Rattle noise in front end?

[FreshNSoft]

Does anyone else get a rattle noise at slower speeds? Sounds like its under the hood but can be heard inside the car. I hear it on small bumps in the road. I've tried to record it but you end up only hearing road noise. It sounds like something is moving around. Its been to dealer and all mechanical is good. My first thought was like a strut or something. It drives great, but I want to go insane with this rattle noise. I low key feel like there's a screw driver bouncing around somewhere. I don't notice it as higher speeds, but maybe wind noise over powers? Just curious if someone else if they've experienced and fixed. I know its a long shot. Thanks!

 

[JCR ST]

Mine was the strut. Lots of reports of bad struts. (several threads about it) Could also be sway bar links.

 

[FreshNSoft]

I will look into both. Thank you! It rides so smooth and handles so well I wouldnt think struts, but I will definitely check both.

 

[JCR ST]

FYI mine sounded like a block of wood banging around at slow speed.

 

[jdmac27]

I have same issue from front suspension. Most noticeable at 30-50 MPH over expansion joints in an otherwise smooth surface or very slow speeds (<10mph) on gravel road. Started around 10k miles. No handling issue, just the loud clunking. Have not taken in yet but it is very noticeable and annoying!!!!

 

[bhunted1]

Same crap and they want me to leave it because they are backed up 2 weeks. Starting to really think about doing away with Fords. Always something.

 

[banniar]

I will look into both. Thank you! It rides so smooth and handles so well I wouldnt think struts, but I will definitely check both.

It may not be the strut itself, but rather the strut top mount. Seems this is a common failure point on these Explorers. I think I had the same problem as you... it sounded like a dull knock when crawling at low speed in a parking lot, but no issues with ride quality. Fortunately for me, the dealer replaced front struts, mounts, and links on both sides under extended warranty at around 40k miles when I was having this issue.

 

[bhunted1]

They replaced the sway bar in someone elses 24 and didnt help. There is a tsb for 2023 that mentions it. Not at my desk at the moment.
Seems like the say stuff.


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[BrooseDaMoose]

Same crap and they want me to leave it because they are backed up 2 weeks. Starting to really think about doing away with Fords. Always something.

Not just a Ford issue. Ex has a brand new Toyota Highlander that's been in the dealer 3 times already for mechanical issues. My buddy's 1 month old Hyundai Santa Fe just went in for a "clunking" sound that turned out to be a lose suspension link in the back. It's just what it is today. They don't make 'em like they used to. My 07 Ranger has 279K miles and all I've really done to it is the timing chains (4.0 SOHC). Still runs like a champ. actually gonna pass it down to my daughter for her first car.

 

[roycereal]

Yeah, those rattles can drive you nuts. Hope you find the cause soon!

 

[bhunted1]

Still frustrating as hell. Getting fed up with Ford.
My 25 has barely 1600 miles on it. They want me to leave it for 2 weeks.
Cant do that. We have our vacation coming up in the Smokies. With the amount of Exploders in this country, bad enough their computer systems are a disaster, they cant get simple things right.



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[BrooseDaMoose]

Gotta throw this out there... it's still the #1 selling SUV in America!* Gremlins and all!

(*Based on S&P Global Mobility 1946-current U.S. Total New Cumulative Registrations, for all vehicles identified as SUVs.)

 

[Cruising68]

Gotta throw this out there... it's still the #1 selling SUV in America!* Gremlins and all!

(*Based on S&P Global Mobility 1946-current U.S. Total New Cumulative Registrations, for all vehicles identified as SUVs.)

No doubt the recent Explorers have lots of potential issues and has a high percentage of issues. But there are still a TON of them on the road with no issues including mine. They have plenty of quality issues no doubt but you never hear from people that have no issues.


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[bhunted1]

While there are tons out there, it's not all end users like me and you. Especially at 1600 miles like mine. Its every govt agency and company fleets that reflect those sales. While newer ones have mostly computer issues, I don't recognize Ford as having no knowledge about sway bars, struts, etc. Those are not new to the auto industry. and I don't accept the fact that they need to have my vehicle for 2 weeks to get it fixed while parts are avail in a couple days per my service writer...
This issue was first brought to light in 2023 as SSM 52405 2023 Explorers. They have not updated the SSM to 24-25 yet but it describes the same problems. It refers to a pressure tube within the front strut(s).... They have to be swapped out.

 

[Cruising68]

While there are tons out there, it's not all end users like me and you. Especially at 1600 miles like mine. Its every govt agency and company fleets that reflect those sales. While newer ones have mostly computer issues, I don't recognize Ford as having no knowledge about sway bars, struts, etc. Those are not new to the auto industry. and I don't accept the fact that they need to have my vehicle for 2 weeks to get it fixed while parts are avail in a couple days per my service writer...
This issue was first brought to light in 2023 as SSM 52405 2023 Explorers. They have not updated the SSM to 24-25 yet but it describes the same problems. It refers to a pressure tube within the front strut(s).... They have to be swapped out.

Not denying the problem, especially your current issue. Also don’t excuse Ford for their severe quality issues along with lack of parts to fix them. Just pointing out that there are lots on the road without issues.


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[bnsutton]

My 23 with 14000 miles is at the dealership for this exact issue. Went in last Friday and no word yet. I will post what they find or say when I hear from them.

 

[STeiner]

2023 here, 3800 miles, and I have a clunk sound coming from the front. It sounds like the hood is loose and bumping up and down, but it's tight. I adjusted the hood stops nice and tight to confirm and it still clunks even on small bumps. I have had the hood prop pop out of the holder and bang around, but this is different. I can't figure it out. This is not a problem that I should be having with such low mileage, I don't see how the struts could be shot after only 3800 miles of light city driving.

 

[BrooseDaMoose]

2023 here, 3800 miles, and I have a clunk sound coming from the front. It sounds like the hood is loose and bumping up and down, but it's tight. I adjusted the hood stops nice and tight to confirm and it still clunks even on small bumps. I have had the hood prop pop out of the holder and bang around, but this is different. I can't figure it out. This is not a problem that I should be having with such low mileage, I don't see how the struts could be shot after only 3800 miles of light city driving.

Bad valve, bad strut! Could be loose. Could be anything! They just don’t build them like they used to!


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[bnsutton]

Picking mine up tomorrow afternoon so like I said I’ll post what I find out. They left a message and said they fixed the issue so……..we’ll see

 

[bnsutton]

Here’s the result. All fixed! Perfect. They also took care of the wind noise coming from the driver side area. Very happy the knock is gone! It was driving me crazy. It was a strut. Check the picture for what they said. All good now. Hope this helps. I have no idea what caused the failure to be honest.
Take care.