Explorer A-Pillar Rattle/Noise

[FordService]

Just picked up the Ex from dealer. 2nd time in for A-pillar. First time per TSB they replaced all gaskets. Lasted about three months. Went from flapping noise to buzzing noise. This time (as per Ford) they taped down trim to see if that would resolve noise. It did. They said Fords fix is to run a bead of silicone. Ex has to go back when rubber molding for pass. door comes in (7-10 days) and they will silicone windshield then. Service adviser said they want to tape trim down and keep it overnite. Loaner car offered.

It sounds like the dealer is taking care of you, GWA1. I still have your Explorer’s info from previous messages so let me know via PM if you’d like additional help.

Cory

 

[sangiovese]

I'm now a member of the rattling A-pillar club

Today, while driving 60 mph with a 20 mph cross-wind, I learned what a rattling A pillar sounds like. For those of you keeping score at home, my 2012 Limited was built the last week of September, 2011. I've got 1400 miles on the Ex and it did not rattle until today.

I see that Ford's fix includes running a bead of silicone along the edge of the windshield. I agree that this will stop the problem. But there's something unsettling about fixing problems with silicone on a $46K vehicle. And this hardly seems like a permanent fix. How long does a silicone bead last on your bathtub? A couple of years at best?

(Note to Cory, I'll live with it for a few more weeks or until it drives me nuts, whichever comes first. Then I'll contact you to set up a call with the Cust Svc Mgr in my area. I'm hoping that the longer I wait to take it in, the more experience my dealer will have with fixing this problem for good.)

 

[soloxx]

I'm with you

sangiovese -

My '12 LTD Explorer is now in the shop for a replacement of the MFT and the 'A' pillar issue.

If I see any hint of silicone I'll be calling Ford and the State's Attorney's about the wherefores of the Lemon Law.

I would refuse to live with these problems on any car, let alone one I paid $45,000 for. As I told my dealership; 'Whether I get a refund or have to sell this thing as a used car, I'll not waste any more time at the shop on a car with the problems actually engineered in to it.

I want to like the Explorer, and there is a lot to like, but not knowing from day to day whether the car is going to 'work' properly is simply bullshite.

 

[FordService]

...(Note to Cory, I'll live with it for a few more weeks or until it drives me nuts, whichever comes first. Then I'll contact you to set up a call with the Cust Svc Mgr in my area. I'm hoping that the longer I wait to take it in, the more experience my dealer will have with fixing this problem for good.)

Thanks for the note, sangiovese. I’ll keep a steady eye on my inbox for your message.

sangiovese -

My '12 LTD Explorer is now in the shop for a replacement of the MFT and the 'A' pillar issue...

soloxx,

I see that you have a follow-up call arranged for Monday. Please let me know via PM if you’d like to be called sooner.

Cory

 

[Holligl]

I am a member of the repeat A-pillar problem club. At present I have applied my own gasket sealer to the driver side and am noise free. However, I am concerned that ice scraping in the winter will break the seal and I know this is only a temporary fix. I do owe the dealer a return call since my service survey indicated a more permanent fix is required. I personally think the gasket needs to be redesigned to be stronger and less flexible. I still love the car and am willing to wait for a more permanent solution as I expect to drive this one a long time. Cory - If you want me to PM the info, I will, but I have spent way too much time at the dealer already. I believe my original case was never closed, and I do believe the dealer has done everything they can. This is a design issue. I am in the Chicago area, and if Ford would send an engineer, with the parts to meet me at the dealer, I would make the time to ensure this is understood, if not resolved, for the many folks dealing with this and the reputation of the Ford brand.

 

[CDN_Explorer]

I am a member of the repeat A-pillar problem club. At present I have applied my own gasket sealer to the driver side and am noise free. However, I am concerned that ice scraping in the winter will break the seal and I know this is only a temporary fix.

Holligl, I was wondering if you could post a picture of your DIY fix for this issue and a brief description (including materials used) of how you did this. I also am in the same repeat rattle club, although it's not as bad as initially, at this point I'm no longer counting on Ford to resolve this issue until they start making metal gaskets. Thanks

 

[3delis]

I had the annoying a-pillar noise for several months (have had my explorer since jan 02) , finally supposedly got it fixed with the more reinforced gasket. It looked good, but as soon as i left the dealer on the way home, guess what, same noise.

so i did the same thing as another thread poster - went to auto parts store, bought atv gasket maker (type that can withstand heat) and put a small bead just under the gasket from top to bottom of pillar.

no more noise - done. sometimes just got to do it on your own. had my car in several times for this issue - one time they had it for almost a week.

now i just need a fix for the oily streaky windows i've had for 11 months.

 

[wgxplor]

I took my car in to have the windshield noise checked after the Ford representative had made the contact with the service manager at the dealership...Thanks Cory. Due to bad weather and after 3 days having the car, the dealer did "hear" the noise. They ordered the parts and Saturday I picked up the car. While traveling home on the interstate going 70 mph, the noise was more apparent and more consistent than before. The only noise I did not hear is the "buzzing" sound that I heard 80% time while driving speeds of 55 mph or higher. So I called the service tech. and he said he drove it and did not hear anything. I will call the service manager back on Monday to see what the next move will be. Everyone at this dealership is very nice and a rental car was provided to me, but it is a hassle because the dealership is not close by.

 

[Holligl]

Holligl, I was wondering if you could post a picture of your DIY fix for this issue and a brief description (including materials used) of how you did this. I also am in the same repeat rattle club, although it's not as bad as initially, at this point I'm no longer counting on Ford to resolve this issue until they start making metal gaskets. Thanks

Picture would not show much, only a little of the sealer is exposed, most is under the gasket. I used Permatex Ultra Black RTV Silicone gasket maker from Walmart. It is a bit of a pain to try to lift the gasket while squeezing the tube to apply. It can be messy, but it seemed to clean with alchohol while wet. Cures in 24 hours. Residual can be trimmed with a razer blade.
I did stop by the dealer today to explain my survey response. The Service Manager I knew by name is no longer with them. I explained the issue to the new Service Manager.

 

[Lhymes]

This issue is still occurring with newly-built explorers?

 

[aepilot]

Took mine to the dealer today to get our wind noise issue resolved. They are having a windshield company come out and replace the seals around the windshield. Hopefully this was fix the issue

Update. The dealer called Ford and they told them to replace the WHOLE molding around the windshield. Took them a couple days to get the parts but the sound is completely gone!

 

[EKY]

Yes it is. I just picked up my 2012 Ex which was built on 10/08/11 and I hear the A-pillar noise.

At first I thought I left the pass. side window slightly cracked open but all windows were closed. It's quite an annoying sound.

This issue is still occurring with newly-built explorers?

 

[gregross]

So it is the gasket that is "buzzing" not the plastic trim piece on top of it?

 

[Rollingrock]

sangiovese -

My '12 LTD Explorer is now in the shop for a replacement of the MFT and the 'A' pillar issue.

If I see any hint of silicone I'll be calling Ford and the State's Attorney's about the wherefores of the Lemon Law.

I would refuse to live with these problems on any car, let alone one I paid $45,000 for. As I told my dealership; 'Whether I get a refund or have to sell this thing as a used car, I'll not waste any more time at the shop on a car with the problems actually engineered in to it.

I want to like the Explorer, and there is a lot to like, but not knowing from day to day whether the car is going to 'work' properly is simply bullshite.

If you want, I already went down this path....my dealer ended up buying it back NOT Ford. Contact Patrick Law Firm in DFW. Craig Patrick used to be on the legal staff at Ford. He specializes in Lemon Law cases against Ford. 214-665-9510 www.craigpatricklaw.com

Good luck.

RR

 

[Holligl]

So it is the gasket that is "buzzing" not the plastic trim piece on top of it?

Yes it is the rubber gasket in extreme cross winds. You can actually reproduce it with an air compressor and nozzle.

 

[FordService]

I just bought a new 2012 XLT ecoboost 3 weeks ago, and I am noticing the wind noise that everyone is talking about...

My 2011 XLT has been buzzing since the day we took delivery. Sounds like a huge, angry bee wailing away inside the cowl or around the windshield header...

2012Millstadt & mustangmad,

I’m happy to help by sending this to the Customer Service Manager in your area. For me to do that, please send a PM with your VIN, contact info, approximate mileage, and dealer name/state.

I took my car in to have the windshield noise checked after the Ford representative had made the contact with the service manager at the dealership...Thanks Cory. Due to bad weather and after 3 days having the car, the dealer did "hear" the noise. They ordered the parts and Saturday I picked up the car. While traveling home on the interstate going 70 mph, the noise was more apparent and more consistent than before...

You’re welcome, wgxplor. I still have your info so drop me a line if you’d like a follow-up call.

Cory

 

[Spengracin]

Hollig, your right I found it to be a combination of the rubber on the lower side of the a- post, and the rubber on the bottom side of windshield! I placed my wife's compact mirror by the suspect area and could see the rubber flapping through the window with the compact. It was hard to see the plastic cover through due to the size of mirror.

 

[Holligl]

Hollig, your right I found it to be a combination of the rubber on the lower side of the a- post, and the rubber on the bottom side of windshield! I placed my wife's compact mirror by the suspect area and could see the rubber flapping through the window with the compact. It was hard to see the plastic cover through due to the size of mirror.

My windshield rain gutter was replaced as well, although when I got it back it still was not fulled snapped down on the passenger side. I was able to find the clip point and snap it down my self. Now I suspect the original had simply popped out at one mount point. All quiet now. If your noise is prevalent without a strong cross wind, check this gutter for gaps. It flaps in turbulence, not direct airflow, and is more frequent if it exists. It is easily taped down to confirm. If the noise is in cross wind only, it is the A-pillar gasket. (Mine is all quiet at present.)

 

[lsfan00]

I have the issue in my '12 built in Sept this year. Both sides, started showing up with less than 400 miles. No resolution so far (one call only, dealer seemed unaware of bigger issues), but I did note it to the rep on here, hoping for the best.

 

[harlenm]

I put electrical tape on the lower and upper part of the gasket, and the problem is gone. Will have the dealer attempt to fix it, for the second time, when I'm due for an oil change. Need to get my brakes fixed and have a rattle in the dash.

And mft is driving me nuts lately. I'm trying to like this car, but these little bugs are killing me.