Door Rattling in Ford Explorer XLT at Highway Speeds

The Ford Explorer XLT is a popular midsize SUV known for its spaciousness, versatility, and comfortable ride. However, some owners have reported experiencing an annoying door rattling issue, particularly at highway speeds. This issue can be frustrating and detracts from the overall driving experience. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to diagnose and address this issue.

Common Causes of Door Rattling in Ford Explorer XLT

The door rattling in the Ford’s midsize crossover can be due to a variety of factors, including:

• Loose door hinges or hardware: Over time, the screws and bolts that hold the door in place can become loose, leading to excessive movement and rattling.
• Worn or damaged door seals: The rubber seals around the door can deteriorate, causing the door to fit improperly and create unwanted noise.
• Loose or damaged underbody panels: The underbody panels, including the skid plate, can become loose or damaged, leading to door vibrations.
• Worn or damaged suspension components: Issues with the suspension, such as worn shock absorbers or bushings, can contribute to overall vehicle instability and door rattling.

Addressing Door Rattling 

To address the door rattling issue in your Ford Explorer crossover, you’ll need to take a systematic approach to identify and resolve the underlying cause, which may involve a combination of DIY troubleshooting and professional repair services.

Steps to Diagnose Door Rattling in Ford Explorer XLT

1. Inspect the Doors: Start by closely inspecting the doors for any signs of loose hardware, worn seals, or other visible issues. Check the hinges, latches, and other door components for play or movement.
2. Check the Underbody: Examine the underbody panels, including the skid plate, for any loose or damaged components contributing to the rattling.
3. Inspect the Suspension: Inspect the suspension components, such as the shock absorbers, bushings, and ball joints, for any signs of wear or damage.
4. Road Test: Take your Ford three-row SUV for a test drive, particularly at highway speeds, to pinpoint the location and severity of the door rattling.
5. Consult the Owner’s Manual: Refer to your Ford Explorer XLT owner’s manual for any specific troubleshooting or maintenance recommendations related to door rattling.

Possible DIY Solutions for Door Rattling

If the door rattling issue is relatively minor, you may be able to address it yourself with some basic DIY troubleshooting and repairs. Some potential solutions include:

• Tightening Door Hardware: Use a torque wrench to ensure that all the screws and bolts holding the door in place are adequately tightened.
• Replacing Door Seals: Inspect the door seals and replace any worn or damaged components to ensure a proper fit.
• Securing Underbody Panels: Check the underbody panels, including the skid plate, and tighten any loose fasteners to prevent vibrations.
• Lubricating Moving Parts: To reduce friction and noise, apply a silicone-based lubricant to the door hinges and other moving components.

Professional Solutions for Door Rattling in Ford Explorer XLT

If the door rattling issue persists or is more severe, it’s best to seek the assistance of a professional Ford automotive technician. They can perform a more comprehensive diagnosis and implement the appropriate solutions, such as:

• Replacing Worn Components: The technician may need to replace worn or damaged door hinges, latches, or other hardware to eliminate the rattling.
• Adjusting Door Alignment: If the door is not aligned correctly, the technician can make adjustments to ensure a tight, rattle-free fit.
• Addressing Suspension Issues: If the suspension components contribute to the door rattling, the technician can replace worn parts or make necessary adjustments.
• Reinforcing Underbody Panels: In some cases, the technician may need to reinforce or replace the underbody panels to prevent vibrations from being transmitted to the doors.

Tips for Reducing Highway Speed Noise in Ford Explorer XLT

In addition to addressing the door rattling issue, there are several other steps you can take to reduce overall highway speed noise in your Explorer crossover utility vehicle (CUV):

• Install Noise-Dampening Mats: Consider adding sound-deadening mats to the floor, doors, and other panels to help absorb and reduce road and wind noise.
• Upgrade the Tires: Replacing the factory tires with a set of high-quality, low-noise tires can make a significant difference in reducing highway speed noise.
• Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: Ensure all tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, as underinflated tires can increase road noise.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Door Rattling

To help prevent door rattling issues in your Ford Explorer XLT, following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and promptly addressing any problems is important, including:

• Regular Inspections: Routinely inspect the doors, hinges, latches, and other hardware for any signs of wear or looseness.
• Tightening Hardware: Periodically check and tighten all the screws and bolts that hold the doors in place.
• Replacing Worn Components: Replace any worn or damaged door seals, hinges, or other components to maintain a proper fit and prevent rattling.
• Addressing Suspension Issues: Have the suspension components, such as the shock absorbers and bushings, inspected and replaced as needed to maintain vehicle stability.

Ford’s Official Troubleshooting Resources for Door Rattling

If you’re still having trouble with door rattling in your Ford Explorer XLT, you can consult the manufacturer’s official troubleshooting resources, including:

• Owner’s Manual: Refer to the owner’s manual for specific guidance on diagnosing and addressing door rattling issues.
• Ford Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs): Ford may have issued specific TSBs related to door rattling, which can provide valuable information and solutions.
• Ford Customer Support: Contact Ford’s customer support team for assistance in troubleshooting and resolving the door rattling problem.

Following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively diagnose and address the door rattling issue in your Ford Explorer XLT, ensuring a smooth and quiet driving experience, even at highway speeds.

If you’re experiencing persistent door rattling in your Ford family SUV, don’t hesitate to call a qualified Ford automotive technician at Barrhaven Ford for professional assistance. They can help you identify and resolve the underlying issue, ensuring your vehicle remains in top condition for years to come.