Explorer A-Pillar Rattle/Noise

[Quackinup]

I thought I was going to be safe on this one, but mine started buzzing this evening.

 

[yourstone]

A pillar rattles with wind?

I just searched for a thread here on the A pillar rattling. I could not find one. A number of people on the Explorer facebook site report a slight rattle in both A pillars at speeds around 55-75 mph with strong crosswinds. My dealer has told me that the gasket at the A pillar is too light and thin. They ordered a new one for me along with new A pillar moldings. What have the rest of you experienced with this? Did you get new moldings and did it eliminate the rattle?
Thanks!!

 

[scottfmc]

On order...waiting for the part.

 

[yourstone]

Yup I have mine on order too. This all makes me wonder how come Ford testing before production began did not elicit this rattle. Maybe the window moldings were changed at the supplier after production began.

 

[scottfmc]

I wonder if any manufacturers have a crosswind wind tunnel test ability? Maybe just bad luck for Ford. Mine won't make the noise at all up almost any speed unless there is a significant cross wind.

 

[yourstone]

Primarily my left A pillar will develop a moderate rattle at 55-75 mph with a crosswind but only at certain compass headings. So maybe that is why the Ford testers did not discover it. In New Mexico in the spring we get almost daily strong winds.

 

[scottfmc]

If you get tired of it, in the interim you can apply black electrical tape so that it spans the gap between the rubber moulding and the glossy trim piece. That will stop the noise. I'm NOT saying that is an acceptable fix, just that it works.

 

[yourstone]

bubble gum might work

If you get tired of it, in the interim you can apply black electrical tape so that it spans the gap between the rubber moulding and the glossy trim piece. That will stop the noise. I'm NOT saying that is an acceptable fix, just that it works.

I had thought of jamming bubble gum in on my trip to Colorado two weeks ago. ~;-O

 

[esandye]

On order...waiting for the part.

So there is a fix? Wonder when they started changing them at the factory. Mine built 3-17.

 

[scottfmc]

So there is a fix? Wonder when they started changing them at the factory. Mine built 3-17.

So I've heard, but I'm a bit dubious. Was supposed to have been fixed in December, yet my Feb build has it.

 

[yourstone]

So there is a fix? Wonder when they started changing them at the factory. Mine built 3-17.

Apparently the fix is to replace the gasket and the applique on the A pillars. I had my parts ordered about a week ago. When I get it done I will test it out and report back on this thread.

 

[JDraper]

It must be an on and off problem. My truck was built December 15th, 2010 from what I can tell, and it doesn't rattle at all.

 

[rescue_31]

Mine didnt rattle at all, i just rolled 3k miles, and noticed the passenger a pillar rattling on the highway. Also, my rear seats shake and rattle and squeak a lot when there is no one sitting in it,

 

[RSR]

Guys, please keep this current. The A Pillar thing is kind of like a vibration / resonance that comes on and off at about seventy MPH. It is a very minor disturbance, not loud. I'm not too worried, for now. Please keep us in the loop with updates after the parts change and yup, my rear 60/40 seat, specifically the 40 upper rattles with a bump in the road. When I have the Explorer at the dealer, I'll find out what's up with the fix and post the info. Good work.

 

[yourstone]

I don't get the 60/40 seat rattles. But even at 55 mph I will get the left A pillar slight rattling. At higher MPH and strong crosswind with just the right compass heading teh right A pillar gets into it too. But both are not really loud. I don't need to be at higher speeds. That is likely due to the fact that in New Mexico in the spring we get winds gusting from 25 to 50 mph. My A pillar replacement parts were ordered a week ago. Still not in. Today I will call the dealer to check on that.

 

[yourstone]

I called the dealer and they told me that 3 of the 4 parts needed are in. As soon as they get the 4th part they will call me in for the work. The guy I talked to did not know what the parts were specifically. So when I have the work done I am heading for the highway and a gusty canyon. I will let you all know if the A pillars are then quiet. I hope so. It is the only thing that makes any un expected noise on mine. For now I just crank up the awesome Sony sound system.

 

[gregross]

Hi,
Can someone tell me what the A pillar is and where it is located. My ex is on the way.

 

[yourstone]

Hi,
Can someone tell me what the A pillar is and where it is located. My ex is on the way.

There are two A pillars. They frame your windshield vertically on the left and the right.

 

[gregross]

Thanks..

 

[yourstone]

I love this new Explorer. I hope Ford can remedy the A pillars, the seat rattles, and the MFT issues that some are having. My MFT/sync work beautifully.