Explorer A-Pillar Rattle/Noise

[RandyH2]

Thanks for all of the updates on this. Mine had some slight noise the other day that I think was coming from the A-pillar. With the solution not being a perfect fit, I'm hoping mine will hold tight until a proper repair is available.

 

[RSNovi]

My Explorer is currently at the dealer for the A-pillar rattle on the passenger side. They just called me back and said that the factory had already installed the fix per the TSB. I believe mine was built the week of 3/28. It still makes the noise when doing 80 MPH down the expressway and much worse when you get a crosswind.

They claim they weren't able to reproduce it yet, but it does it quite regularly when we drive it.

I took the car in on 4/2 and just today 4/7 they are figuring this stuff out after ordering the parts.

 

[donm527]

Any updates from Ford? The buzz is a little annoying and hoping they have a solid fix coming.

 

[RSNovi]

I don't think there is a solid fix yet. I found out that mine already had the updates per the TSB and it buzzes quite a bit. If you look closely, I could see the A-pillar applique moving a round as I go down the road. There was also a loose plastic beauty panel under the hood which we think could also be causing some of the noise. After removing it, it seemed like there was less noise. It could have been the panel also rattling or that panel could have been directing air up the A-pillar.

The dealership is being extremely helpful and are trying out some of their own ideas until an official fix is developed by Ford.

Chris

 

[vig1116]

i've had this since delivery date (2/13/11) and thought it was just something i had to deal with. I am so glad i found this thread!!!!!!! Thanks guys.

 

[drober30]

and thought it was just something i had to deal with.

Probably still true!

 

[vig1116]

Drober, I'm just grateful it's something that's bad enough that ford needs to fix a mistake......... Eventually

 

[GregV8]

My X was at the dealer this week. Same story as RSNovi's. Built 3/29 so the TSB doesn't apply in my case but I do get the noise. The dealer said they have to hear it first - which is not possible around here due to speed limits lower than what's really required for the vibration to start.
I'm out of options at this point and a bit upset - I bought a new car because I didn't want to deal with sh*t like this, and don't want the car to spend days and days at the dealership.

 

[Holligl]

My X was at the dealer this week. Same story as RSNovi's. Built 3/29 so the TSB doesn't apply in my case but I do get the noise. The dealer said they have to hear it first - which is not possible around here due to speed limits lower than what's really required for the vibration to start.
I'm out of options at this point and a bit upset - I bought a new car because I didn't want to deal with sh*t like this, and don't want the car to spend days and days at the dealership.

The noise can be recreated in the shop, if they have an air compressor and nozzle. I used 120-140 psi. Point the nozzle 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 with the air blowing. Where the gasket is looser, it will start vibrating. My drivers side did it toward the top and at the bottom, the passenger side only did 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.

I believe this could be fixed with double sided tape if someone gave it a try.

While mine has been fixed, they did mar the black decals on both doors prying off the applique. Replacements are in but I haven't had the time to take it in yet another day. I also believe the new gaskets change the applique alignment with the door which could slightly increase "normal" wind noise.

 

[deerfarm]

Pillar fix

My X was at the dealer this week. Same story as RSNovi's. Built 3/29 so the TSB doesn't apply in my case but I do get the noise. The dealer said they have to hear it first - which is not possible around here due to speed limits lower than what's really required for the vibration to start.
I'm out of options at this point and a bit upset - I bought a new car because I didn't want to deal with sh*t like this, and don't want the car to spend days and days at the dealership.

I also had mine in this week. (built 3/16). They also said they needed to hear it. Luckily, it is getting worse, so I took the techician for a ride and he heard it. He contacted Ford and they told him what parts to order. They are supposed to be in next week. You should send a PM to Cory at FordCustSrvc. I think they will have someone contact the dealer. I will try that if mine does not get fixed. I took in printouts from this forum showing the part numbers needed, the youtube video, and the compressed air technique. The Service Advisor was not interested in them, but the technician was. Hope this helps.

 

[FordService]

Thank you again for all those who have taken the time to post here with the details on this issue and your experience with the dealer. Also, if you haven’t already done so, please send me your VIN, approximate mileage, and dealer name if you would like my assistance with resolving the concern.

Cory

 

[Shanafelt]

wickmaw1, I can see how a noise like that would get annoying. If you would like me to assist you with getting it resolved, please send me a private message with your VIN, approximate mileage, and dealer name.

Bill1234 & scottfmc, if this is a sound that you would like me to help with, please also send a message with the details.

Cory

I am having this same issue as well. What did you do in order to get this fixedz?

 

[FordService]

Heard a whistling from around my windshield for the first time. I have only had mine for about a week, though.

As I stated above, I’d like to offer my help with getting this resolved for you. From previous communications, I have your Explorer’s info, so all I would need is your approximate mileage and dealer name.

Steven, thank you. Your time spent helping others is greatly appreciated!

StreetPilot & Shanafelt, so I can assist you with your concern as well, please feel free to private message me with your Explorer’s VIN along with the details I mentioned above.

Cory

 

[Shanafelt]

Thanks Cory for offering to help. How would I post a private message? Thanks.

 

[peterk9]

Thanks Cory for offering to help. How would I post a private message? Thanks.

Just go back up to the post by Cory. Click on the poster's name (FordCustSrvc) in the left column and you will be presented with several options. One of them is the option to send a private message.

Also, welcome to the forum. :wavey:

Peter

 

[FordService]

Thanks Cory for offering to help. How would I post a private message? Thanks.

It looks like peterk9 already jumped in and answered this. Thanks! I’ll reply to your message as soon as I can.

Cory

 

[bfiftytwo]

Noise Just Started

We had our 2011 for a week and took it back to get the DVD headrests and the "Touch of Class" done on the vehicle. We just picked it up today. On the way home I was doing 73 with both a head and cross wind and both A-Pillars started buzzing. I live in Eastern Oregon and it blows here all of the time as it is right now. My build date is 4-12-11 so obviously this problem is not just on the early builds. Planning on waiting for Service Bulletin for permanent fix. Also have the streaking windows on all 4 windows.

2011 Limited
Gold Leaf Metallic
Light Stone Interior

 

[TXplorer2011]

Add me to the list
Cory I sent you a Private message.

By the way, I called the dealer and they said there is not TSB on this.
Also they don't do windshield work. They actually call somebody that goes over there
and reseals windshields.

Is this typical?

 

[FordService]

TXplorer2011, I received your message and I’ll be getting to it as soon as possible. I’ll do everything I can to assist to resolve this.

Cory

 

[BethesdaEC]

First, you might ask what an A-pillar is. It is the A-shaped column that frames the windshield on the left and right sides.

The first set of pillars on a vehicle are the A pillars, the next set are the B pillars, C pillars and last but not least, D pillars if it is a wagon or SUV.

I noticed a wind noise on mine over the weekend, I hit the tilt on the sunroof and then closed it again and the whistle went away.

Do all of you experiencing the issue also have the sunroof?