Tapping in Rear Quarter Panel

[TimR21]

I hope this hasn't been covered over and over...I searched and didn't turn up anything...so....

The other day, almost inexplicably, the driver's side rear quarter panel on my '02 XLT 4x4 started tapping. At first I thought it was only when the rear AC was running, but now it seems that it taps anytime the engine is turned on. It's the panel that is directly to the left of the 3rd row seat...where the a/c return is.

It's a constant, rhythmic tapping that's going to drive me insane soon. So, please, I'm begging you,...do you have any ideas?

Thanks,
TimR><>
2002 Ford Explorer XLT V6 4x4
1995 Ford E-350 Club Waggon XL V8

 

[biggie boy]

yea man, it's the rear a/c. mine started doing it a couple of months ago exactly where you say that you hear the tapping. there have been a coupla threads on here about the same problem. anyway i think that it's a pretty expensive fix. try slowly turning the rear a/c knob (the one thats on the roof up front with you) if you turn it slowly clockise you should reach a point where the tapping will stop. i turned mine about a quarter of a turn and it stopped the tapping while the a/c is on and the rear still gets cool. the knob that i'm talking about is the temp. adjustment knob (the one on the right) good luck.