Rear End noise

[xTOM153x]

Hello I'm new to the forum community. I Just purchased a used 2003 ford explorer xlt 3rd gen with 75k miles on it. I love driving the truck compared to my escape. Out of nowhere there is a creaking noise coming from the back whenever i make a turn or bump it seems like the hatch to the window part of the liftgate. I was wondering if anyone had a previous problem with this or fix for it. I tried to put electrical tape around the hook but it seems like it only temporarily fixed the problem and is now occuring again. I know that not everything is perfect but its very irritating to listen to a loud creak noise coming from the back. Also on a side note my engine seems to vibrate the whole car. To me it doesnt seem very normal the passenger seat shakes almost like a rought idle feel but the RPMS don't budge.

 

[dave042583]

i cant help you with the creaking part but i have experienced the rough idle since i bought the car, i would change the spark plugs first if there old this can be one problem. on my car the new plugs made no difference. Yesterday i went to the dealership and for around $100 dollars i did the PCM (power train control) update takes about 45 mins and as soon as i started the car the rough idle and surges were 95% gone, the car also shifts smoother now. There is a good chance that the upgrade was never done, and i was skeptical about the upgrade and thought the worst, but im a believer now and would suggest everyone to do the upgrade. if you have any questions let me know.]
David

 

[robby001]

Your sound coming from the rear end could very well be a bad set of glass hinges or on there way out. My 03 used to do this and I found that one of my hinges was broke. I replaced the set and no more problems. It sure closes better now too lol.

Dave042583 what is the pcm update? How would you tell if yours has it and when did it come out?

 

[xTOM153x]

I was also wondering if its suppose to lay completely mesh with the body one side of the lift gate for the window is also shift to the right more than the left and is not centered

 

[robby001]

Mine seemed to set to low before I pelaced with the new hinges, also it was a pain to close always closed hard. replaced the hinges and you can close it with one finger and it doesn't sit as low. I will try and get some pics of mine over the weekend and load them up next monday if that would help you out.

 

[xTOM153x]

Sounds good thanks. I might post some pics of mine to show how messed up it looks. Im getting the computer flashed at the moment I had to leave my truck there overnight got a 3 year/36000 mile bumper to bumper warranty with the truck so they're of course doing it for free

 

[robby001]

Here are the pics I got this weekend.