right one. I believe that it is the right solution. Jamie at Ford on the fb site has stated that the Ford engineers are working on this. I was surprised that my original A pillar gaskets were so light and flexible. The new ones are noticeably thicker and do not easily lift up off of the windshield.

 

[gregross]

That is good to know that the ford engineers are working on this. I can live with the problem until the official fix comes out.

 

[terrilee1]

Just bought an XLT. I love the car but we are having the same vibration in the window.
My Explorer is at the dealer now they are trying to figure out what to do. The tech is taking it for a test drive to see if he can hear the noise for himself. Here is a link to a video I made while driving on 57 at 70mph.
http://youtu.be/hdiVa_5TO0w

 

[yourstone]

Just bought an XLT. I love the car but we are having the same vibration in the window.
My Explorer is at the dealer now they are trying to figure out what to do. The tech is taking it for a test drive to see if he can hear the noise for himself. Here is a link to a video I made while driving on 57 at 70mph.
http://youtu.be/hdiVa_5TO0w

Your video is good. That is louder than mine was. It sounds to me like the gasket around the top of the windshield is fluttering. What was the approximate wind speed and your vehicle speed at the time?

 

[yourstone]

Just bought an XLT. I love the car but we are having the same vibration in the window.
My Explorer is at the dealer now they are trying to figure out what to do. The tech is taking it for a test drive to see if he can hear the noise for himself. Here is a link to a video I made while driving on 57 at 70mph.
http://youtu.be/hdiVa_5TO0w

Let us know what the tech finds. Did you show them my posting of the parts and what I found after the repair?

 

[terrilee1]

Your video is good. That is louder than mine was. It sounds to me like the gasket around the top of the windshield is fluttering. What was the approximate wind speed and your vehicle speed at the time?

I was going around 70mph I don't know the wind speed. It happens everytime I'm on 57 it's always on the passenger side whether I'm going North or South.

 

[terrilee1]

Let us know what the tech finds. Did you show them my posting of the parts and what I found after the repair?

I printed the thread and gave it to the tech's. I'm so glad I found you all, Google is a great thing. I will let you know what happens. The video did get the Ford dealerships attention

 

[yourstone]

I printed the thread and gave it to the tech's. I'm so glad I found you all, Google is a great thing. I will let you know what happens. The video did get the Ford dealerships attention

Great. I hope that they get your A pillars to be quiet like mine are now. Keep us posted. Get R dun!!

 

[yourstone]

This TSB is for vehicles built before my build date of 4 Jan 11

SPECIAL SERVICE MESSAGES
21760 2011 EXPLORER NOISE FROM THE A-PILLAR MOLDINGS
SOME 2011 EXPLORER VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 12/17/2010 MAY EXHIBIT A WIND NOISE COMING FROM THE WIND SHIELD AREA AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS MAY BE DUE TO A LOOSE A-PILLAR APPLIQUE. WINDSHIELD RESEALING/REPLACEMENT IS LIKELY NOT NECESSARY. USE TAPE TO TAPE OFF THE A-PILLAR APPLIQUE GAPS AND RETEST. IF THE NOISE IS GONE, VERIFY THAT THE APPLIQUE IS FULLY SEATED TO THE BRACKET. IF FULLY SEATED, FOLLOW NORMAL DIAGNOSTICS TO DETERMINE ROOT CAUSE AND SERVICE APPLIQUE OR ATTACHMENT BRACKET AS NECESSARY.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 03/01/2011

It is very apparent that the problem was not corrected at the plant as it is still prevalent on many vehicles passed the date mentioned above. I am sure Ford will own up to it. Cheers.

Tape it off? I like it that my dealer changed out the gasket. Tape?

 

[chimoman]

The tape is just for testing. One of the service guys mentioned it to me when I originally brought mine in. It's obviously the gasket. Still waiting for my parts to come in. Cheers.

 

[Holligl]

The tape is just for testing. One of the service guys mentioned it to me when I originally brought mine in. It's obviously the gasket. Still waiting for my parts to come in. Cheers.

I am waiting for parts too. Customer service called again today and is going to expedite part delivery.

I have discovered how to recreate the noise in the shop. Use an air compressor at 120-140 psi and a nozzle. Point it at the inside edge of the rubber pillar gasket at about a 45 degree angle and horizontal to the ground. (About 2 inches from the gasket.) Run it up and down the gasket. Where the gasket is looser, it will start vibrating. My drivers side does it toward the top and at the bottom, the passenger side only does it in the middle. Seeing the mechanics of it, and isolating the weak spots, I do think some well placed double sided tape, or even electrical tape, would serve as a temporary fix if you are waiting on parts and heading out on a windy road trip. Hope this helps those with this problem and have a dealer who won't fix it because they can't recreate the noise.

 

[aggie76]

Just took a weekend trip with our Explorer, build date 3/24 and we too have the same issue with A pillar noise. Will be contacting dealer later this week.

 

[terrilee1]

I am waiting for parts too. Customer service called again today and is going to expedite part delivery.

I have discovered how to recreate the noise in the shop. Use an air compressor at 120-140 psi and a nozzle. Point it at the inside edge of the rubber pillar gasket at about a 45 degree angle and horizontal to the ground. (About 2 inches from the gasket.) Run it up and down the gasket. Where the gasket is looser, it will start vibrating. My drivers side does it toward the top and at the bottom, the passenger side only does it in the middle. Seeing the mechanics of it, and isolating the weak spots, I do think some well placed double sided tape, or even electrical tape, would serve as a temporary fix if you are waiting on parts and heading out on a windy road trip. Hope this helps those with this problem and have a dealer who won't fix it because they can't recreate the noise.

The tech did hear the rattle, he put tape on the inside edge and now we have to wait and see if I hear the rattle again. I'm going to print your post and give it to the tech. thanks again for all this information.