lifting hood at speeds over 60

[kwojnar]

I have a strange issue with my 2022 Explorer XLT. At speed over 65 on freeway, periodically the hood will lift and flutter near the windshield edge with the back half of the hood lifting visibly. The movement is not constant but very noticeable at times with maybe 1/4 inch of travel. At lower speeds, the hood sits flat and doesn't have noticeable movement beyond normal vibration. When stationary or at speeds under 50, the hood sits flush with fenders as it should and has no visible movement. Has anybody experienced this issue ? When I first noticed, I was concerned about the hood flying up at the hinges.

I had added a bug deflector on the front of the hood months ago but have never seen this before. Will be looking to adjust the hinges and hopefully pull the hinge side tighter over the weekend. Anybody else experience this noticeable hood lift ? I may add something to stiffen the back of the hood as well to see if i can minimize any flex. Thanks for any advice

-- k --

 

[hbalek]

I have a strange issue with my 2022 Explorer XLT. At speed over 65 on freeway, periodically the hood will lift and flutter near the windshield edge with the back half of the hood lifting visibly. The movement is not constant but very noticeable at times with maybe 1/4 inch of travel. At lower speeds, the hood sits flat and doesn't have noticeable movement beyond normal vibration. When stationary or at speeds under 50, the hood sits flush with fenders as it should and has no visible movement. Has anybody experienced this issue ? When I first noticed, I was concerned about the hood flying up at the hinges.

I had added a bug deflector on the front of the hood months ago but have never seen this before. Will be looking to adjust the hinges and hopefully pull the hinge side tighter over the weekend. Anybody else experience this noticeable hood lift ? I may add something to stiffen the back of the hood as well to see if i can minimize any flex. Thanks for any advice

-- k --

I've seen the hood flutter at the car wash in the dryer cycle because the blowers are so powerful but not a 1/4 inch.

 

[themishmosh]

There is no play in the front of my hood at all. Can you tell if the hood is actually moving up or does it not have support to sit on.

 

[kwojnar]

There is no play in the front of my hood at all. Can you tell if the hood is actually moving up or does it not have support to sit on.

The rear (closest to windshield) of the hood actually lifts. I thought it was just normal flex initially but it lifts across the whole hood rather than just the center. Couldn't find anything to adjust at the hinges.

 

[kwojnar]

There is no play in the front of my hood at all. Can you tell if the hood is actually moving up or does it not have support to sit on.

The back of the hood (nearest windshield) actually lifts. The front - closest to grill - does not seem to move. First time I noticed it was recently on a long trip (about 2200 miles over 5 days) . It may have done it all along but maybe going that distance gave me the chance to really notice it. I honestly thought with that much movement, the hood or hinges were loose and I was going to see the thing fly off !

Everything under the hood is secure and hinges do not have any extra play . May take it to a dealer and see what they say. Looking for something to reinforce the hood for stiffness now.

 

[kwojnar]

I've seen the hood flutter at the car wash in the dryer cycle because the blowers are so powerful but not a 1/4 inch.

I have seen the car wash hood flutter with the Explorer and other cars as you do. Never saw that happen while driving. When its really going, i can see the full thickness of the hood above the fender at the back of the hood. I may try removing the front air deflector I added to the hood and see if that calms things down.

 

[peterk9]

The rear (closest to windshield) of the hood actually lifts. I thought it was just normal flex initially but it lifts across the whole hood rather than just the center. Couldn't find anything to adjust at the hinges.

I wonder if the hood has separated from its cross braces. It has happened with some 5th gen Explorers.

Explorer hood vibrates

Welcome to the Forum earlanderson.:wavey: I'm pretty sure that the noise you are hearing is coming from the cowl that runs along the bottom of the windshield. There have been a few posts like yours and the cowl was the problem. Peter Not sure that I agree about the cowl being the source...

www.explorerforum.com

Peter

 

[kwojnar]

I wonder if the hood has separated from its cross braces. It has happened with some 5th gen Explorers.

Explorer hood vibrates

Welcome to the Forum earlanderson.:wavey: I'm pretty sure that the noise you are hearing is coming from the cowl that runs along the bottom of the windshield. There have been a few posts like yours and the cowl was the problem. Peter Not sure that I agree about the cowl being the source...

www.explorerforum.com

Peter

thanks for that other thread but I think my problem is different. I am not getting any noise, just hood movement. I will be sure to check it though

 

[Spacey]

I think it's an aluminum hood which is lighter and most likely more flexible than steel. Perhaps adding the deflector has created some sort of vortex or low pressure area at the back of the hood which is causing it to lift at speed.

 

[dvdswan]

I would check the bushing(s) for the hood hinge (if there are any). Try lightly pounding on the hood with your fist where the hinge is with someone sitting inside the closed vehicle and have them listen for a metal-to-metal sound. This will let you know if the hinges are worn at the pivot bolt.

You could also lift at the back of the hood to see if the hinges are loose.