Explorer A-Pillar Rattle/Noise

[RSNovi]

Update 7/15/2011

I had my passenger side A pillar repaired on 7/14. The dealer replaced the applique and gasket. I think the gasket seems more firm and not as flimsy as the original. The whole applique and gasket does not seem as loose as the original.

The dealer mentioned that when I originally took it in about a month ago that there was no TSB which pertained to my build date. I was told that there is now a TSB.

The drive home was fine without any noise. Hopefully it holds up.

 

[jumpervb]

Update 7/15/2011

I had my passenger side A pillar repaired on 7/14. The dealer replaced the applique and gasket. I think the gasket seems more firm and not as flimsy as the original. The hole applique and gasket does not seem as loose as the original.

The dealer mentioned that when I originally took it in about a month ago that there was no TSB which pertained to my build date. I was told that there is now a TSB.

The drive home was fine without any noise. Hopefully it holds up.

I sure would like to see that TSB cause my dealer told me that if they couldn't replicate it they would do nothing about it. And I can see that, but, I also gave them the link to the videos on here and the link to this thread and I would bet you it went in the trash as soon as I went out the door.

 

[FordService]

After about a month since getting the gaskets replaced I started picking up a faint rattle again today. Given the intense heat the last few weeks my guess the gaskets have flexed again allowing the air to start getting under. Its only on the passenger side.

I have your VIN from previously escalating your case janskim, so please let me know via PM if you’d like me to open it back up now that you’re experiencing the rattle again.

Update 7/15/2011

I had my passenger side A pillar repaired on 7/14. The dealer replaced the applique and gasket. I think the gasket seems more firm and not as flimsy as the original. The whole applique and gasket does not seem as loose as the original.

The dealer mentioned that when I originally took it in about a month ago that there was no TSB which pertained to my build date. I was told that there is now a TSB.

The drive home was fine without any noise. Hopefully it holds up.

I’m glad to hear that this was taken care for you RSNovi. Please let me know if you run into any other troubles you’d like my help with.

I sure would like to see that TSB cause my dealer told me that if they couldn't replicate it they would do nothing about it. And I can see that, but, I also gave them the link to the videos on here and the link to this thread and I would bet you it went in the trash as soon as I went out the door.

An issue like this can be especially frustrating if it wouldn’t duplicate at the dealer jumpervb, and I’d like to help. Would you mind private messaging me your VIN, dealer name, approximate mileage, and contact info so I can escalate this for you?

Cory

 

[sm4astan]

I've only heard this rattle once or twice in the 9,000 miles or so I've put on our X.

The funny thing is, I was driving our Odyssey last week, and guess what I heard? An A-pillar buzzing that sounded just like the X's. Good to know it's not just the X, but seems to be something more common out there.

 

[deerfarm]

Hey Cory,

My right side A-pillar is making noise again a month after the fix. At that time there was no TSB that the dealer could find. Is there actually one now that will show up when they check?

Thanks

 

[solow66]

A pillar rattle

I just bought a used 2011 Explorer with 4200 miles. It's doing the same thing with the A-pillar. I was wondering if someone would be nice enough to pull an OASIS for me as well before I head to my dealer.
VIN -1FMHK7B85BGA04866
Thank you!!!

 

[FordService]

Hey Cory,

My right side A-pillar is making noise again a month after the fix. At that time there was no TSB that the dealer could find. Is there actually one now that will show up when they check?

Thanks

I’m sorry to hear that the noise started again after you had it fixed once deerfarm. I’m not a technician and I can’t guess what repairs are available, so I’d like to assist you by escalating your concern. I already have your VIN from previous messages and for me to able to help, I would need your approximate mileage, dealer name, and contact info via private message.

If you’re experiencing a rattle as well sm4astan and solow66, feel free to send me a PM with the above details so I can lend a hand.

Cory

 

[janskim]

Cory

I'm going to wait mine out since its not as bad as before and hopefully by then Ford comes out with a formal TSB to address the issue more permanently

 

[FordService]

Cory

I'm going to wait mine out since its not as bad as before and hopefully by then Ford comes out with a formal TSB to address the issue more permanently

OK, I understand. Keep me in loop with any changes and please don’t hesitate to drop me a line with anything else you’d like help with.

Cory

 

[janskim]

Cory,

Can you confirm that Ford is working on a TSB fix for this and when we might see something? Everyones hope that a gasket switch out would fix this is starting to show as only a temp patch as it begins to reoccur after a short while.


Anyone know how to remove the black applique on the A pillar I'm curious to see whats under there holding it in place and how easy does it come off.

 

[GTMD]

Cory,

Can you confirm that Ford is working on a TSB fix for this and when we might see something? Everyones hope that a gasket switch out would fix this is starting to show as only a temp patch as it begins to reoccur after a short while.


Anyone know how to remove the black applique on the A pillar I'm curious to see whats under there holding it in place and how easy does it come off.

I would advise you to NOT remove the applique.The clips that hold it are in the base piece that holds the rubber gasket.When it is removed the plastic tips,on the applique,will not seat in the clips properly.Your applique will probably blow off. In April,at my dealers body shop, we pulled the passenger side to take a look,while parts were on order.Two days later ,the applique was gone with the wind.
We repaced the passenger side with new parts,when they arrived.

 

[FordService]

Cory,

Can you confirm that Ford is working on a TSB fix for this and when we might see something? Everyones hope that a gasket switch out would fix this is starting to show as only a temp patch as it begins to reoccur after a short while.


Anyone know how to remove the black applique on the A pillar I'm curious to see whats under there holding it in place and how easy does it come off.

I don't have a way to know if there is a TSB coming out on this. Even though I'm not a technician, I can still escalate the concern and arrange for you to be called about this. Drop me a line via PM if you’d like!

I would advise you to NOT remove the applique.The clips that hold it are in the base piece that holds the rubber gasket.When it is removed the plastic tips,on the applique,will not seat in the clips properly.Your applique will probably blow off. In April,at my dealers body shop, we pulled the passenger side to take a look,while parts were on order.Two days later ,the applique was gone with the wind.
We repaced the passenger side with new parts,when they arrived.

I’m glad yours was taken care of, GTMD. Let me know if you ever need help with anything else!

Cory

 

[janskim]

Update:

After having my pillars fixed at the end of June the rattle returned about a month later on the passenger side. Did some trial and error testing taping the gasket down with tape to see if the noise stops and it did. Used some RTV silicone gasket maker (available at your local auto parts store)and layed a bead under the rubber part that lays on the windshield. Gently press down and clean off excess. Held the gasket down with tape overnight to let it setup. Two days now with mid 90's temp and golden silence!

Now who on the forum is working on the fix for the window streaks, rain rattle, squeaky brakes and MFT.

 

[mfischer2]

So glad it's not just me! I got a 2011 Explorer XLT in late June and on a long interstate drive today my wife and I both noticed the noise, coming from the right front side. Like people have said it hits at about 55. It does not require much cross-wind, although Colorado is pretty much always windy so there was probably a light breeze today. We eliminated windows, sunroof, loose doors, and side mirrors as the cause (moved them to all possible positions, didn't remove them from the vehicle!). I swear it's coming from the windshield and it almost seems as if something in the upper windshield passenger area is just not sealed.

I'm worried about this because I had to fight the wife hard to not get a Highlander since we'd never owned a Ford before.

Any thoughts on what to do here? I'm worried that this will be treated as minor or non-reproducable at the dealer.

 

[mfischer2]

I'm having the same issue. It sounds like crumpling paper coming from the top-center of the windshield starting at about 55 mph. Honestly, I didn't notice it until my MFT screen went black and I was driving with no music/navigation. I have 1200 miles on this vehicle and this is my first Ford ever. It's disheartening to say the least.

I have essentially the same miles and vehicle, but my noise is an extremely high pitched whistle. I think I leave a trail of howling dogs in my wake.

 

[757driver]

So glad it's not just me! I got a 2011 Explorer XLT in late June and on a long interstate drive today my wife and I both noticed the noise, coming from the right front side. Like people have said it hits at about 55. It does not require much cross-wind, although Colorado is pretty much always windy so there was probably a light breeze today. We eliminated windows, sunroof, loose doors, and side mirrors as the cause (moved them to all possible positions, didn't remove them from the vehicle!). I swear it's coming from the windshield and it almost seems as if something in the upper windshield passenger area is just not sealed.

I'm worried about this because I had to fight the wife hard to not get a Highlander since we'd never owned a Ford before.

Any thoughts on what to do here? I'm worried that this will be treated as minor or non-reproducable at the dealer.

Exact same symptoms for my car and it was delivered in June as well. Sound is coming from the upper right portion of the windshield. When we first got the car you could converse normally with a person driving in the car and using the hands free phone. Now its so noisy that the only thing you can hear when talking to a person driving the car is the loud rushing sound of wind.

I'm also experiencing GPS failures and MFT screen problems. Blew off an Infiniti QX56 for this car and it is also my first time Ford purchase.

Cory is assiting me with this and I hope it will get resolved without multiple trips to the dealer.

2011 Limited

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum mfischer2 and 757driver. :wavey::wavey:

This doesn't sound like the problem with the 'A' pillar rattle. Since both vehicles were assembled in June and the problem area seems to be the same, I wonder if this could be a manuafacturing defect. It is definitely something I would bring to the dealer's attention and tell them you are not the only one with this problem. If they are not able to do anything at this time, make sure that they record your visit/problem.

 

[757driver]

Welcome to the Forum mfischer2 and 757driver. :wavey::wavey:

This doesn't sound like the problem with the 'A' pillar rattle. Since both vehicles were assembled in June and the problem area seems to be the same, I wonder if this could be a manuafacturing defect. It is definitely something I would bring to the dealer's attention and tell them you are not the only one with this problem. If they are not able to do anything at this time, make sure that they record your visit/problem.

Peter,

From all that I've read this does sound like the a pillar problem. Why do you think it does not?

 

[peterk9]

Peter,

From all that I've read this does sound like the a pillar problem. Why do you think it does not?

I was just going by the problem description you and mfischer2 gave. That the noise seems to be coming from the upper part of the windshield. Mind you, it wouldn't be the first time that I was wrong.
From previous posts, it seems that the dealer won't fix the problem, at least the 'A' pillar problem, unless they can actually duplicate it. In any case, I hope that you can get it resolved. The Explorer is really a great vehicle. I've had mine since mid March.

 

[mfischer2]

I did some driving tonight on the state highways near me (and the dealer) and I couldn't repro the problem at 60, so it will have to be the interstate. Given that I'd have to convince the dealer to let me take them 15 minutes just to get there, I think I'll delay working on this issue for now. I still have to go register my new Explorer and can't devote a lot of time to this right now.

I'll wait and see what FordCustSrvc says tomorrow. Perhaps there will be a TSB on this in the future and will save me some trouble.