Metal Clacking Noise

[Billy Dunwoody]

After taking in my 14 Explorer w 24k miles for the 17N03 recall and to have them investigate a clacking noise that I hear, they found nothing.

Symptoms: Everytime I am at slow speeds and go over a bump or hole or dip, I hear a noise. It sounds like it is coming from right under the driver side door, although it could be coming from the front. The Service Manager even rode with me and heard a small amount of the noise, but said "it could be a problem that is very hard to find and might take multiple trips". He said the tech spent over an hour looking and testing the front end and found everything to be fine, and he was nice enough not to even charge me a diagnostic/service fee. If I am in an alley, this noise is pretty loud.

I have read a lot of topics here on front end noises. My Explorer is a CPO and has 3 months left of the comprehensive warranty, so I want to get this nailed down before it would cost me money. Does anyone know or think where I can start in regards to this noise?

 

[2013PIU]

There's a lot of potential areas it could be coming from unfortunately. Sway bar end links were bad on mine, but it could be worn ball joints, or upper strut mount. If you're not able to get underneath to poke around maybe take it to an independent to get a second opinion.

 

[Billy Dunwoody]

There's a lot of potential areas it could be coming from unfortunately. Sway bar end links were bad on mine, but it could be worn ball joints, or upper strut mount. If you're not able to get underneath to poke around maybe take it to an independent to get a second opinion.

Are sway bar links the same thing as Stabalizer links? If so, I've changed them before on a Crown Vic so I could probably change them on the Explorer, if I needed to. How would I be able to check for a worn ball joint or upper strut mount? Jack the car up and start shaking things ?

 

[1995E]

Check sway bar links. I actually had one come off the strut and it was banging around.

 

[peterk9]

......I have read a lot of topics here on front end noises. My Explorer is a CPO and has 3 months left of the comprehensive warranty, so I want to get this nailed down before it would cost me money. Does anyone know or think where I can start in regards to this noise?

Have you read this thread? 2016 Sport metal clunk w video *solved
There is a TSB on an issue on 'thrust washers'.

Peter

 

[Billy Dunwoody]

Have you read this thread? 2016 Sport metal clunk w video *solved
There is a TSB on an issue on 'thrust washers'.

Peter

Wow, that is the exact noise! When I take it back to the dealer when the recall parts come in, I'm gonna tell them about this. You are a lifesaver! Is the suspension for the 2014 and 2016 close? Also, do you know if this would be covered by the 12month CPO Comprehensive warranty? My car is out of the 3yr/36k but it has the cpo comprehensive.

 

[peterk9]

Wow, that is the exact noise! When I take it back to the dealer when the recall parts come in, I'm gonna tell them about this. You are a lifesaver! Is the suspension for the 2014 and 2016 close? Also, do you know if this would be covered by the 12month CPO Comprehensive warranty? My car is out of the 3yr/36k but it has the cpo comprehensive.

I don't think there were any suspension changes between the years and I believe your CPO should cover it. You should be able to check the CPO document to find out.

Peter