Explorer A-Pillar Rattle/Noise

[Black Mounty]

I have the same situation of as 757 driver. Finally on my 4th set of A-Pillars do i dare say the problem has been fixed. Im keeping my fingers crossed. The rubber gaskets do seem more sturdy and seem to fit better in relation to the plastic pillar. It has been super windy in NY lately and i haven't hear a peep. I forgot how quiet the car actually was.

On anothe note, i just swapped out the OEM wipers for a set of PEAK Optix (they were on sale at BJ's Club) I find the performance of these to be superior to the OEM and also seem to sit a little better on the glass.

 

[JohnnyDop]

I live in North Carolina, where it seldom gets very cold. I had my passenger side pillar fixed twice and it has been fine for months. This morning it was about 20 degrees F outside. While drivng at a low speed (about 35 mph) I heard short bursts of A-pillar rattle on both sides.

I would think that those of you that live in really cold climates would have experienced this. Have you?

I don't plan to have anything done about it unless it gets worse. I would have to schedule a service appointment on one of the five cold days we have each year.

From the get go my passenger side buzzed at 70+mph, temps in the 70s, but during a recent trip i started hearing it from the driver's side now, temps were in the 40s.

 

[Trembler]

From the get go my passenger side buzzed at 70+mph, temps in the 70s, but during a recent trip i started hearing it from the driver's side now, temps were in the 40s.

Just completed my A-pillar fix last week. I just returned from an 800 mile trip where temperatures were as low as 6 degrees. All has been quiet so far. Here's hoping it stays that way...

 

[Spengracin]

Imello, sounds like a good fix, keep us posted, also do u have any pics to post? You might PM Cory about what you accomplished, might be something to pass along to Ford engineers.

Same subject, picked up my ex from the dealer today, few items were repaired, the parts manager told me the part numbers posted in the thread for the A pillar repair are on extended back order, like a remanufacturing code or redesign code? Has anyone experienced this yet? He mentioned, 8 to 12 weeks? I'll PM Cory to find out any info.

 

[FordService]

...I will not be able to test it myself until the weekend but I am hopeful this is resolved...

JH2011,

I confirmed that you will be called by the end of the day today to see if you’re still having the noise.

...I now have low-temp 3M electrical tape securing my $45,000 A pillar...

I want to see this resolved for you once and for all, soloxx. Let me know via PM if it’s alright for me to set up a follow-up.

...I have an earlier build date also. With the temps now low, the buzzing is constant now.

After 15,000 miles and 9 montha of ownership, my drivees side started this week. I only noticed it because the radio was silenced while I was flipping through my ipod.

...Done traveling for a while now, so not going to worry about it until I take it in around the 7500 mile mark. I will let them know about that as well as the various other issues I have.

From the get go my passenger side buzzed at 70+mph, temps in the 70s, but during a recent trip i started hearing it from the driver's side now, temps were in the 40s.

ercole, blwnsmoke, Flying68, & JohnnyDop,

I still have your information from previous messages, so let me know if you’d like me to arrange a call from the Customer Service Manager in your area.

Just had my fourth set of A-Pillars and Gaskets installed. The first two had the buzzing/flapping sound...Im picking the car up tomorrow to see whats foing

...I don't plan to have anything done about it unless it gets worse...

Black Mounty & deerfarm,

Thanks for keeping us in the loop.

...You might PM Cory about what you accomplished, might be something to pass along to Ford engineers...I'll PM Cory to find out any info.

I appreciate the recommendation, Spengracin. I’ll send a reply to your PM as soon as I can.

Cory

 

[crownline]

I too are having the same problem. I called my dealer early last week about the problem, he said he was waiting for parts. Called him yesterday, same story, waiting for parts.

 

[peterk9]

I too are having the same problem. I called my dealer early last week about the problem, he said he was waiting for parts. Called him yesterday, same story, waiting for parts.

Welcome to the Forum crownline. :wavey:
This 'A' pillar problem is one of the most common, second only I think to the MFT issues. There have been other members whose dealers are waiting for parts so you are not alone.

Peter

 

[Woolaroc]

video of the flapping noise from A-pillar here. http://www.dropshots.com/chimoman#date/2011-04-17/18:57:14

Also here: http://youtu.be/hdiVa_5TO0w

Note: Even though I showed this video to my dealer, he still insisted on trying to duplicate the issue.

TSB # 21760
2011 EXPLORER NOISE FROM THE A-PILLAR MOLDINGS
MESSAGE TEXT DISPLAYED UNDER A PRIOR CODE
EFFECTIVE DATE: 03/01/2011

Note: My dealer said this only applied to early build models (4th quarter 2010, 1st QTR 2011) so you may get flack on that.


He was more impressed with the following shop trouble shooting procedure provided by another forum member:

Use an air compressor at 120-140 psi and a nozzle. Point it 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. Where the gasket is looser, it will start vibrating. My drivers side does it toward the top and at the bottom, the passenger side only does 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.

PART #s:

SPO BB5Z 7803137 AA, SPO BB5Z 7803137 BA, SPO BB5Z 7803136 AA, and SPO BB5Z 7803136 BA

Hope this helps, good luck

I brought this print-out with me and left it with the service manager.

Just sent all this info to my dealers body shop guy that did the first replacement. This will be the 2nd time I'm taking it in, except on top of the flap it is now whistling.

 

[Spengracin]

The original post by trembler is posted in the parts department for information for other a pillar issues. I've spoke with 3 other ex owners while there, they have the same issue, and are still waiting.

 

[eljefe11]

Just sent a PM.

We (wife and I) love this SUV. It is used by my wife go to and from work (roughly 5 miles round trip). We finally stretched the Explorers legs out for a trip to see family in CO. We spent 13 hours there and13 hours back listening to an absolutely annoying buzzing sound. Wife doesn't hear it driving to work or around town but on highway it is horrible. It seemed to get worse in crosswinds. Besides this annoying sound the car made for a great trip.

Side note we were told by a dealer in CO that this problem doesn't exist and they couldn't hear anything. One service rep suggested it was maybe sound coming from my iphone music being poor quality.

 

[Dharma]

I am a first time ford owner, very disappointed that this vehicle should have a rattle at highway speeds, what is the solution for the 2012 model.

2012 Ford Explorer Limited
Engine 3.5 L Gasoline VIN last 4 digits 4239 Current Mileage 2000 Sales Dealer Ford Square of Mt. Vernon, Ltd Service Dealer Ford Square of Mt. Vernon, Ltd. Driving Habits Normal

 

[soloxx]

Finally hit the Trifecta!

After nearly four months and 5200 miles, my 2012 LTD has experienced the 'big three'; A pillar vibration, MFT implosion and now the "Smell".

The smell makes itself readily apparent after sitting in traffic, under hard acceleration (entering interstate) and when slowing from highway speeds. It's very strong but, unlike others here, I would characterize the smell as similar to burning brake pads or transmission related odors. It fills the cabin. It is more noticeable in colder weather (below freezing).

Anyway, with a necessary cross-country trip facing me, I am not a little concerned that this rolling recall will not survive the 7000 miles.

When Irene struck this August my Honda Pilot was totaled. I had hoped this Explorer would be a pleasant distraction to the recovery/rebuilding process. On the contrary; I now drive a $45,000 stinker, with a vibrating windshield, raspy transmission and a part-time infotainment system.

What a POS. I think Ford has just about beat me in to not giving a damn.

 

[Kjwin1]

Cory I sent you a pm with info. Thanks

 

[Spengracin]

Can't wait to hear or see the new a pillars soon, still on back order, hope Tammy can help, thanks Cory for talking with her.

 

[FordService]

...Finally on my 4th set of A-Pillars do i dare say the problem has been fixed. Im keeping my fingers crossed...

That’s great news, Black Mounty; thanks for the update.

Cory I sent you a pm with info. Thanks

Kjwin1,

I’m sorry, but the message didn’t seem to make it to my inbox. Would you mind re-sending it?

Can't wait to hear or see the new a pillars soon, still on back order, hope Tammy can help, thanks Cory for talking with her.

You’re very welcome, Spengracin. I’m confident Tammy will take care of you.

Cory

 

[gm_1973]

2012 Explorer windshield noise

have a new 2012 XLT (2 weeks old) and yes at speeds >70 mph there is a whistling sound on the top right side. >75 it starts to rattle/vibrate.

I called Ford and was told that there is no recall or issue logged for windshield noise on the 2012. They encourage everybody to call Ford if you have this issue.

Taking it back to the dealer for service on Sat. Also having problems with the NAV...

 

[Spengracin]

Ok the Ex is at the dealer for the next 3 days to fix the A-Pillar issues, witht he right parts in hand I hold my breath, also to fix the glovebox rattle, and fix my 3rd row power fold seat. Hope they get it right this time.....

 

[jrbonniwell]

Well guys my wife has an 11 limited with 2000 miles and I just experienced this problem for the first time tonight (she's heard it before but of course it never happened when i was in the vehicle). There was about a 30 mph crosswind from left to right tonight and anytime I drove over about 50 mph it sounded like a swarm off bees coming from the top of the A-pillar on the passenger side.

Is there a new part that has been designed to fix this problem or do they just fix it with the same parts? Also have many of you had problems getting your dealer to duplicate the problem therefore not fixing it?
Thanks guys

 

[cnsheets]

My windshield sounds like a window that is barely cracked open. At times I hear a slight flutter like the rubber seal around the windshield is vibrating in the wind. Typically occurs above 45 mph

 

[FordService]

have a new 2012 XLT (2 weeks old) and yes at speeds >70 mph there is a whistling sound on the top right side. >75 it starts to rattle/vibrate...

gm_1973,

In case you didn’t see yet, I sent a reply to your message. It’s in your inbox now.

Ok the Ex is at the dealer for the next 3 days to fix the A-Pillar issues, witht he right parts in hand I hold my breath, also to fix the glovebox rattle, and fix my 3rd row power fold seat. Hope they get it right this time.....

I’m confident the dealer with take care of this, Spengracin. Shoot a PM if you’re you’d like a call before your next follow-up.

Well guys my wife has an 11 limited with 2000 miles and I just experienced this problem for the first time tonight (she's heard it before but of course it never happened when i was in the vehicle)...

My windshield sounds like a window that is barely cracked open. At times I hear a slight flutter like the rubber seal around the windshield is vibrating in the wind. Typically occurs above 45 mph

I want to offer my assistance by arranging a call from the Customer Service Manager in your region. So I can do this, please send a PM with your VIN, contact info, mileage, and dealer name/state.

Cory