Multiple suspension noises

[Steverino951]

I still think it is the front left control arm. Mine can be twisted pretty easily and I just don't remember that these should have that kind of play in them. If this is the issue, it isn't a safety issue per se, but a real quality concern. I may buy a replacement from Rockauto and swap them out to see if anything changes. Pretty simple to do and put my mind at rest...

 

[Forddealz]

I still think it is the front left control arm. Mine can be twisted pretty easily and I just don't remember that these should have that kind of play in them. If this is the issue, it isn't a safety issue per se, but a real quality concern. I may buy a replacement from Rockauto and swap them out to see if anything changes. Pretty simple to do and put my mind at rest...

Good luck, keep us posted.

 

[steweod]

My 2020 aviator has the same odd rattle the dealer magically can't hear. Yet the last aviator loaner they gave me didn't have it. I also have an odd grind/growl noise when I turn left as well. Funny all these are things my wife and I notice but the dealer doesn't know what we are talking about. Granted they are hard to hear from all tge other squeak and rattle from pretty much everything on the front of the vehicle having been taken apart and put back together from the dash forward.....

On a interesting front I did notice some play in my front right CV shaft that when wiggled does sound a little like the suspension noises I here over bumps. I do not know how much play there should be in there but it will move up and down between 1/4 and 1/2 inch.

 

[BarCode]

My left lower control arm can be twisted. Have the dealer check this. From what I remember, these should not twist in a vehicle.

Steven,

The dealership replaced the left strut for sure and I think they said they replaced the lower control arm too as they put it on the alignment table before I got the car back. So we know the AWD models have the noise and the 2WD models don't. I know there is a lot of chatter about this, I'm asking all those who are hearing this noise call or write to the upper management of FORD hoping something will be done.

Paul

 

[Forddealz]

Steven,

The dealership replaced the left strut for sure and I think they said they replaced the lower control arm too as they put it on the alignment table before I got the car back. So we know the AWD models have the noise and the 2WD models don't. I know there is a lot of chatter about this, I'm asking all those who are hearing this noise call or write to the upper management of FORD hoping something will be done.

Paul

If 2021 model year has it then Ford thinks it is normal. It would be silly to think that Ford does not know about this. This suspension noise is so obvious to tell.

 

[peterk9]

If 2021 model year has it then Ford thinks it is normal................................

 

[Sea_Ray]

My neighbors work at the ford plant in Chicago where the Explorers are built. Management doesn't have the ️ to rid out the bad workers.

 

[peterk9]

My neighbors work at the ford plant in Chicago where the Explorers are built. Management doesn't have the ️ to rid out the bad workers.

UNIONS!

 

[Steverino951]

Was your noise issue resolved by a new control arm or is it still present? My brand new Platinum built on Sept 9th is a virtual boom box.

Unfortunately, I have the part(made in 2021), but I haven't had the time to put it in. I hope to in the next few weeks.

 

[peterk9]

Unfortunately, I have the part(made in 2021), but I haven't had the time to put it in. I hope to in the next few weeks.

Are you out of warranty already?

Peter

 

[BigJuan]

Our 2020 has 7000 miles on it and the dealer just told us that there were numerous loose bolts in the rear suspension and showed me that both rear shocks are leaking. The Passenger rear had no damping control at all so going down the road the tire is acting like a basket ball. Parts are ordered and they are covering the rear tires as they are severely cupped and worn. Mechanic said this is the third one he's seen like this.

 

[El_Steveo]

Hey Guys, first post. I have a 2021 build in august of 21 with this same exact noise. I've gone through the front suspension, nothing is loose. It occurs during the same situations, etc. I'm glad to see its not a safety concern, and I've had 0 issues with my explorer otherwise. I do believe its getting worse.. bought the vehicle with 1400 miles and it currently has 3000 (was driven by the dealer manager for a little bit). Its more so annoying than anything. figured I'd keep the thread alive and keep y'all updated as I have the issue. will be going under my car after work today and checking heatshields and the rear suspension bolts as well, though I'm convinced its the front side. I do have the front control arm that rotates, though i believe this to be a normal characteristic of that part. oddly enough, i haven't seen a thread about it over on the explorerST forum. I read EVERY SINGLE POST in this thread (took me 2.5 hours).

 

[peterk9]

^^Welcome to the Forum.
Note this thread; Calling all MY2021 MY2022 Explorer ST, Platinum, King Ranch and Aviators: rear subframe poll

Peter

 

[El_Steveo]

^^Welcome to the Forum.
Note this thread; Calling all MY2021 MY2022 Explorer ST, Platinum, King Ranch and Aviators: rear subframe poll

Peter

Yes, I helped start that fiasco on the Facebook pages. I have a 3 bolt subframe, I haven’t had issues yet but I was working on finding solutions. This is a different thing.

Yea actually got up under my ST lol it’s wheels on the ground and rocked it hard back and forth. I’m almost convinced it’s driveline slop from the front diff area that we’ve all been hearing, which makes sense as to why 2wd models don’t have exhibit the noise.

 

[BarCode]

Anyone else have a 2020 and have all sorts of random suspension noises?

My ST is making multiple noises from the front suspension that sounds like something is loose when going over bumpy roads. There's also clicking sounds when you get on the brakes going downhill and come to a stop. On occasion it also makes a popping sound from the rear under heavy brake pressure.

Took it to my dealer and they said they hear multiple intermittent noises but they can't figure it out. They told me the car is so new I should just deal with it for another 3k until the first oil change.

Everything was fine until about 1200 miles.

I have to say I am more than displeased with the build quality of these things especially when they are in the 60k range. Ford needs to get their act together and vet these problems out before releasing a product to the public. Not suprised they 10k + explorers sitting at flat Rock awaiting repairs.

Many have voiced similar front end noises on AWD explorers. Platinum, ST are the main ones. We've all heard the same thing from the dealership that they have 'no idea' where the noise is coming from. If any of the explorers have been fixed, no one has reported here. The service manager at my dealership thinks FORD will figure it out eventually.

-P

 

[El_Steveo]

Well, I’m on a 3000 mile trip and I’m 2000 miles into it. I swear the front end now sounds like it’s going to fall apart. Again everything was tight, I’m starting to think it’s 100 percent in the drive train or motor mounts. I hear a jarring sound when the auto start/stop kicks on and I let off the brake fast. Will go to the dealer when I get back to Virginia

 

[Pedro504]

Well, I’m on a 3000 mile trip and I’m 2000 miles into it. I swear the front end now sounds like it’s going to fall apart. Again everything was tight, I’m starting to think it’s 100 percent in the drive train or motor mounts. I hear a jarring sound when the auto start/stop kicks on and I let off the brake fast. Will go to the dealer when I get back to Virginia

I think sometimes I'm driving with no suspension. Laughably but sad.

 

[El_Steveo]

well, I'm back in Virginia after the 3000 mile trip. sounds aren't any worse than they were at 2000 miles into the trip. the explorer now has 6500 miles on it. I have an appointment tomorrow for an oil change and to have this noise looked at. I'm fully prepared for them to start throwing parts at it with no result, but maybe not. Maybe I just need to get an aftermarket exhaust so I don't hear the noises

 

[El_Steveo]

update for those who care. We got somewhat of a winter storm in my area and temps were down into the 20's. I drove the ST for about 20 miles from a cold start and the vehicle never made the noise. this morning it was in the upper 30's and the vehicle did make the noise.. That's all I have really. open for brain storming. ideas in my head are oil viscosity (such as front diff fluid) or a tolerance that's JUST out of spec and closed up when its cold outside

 

[Pedro504]

update for those who care. We got somewhat of a winter storm in my area and temps were down into the 20's. I drove the ST for about 20 miles from a cold start and the vehicle never made the noise. this morning it was in the upper 30's and the vehicle did make the noise.. That's all I have really. open for brain storming. ideas in my head are oil viscosity (such as front diff fluid) or a tolerance that's JUST out of spec and closed up when its cold outside

It was in the mid to upper teens for a few days here and I also noticed a difference in the low frequency acoustics. As we head into february it will get colder. I'll report back.