Explorer A-Pillar Rattle/Noise

[Terry H]

Just a thought , as I brought this up way earlier when this issue started to apper . Woud it not make sense to simply seal the area underneath with clear silicone ? As it will seal the area and act as an adhesive as well. My ex is due to be built this week, I will check it all out when it is delivered ,maybe do this myself if (when) I have this issue.

I think the tape would be less messier & easier to get loose when you had the windshield replaced.

 

[JDraper]

Why not just let the dealer fix it under warranty? If you attempt a repair yourself and it doesn't work, the dealer may deny a warranty claim on it.

 

[Terry H]

Why not just let the dealer fix it under warranty? If you attempt a repair yourself and it doesn't work, the dealer may deny a warranty claim on it.

It is being repaired under warranty, I ain't that stupid.

 

[gregross]

Cory,
Does Ford manufacturing know about this problem and have issued a fix for it? If so, can you tell us by which build date the fix has been applied?
I am picking my ex up next week so I don't know if I have the problem; build date 3/16.
Thanks

 

[Quackinup]

Cory,
Does Ford manufacturing know about this problem and have issued a fix for it? If so, can you tell us by which build date the fix has been applied?
I am picking my ex up next week so I don't know if I have the problem; build date 3/16.
Thanks

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2686698&postcount=20

 

[FordService]

Hi guys,

I know this post is a little old, but I wanted to reach out to see if you had this issue resolved. So I can escalate the concern for those still experiencing it, please send me a private message with your VIN, approximate mileage, and dealer name.

Cory

 

[nmbrinkman]

Weird Noise at Highway Speeds

It almost sounds like the windshield wiper on the passenger side is chattering? Anyone else experience this? Don't get me wrong. I'm happy with my ride. It's just so quiet otherwise that this really bothers me.

 

[Shoe_Here]

what is your build date? I guess a TSB just came out for builds before like 2/24. some Styrofoam is loose in the engine bay and they have to secure that. I am getting humming noises at highway speeds as well and am taking my car in. I have a 12/01/10 build date.

 

[nmbrinkman]

Not sure of my build date? How would I find that out? The more research I did on this forum I've believe it to be noise from the A Pillar. Called the dealership I bought it from and the tech I spoke to on the phone had no idea what I was talking about.

 

[kdog]

Like this?

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

 

[chimoman]

nmbrinkman,
Go to this link.
http://fordlabels.webview.biz/webvie...cker.aspx?vin=

After the = insert your vin. That will give you your window sticker. On the top left of the window sticker there are a set of numbers that start with a 1 and would look like this 120110104. Remove the 1 and you have 2011 Jan 4th. Hope this helps. The noise is more than likely the A pillar aplique. Take it in and explain it to them. There is a service notice out on it. Get them to run you vin # in OASIS to see if it is covered. If not they will have someone look at it. Standard protocol as it is warranty work. Cheers.

 

[yourstone]

I had both of my A pillars fixed yesterday. 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. Yesterday I got it up to 65 mph with a 15 mph crosswind. No noise at all. This afternoon our winds are forecasted to gust to 35 mph. I will head North to Santa fe to get the Explorer out in windy territory at 75 mph. I will post back here on whether or not I hear any rattles in the A pillars. Different Ford dealers try different fixes. I heard that one applied double back industrial tape. My dealer told me that was not the best fix.

 

[yourstone]

I had both of my A pillars fixed yesterday. 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. Yesterday I got it up to 65 mph with a 15 mph crosswind. No noise at all. This afternoon our winds are forecasted to gust to 35 mph. I will head North to Santa fe to get the Explorer out in windy territory at 75 mph. I will post back here on whether or not I hear any rattles in the A pillars. Different Ford dealers try different fixes. I heard that one applied double back industrial tape. My dealer told me that was not the best fix.

 

[yourstone]

was a duplicate posting. My apologies

 

[janskim]

Thanks for the info. To help us out the gasket seems to be the key. If ours are thinnner and lift up we may have the old design.

 

[yourstone]

Thanks for the info. To help us out the gasket seems to be the key. If ours are thinnner and lift up we may have the old design.

My Explorer was built around 2/15. My original A pillar windshield gaskets were roughly 1/3 the thickness of these new ones. I doubt that these new ones will lift up in a strong crosswind at 55 mph. I will put them to the test later today.

 

[chimoman]

Havve to hear the noise

Well, a little discouraged. The Service manager says he has to hear the noise for himself in order to fix the rattle. He said there is no TSB or service bulletin for my VIN. They fixed the rear hatch and the drivers side door. Both of which were uneven. I brought him to the vehicle. Showed him easily the plastic trim applique moved and how crappy the gasket was. He said he can't do anything about it. I called Ford Canada when I got home. The girl took all my info and said she understood. She then said her supervisor would call me within 24 to 48 hours to listen to my case. She also asked if the dealer took my Ex for a couple of days to check out the problem. I told her no, that the conditions had to be just right for the problem to happen. Well, we'll wait and see I guess. I guess the customer isn't always right.

 

[yourstone]

Well, a little discouraged. The Service manager says he has to hear the noise for himself in order to fix the rattle. He said there is no TSB or service bulletin for my VIN. They fixed the rear hatch and the drivers side door. Both of which were uneven. I brought him to the vehicle. Showed him easily the plastic trim applique moved and how crappy the gasket was. He said he can't do anything about it. I called Ford Canada when I got home. The girl took all my info and said she understood. She then said her supervisor would call me within 24 to 48 hours to listen to my case. She also asked if the dealer took my Ex for a couple of days to check out the problem. I told her no, that the conditions had to be just right for the problem to happen. Well, we'll wait and see I guess. I guess the customer isn't always right.

What I would do is wait for a day with winds at or over 35 mph. Call the service department to ask for somone to ride along. If you can get it up to 55 mph with that wind it will likely rattle. I had mine repaired Monday. I had it up to 55 mph with 25 mph winds. No rattle. Today in New Mexico we have 55-65 mph winds so I am going to to up on the interstate to check it out.

 

[chimoman]

I hear you, it's just frustrating. It's not like a person makes this stuff up just so someone can tear their vehicle apart to fix something. Drives me nuts. I work an hour away from the dealership. So it's not like I can leave work and drive 2 hours round trip and hope that the conditions are right. Hopefully I'll get somewhere with the MOTHERSHIP. (Ford Canada). Obviously it is a problem and they should come up with a fix and make it across the board.

 

[yourstone]

I hear you, it's just frustrating. It's not like a person makes this stuff up just so someone can tear their vehicle apart to fix something. Drives me nuts. I work an hour away from the dealership. So it's not like I can leave work and drive 2 hours round trip and hope that the conditions are right. Hopefully I'll get somewhere with the MOTHERSHIP. (Ford Canada). Obviously it is a problem and they should come up with a fix and make it across the board.

I wish that the dealer would just trust you on this. My dealer did. The bill which I did not pay was $400 just for the labor time. I did not see the parts cost. Warranty pays for it. I hope that Ford will issue a formal bulletin on this. I will let you know what my drive today in high winds reveals if anything. Then you could have your dealer call mine: Don Chalmer's Ford in Rio Rancho New Mexico.