Ford Explorer Noise When Turning - Strut Mount replace

Do you have a 2008-2015 Ford Explorer that makes a strange noise when turning? A noise similar to one of those spring type door stops? a Twanggg. If so you might have a faulty upper strut mount bearing. Watch this helpful video for more information.
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[@view360deg]

I have the exact same issue with my honda brv, which i just dropped off at honda service center today. Noise comes at around 15-20km/h speed while turning, just like you explained. Lets see what service center guys come up with. Will post when available, however your explanation of the issue was amazing. Thanks!

[@brikkman4700]

Thanks, this fixed my problem. The only issue is my local car shop charged me 135 to compress the spring and put on the mount (robbery) as it only took them about 10 mins to do. Also, the two bolts on the top of the mount under the hood in the back was a pain, didn't have mid size sockets, only deep or too shallow. Use a 15mm open wrench to handle those. Other than running back and forth for stuff, it went smooth, probably the second most intense thing i've done on a car/suv.

[@abugerito]

Thank you so much for your video, it really helped me to replace the strut mounts in my 2012 Ford Explorer.

[@d2greene3695]

Car Doctor you need to do stand-up! I'm rolling here!!! If not stand-up than at least make an official Car Doctor definition audiobook. Hilarious with nailing the sound examples! Even though I still don't know what's messed up on my Ford Escape, you made my smile for a bit. Thanks Car Doctor

[@fieldsofomagh]

For smaller vehicles and springs,have seen plastic zip ties used to tie the spring compressors to the coil in the event of them slipping off.Blessings on all the good people of Anchorage and nice fix !

[@ThecardoctorTV]

I have seen a video where they used about 500 zip ties on the spring...the reason for the disclaimer. haha good of you to drop by!

[@jonathondean7317]

Thanks for making this video. I had taken my Explorer to the dealership and to two other "reputable" automotive repair shops to diagnose the noise coming from the front right of my ride. All three told me I needed to replace the struts. The lowest estimate was $800 for both sides. The dealership was of course the highest bidder. I told them all I'd do it myself before paying that much. That led me to begin looking for tips on how to do the job....which led me to this video. I just finished the work. I bought the part, pulled the assembly out, took it to NTB and paid them to break it apart and put the new mount on, then put it back in. Total cost = $107. By the way, I wonder if anyone has ever mentioned how much you look like Keith Colburn on Deadliest Catch. :)

[@Vortechtral]

On my 2013 Edge, I phoned Ford for a quote, first I got a price for their mounting plate and it was about $67 Canadian, not terrible. Quote for both upper mounting plates to be changed over (don't have the tools to compress the spring, nor sadly do I have the time to do it myself atm or i'd definitely love to do it myself) only quoted about $350. That was a shocker, it was A LOT cheaper then I was first expecting. However I decided to go to Kal-Tire and get full strut replacements. The vehicle has over 175 grand kilometers on the original strut assembly. I'm going to tell them I want to keep the old strut assemblies as i'm 100% sure the rest of the units are fine, just the bearing is shot. I'll have backups in case I need it. Getting 4 new tires as well at the same time, so that's the main reason why I decided to go with Kal-Tire.

[@bryanhaese8912]

Thanks for the help it was a great video! Next you should do a video for the Ford Exploders on the rear upper control arm replacement.

[@SunMoonStarsUS]

00⁰

[@DustinDayDustinDay]

Fantastic information.Great work!

[@BigDog50001]

Nice job, and good warning about those "cheesy" spring compressors!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thanks, I hate to hear of someone loosing their head because of a $20 tool failing. Thanks for watching

[@jimthecarguy]

Nice video and step by step directions.I'm sure the salt or road dirt was a contributing factor to the failure.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

I think it's mostly junk parts. You'll be seeing some soon. Seems to be a common issue. Keep your eyes peeled Jim! Good seeing you sir.

[@kelvenguard]

if it's the sharp edge of the spring hooking the mount pound a plastic tree wedge at the top of the spring and grind the edge smooth and grease... FIXED no $$$$ spent.... doesn't look like a spring in this case... I'm going to tell him to just squirt some oil in at the top where the binding is... my Nephew called me to save $800... THANKS for the video

[@semperfitt356]

When you moved the spindle to remove the strut, I noticed that the inner axle got pulled. Was there any damage to the axle? thanks

[@bthompson1767]

Sounds effects were awesome

[@TAHerrmann1]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@joelmccoin9727]

Hi Tim, I Am Shocked...you are working on a Ford Exploder....lol Thanks Tim

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Got to pay the bills somehow! haha

[@bryanhaese8912]

Any tips on how to realign the two bolts with the knuckle when reinstalling? I’m having a hard time getting the holes to line up again because the wheel assembly is now angled down towards the center of the car.

[@wyattoneable]

You do some nice sound effects. :) I've not seen a spring compressor like that. Seems to work good!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

It's a sweet compressor. Be careful with those cheep deals they sell for 20 at the parts store. They go "twaaannngggg" and then your head flys off. Haha

[@HeritageStoneworks2]

Thanks for the video very helpful

[@ThecardoctorTV]

You are quite welcome. Take care!

[@edb.3313]

Very nice Tim...easy peasy!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

The unedited version wasn't so easy peasy looking. haha stupid wrong parts.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Turns a one hour job into a half day nightmare.

[@galtboy1195]

Great video!

[@solache281]

What torque should I make the bolt in the center that holds the everything together? I tightened it up and it started to make a noise like metal was rubbing, so I loosened it and a few days later it started to do it again. Could it be that the metal is expanding with the heat and therefore I should loosen that center bolt more?

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

I use the Blue point MSCS1000 with safety pins & it works great. Nice diagnosis & repair but the best part was the sound effects.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

I always try to get the customer to imitate the sound they are complaining of. It's funny seeing who even tries to make the noise. Haha

[@islamicwaylive]

Much appreciated my man

[@3bhui]

What make and model of coil compresser are you using?

[@mjklotzy]

What direction (or to where) does the notch / arrow in the strut mount point?

[@larrymashburn7789]

Great video. Subscribed!

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you and welcome!

[@surethingbud1835]

So would you recommend changing out both front strut assemblies?

[@khiemnguyen172]

Thanks for the video.

[@tonydattoli]

Great instructional video

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thank you

[@EXOVCDS]

Ever thought about placing sound deadening material around the shop? The sound seems to travel & linger quite a bit. I've only had one close call with spring compressors... and yes, this was back when I was using the two small screw sticks.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

I think about that often. The shop is huge with super high ceilings. I think I would need to hang stuff from the ceilings. We have been actively looking for a place to buy so haven't done anything about the echo.

[@dp2826]

Why can't I find the quick struts for an Edge in stock anywhere?

[@mistermister523]

Do I need to go make an alignment after

[@martinguzman9585]

Thanks men!

[@jipedowilliamson204]

The twangy noise he made was exactly the way it sounds

[@Ceez_therepperbarber777]

Does this happen also when you brake I just chenaged the axles thinking it was that and it still makes the same clunking noise when I take off, brake, and turn

[@saltman1100]

I was just thinking about that, and a video came up, WoW?! 😮🤔

[@galtboy1195]

Great video!

[@brittanym7837]

Just got mine replaced.. it’s still making the noise after I got mine done yesterday 😩 any idea what else it could be?

[@melissaking23]

Trying to send my husband a list of tools to bring home (all his tools are at work), do you have a list of tools needed for this that I can send him? Very good video!!

[@dizzyaznboy]

Thankkkkk youuuuuuuu!

[@nibbzs15]

I replaced the whole unit and it started doing it again after maybe 50 miles? Think it’s a bad part?

[@ZWenMotion]

作工細.技術良好

[@elmolopez2729]

What size are the 2 bottom bolts?? Please help!

[@irishgtxx]

Cool video man, nice work very informative and interesting to watch , keep up the good work !

[@frankie7torres]

it was very helpful to identify the problem. now what's the risk of running it like that for a little while?

[@jrallen5417]

Hey Doc, Just wondering if you had to change out those two bolts you were smacking with the hammer on the threads🤔?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

No. The bolts have a point on them that allows you to bang on them without hitting the actual threads.

[@beba5250]

i replace new strut and spring and used the old top mount hat and bushing. seen i replace it, the front ones are making squeaky noises! do u thing it could be old mount top wit the bushing?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

yes

[@arslanhamid]

Excellent work man. Impressive. I have a 2012 Explorer XLT. Would the Strut Mate strut mount fit it? Also, it is possible to lubricate the strut mount or bearing without having to do any major disassembly. My right strut is also going twangggg and I am thinking if lubrication can solve the problem.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

I think it would be difficult to lube it apart from removal. If you wanted to try I would suggest spraying from under side up between the coils. Let us know how it goes. I think they make a strut mate mount for it just didn't have any in stock locally here.

[@ajosmani6261]

Great video 👍🏻 But I have never seen that kind of strut spring compressor?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

It's an old one. Works good though.

[@TheVintageEngineer]

There actually is a camber adjustment on the strut. There is a notch on the bearing plate and it will change camber 0.5 degrees depending on if the notch is outbound or engine facing. So need to make sure notch faces the same way going back in as it came out.

[@jiggidyjam]

I laughed when you made those sounds😊

[@TwoScoopsRB]

I’m now about to have to replace the THIRD one on my Taurus ( front right ) in the past two weeks . The Ford dealer is getting them from Napa , they all clunk within one or two days.

[@tammyc606]

That sucks and makes me wonder if mine can ever be fixed

[@DriveShaftDrew]

good job

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Thanks Drew. Good of you to drop by!

[@Hey_its_Koda]

my old 2010 ford focus use to make a loud errrrrrrrrrrhhhhhh when i back out in reverse while turning or pulling in turning. sounded really loud in the winter time. i just gave up and traded it.

[@milanstojic3295]

What was the size of the lower strut bolt? Which socket did u use?

[@Grillon147]

Milan Stojic 24 on the lower ones 21 on the upper

[@ThePlowGuys]

Ya gotta love dealer only parts..then to find out they are back order. I had a water pump on my Silverado go and we had to order form the company that made them for GM. What a pain that was. -John

[@ThecardoctorTV]

They are trying to put the independent shops out of business. It's so frustrating. I'm just trying to fix this junk.

[@MrDJSTRATEGY]

Thank u

[@sonofphilip8229]

Totally helpful! Thanks doc! Now I know I should NOT do this myself.

[@Letubemane]

I bought new struts, new mounts and bought compressor and did the job my self. After I went for a drive test, my problem was finish, except now, there a boing noise on the driver side when I'm turning to the max...Maybe I put the coul upside down, will check it out. Any comments?

[@Ryan-mn2dd]

What compressor did you buy? I'm having hard time getting the basic $40 one of autozone. I can't seem to get the spring compressed enough. Thanks.

[@stephaniegaleano4507]

I've replaced motor mount and rt strut and mount because when turning into a steep rt driveway theres a loud boom coming from passenger front side now it's doing it on flat surfaces just not as loud and more frequent when hitting a bump or turning 4 mechanics cannot figure it out please help

[@cpabrego]

are your tires wearing out quickly?

[@garyclemons1129]

who makes that press I have never seen one like that and by the way great job

[@ThecardoctorTV]

The press is supposed to be a wall mount and it says MOOG on it. That's about all I know. Its not the best but I have used worse. I hate compressing springs. scary stuff. Thanks for dropping by the shop!

[@khaoniew8612]

My front front right strut to my 2013 explorer has already gone out twice!

[@wysetech2000]

I have much respect for coil springs since i almost lost 2 fingers because of a brain fart and a loaded spring a few years ago.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

oh boy. glad you didn't loose them but still would be better then your head. They scare the crap out of me.

[@oscarjimenez5115]

Hey boss my truck (ford explore ) is making a like I want to say a grinding noise when I turn and it'll never do it all the time but when it does you can tell. No one even ford can seem to understand why they I have to wait till it get worse. Is your video why could be my problem

[@oscarjimenez5115]

It only does it in a turn

[@oskirgg.c7984]

Este amortiguador sirve Ford Explorer 2017 con la torres que aseguran harriba me confirma gracias

[@carlabuik3036]

My auto shop says there is nothing wrong with mine and a new strut assembly might make the same noise?? The noise is getting worse over time. I was able to turn the spring just like you said. What happens if I follow their advice and don't repair it?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Nothing really, just continue to make the annoying noise

[@jpwilliams5264]

Carla Buik I would be worried about the bearing getting tighter and causing more strain on the steering rack. But that's worst case.

[@jonathangray5265]

I've got this issue but it sounds like it's coming from the right rear side when I make a sharp right turn. Have you seen the issue in the rear?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Not this exactly. I would take a close look at the sway bar bushings and links in the rear. Also the stupid bearings in the rear are always going bad and may cause noise around a corner. Let me know what you find out if you discover the issue. Take care

[@jonathangray5265]

Will do. Thank you!

[@izzy1318]

I’ve had the strut mount replaced twice and I am still getting a clunky noise. What more can be done. I bought my 2012 Explorer used from a dealership.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Must be som thing else I guess. Ball joint, strut cartridge, sway bar link, wheel bearing,etc. bummer

[@delperz2371]

Could be the actual shock.

[@k-a147]

Exploders 🔥🤯

[@tammyc606]

Just got new struts on my 2013 ford escape.( MSAfront strut & spring assembly - OR ...front sway bar link - OR ...RF lower control arm -OR) Still makes a big noise when I hit a bump :(

[@geom.s.70]

Probably the ball joints maybe 🤷‍♂️

[@nymincho]

Mine when on center it kinda fights me a bit to move it about a centimeter to the right or to thee left.

[@stevenpetty1694]

Napa has the strut mounts you can order online made by Monroe and they also make the struts and shocks..... if you're good you can do all 4 and less than 2.5 hours.... speaking from experience

[@bryanhaese8912]

If you swap out with a "quick strut assembly" do you need to mess with the coil compression or is it just a quick swap?

[@mwmckendree]

Bryan Haese I've got the same question. I'm thinking about replacing the entire assembly.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

No need to compress just swap it out.

[@mwmckendree]

Got the Monroe quick struts for both sides coming this week. Thanks for the steps on taking them out.

[@diaz93tx]

@@mwmckendree how did it go?

[@mwmckendree]

@@diaz93tx went fine but make sure the axle doesn't drop too low. The splines will come out and get stuck. Can't get it reassembled after that. Spent a good amount of time trying to figure out why it would go high enough to get the lower bolts in. Once I saw that it went right together. Also, be careful not to damage the rubber CV boot when reassembling.

[@luisj6741]

Hey I have a 2005 ford freestyle and had both struts shocks and mounts replaced and I payed 978$ for it and it still makes that noise your talking about but not only that now it makes a clunking noise when I turn to the left in a circle ... Please help I'm can't be spending this kind of money

[@williammitchell8247]

I assume you have had this fixed by now, what was the issue? I am thinking it is either tie rods or your CV shaft.

[@hawaiianf1504]

Great Video. Did they let you change both right and left struts?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

No. only one left in town anyway. I would have done struts and mount sX2 if they had the parts. Aloha!

[@hawaiianf1504]

is it safe or normal to change only one side? I'm trying to figure how to say this correctly without sounding like a dumbass cuz I've always thought its required for "normal procedures" to change both front or both rear when changing struts or shocks. Obviously sometimes the wallet dictates necessity and you just can't do whats "right". also did or is the customer coming back to do the other side?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

I just replaced the upper mount. Not the strut. Yes it's best practice to do both sides when doing suspension work but a mount it's probably safe to do just one. We are just going to monitor things and no plan to return at this point. Since the mount is more of a mechanical bearing type part it is different then a hydraulic shock that can have a slightly different handling characteristic due to wear/use that can subsequently effect handling. Lots of folks say "if you do one side you must do the other". This may be somewhat true with things like brakes and tires but I wouldn't say it's true for wheel bearings axle shafts or parts like this strut bearing. Yes they both have similar wear and mileage and yes I would suggest doing both but it's up to the customer with this stuff. Brakes are non negotiable. The main issue is parts availability in this case. I wanted to do strut assemblies on both sides but the parts are on national backorder. I couldn't do them if I wanted to. Better to have fixed the problem then do nothing and have them drive for eight months while waiting for a part. Also it wasn't really causing any safety issues just a bothersome noise. I'm looking forward to the BBQ next December! Aloha.

[@hawaiianf1504]

The Car Doctor Thanks. I do the same for brakes, suspension parts including struts and shocks. I see your point about the mount bearing and it makes good sense to not go over anal about that kind of parts. On the BBQ, we'll I am starting to get the food for you. So far I have the beer covered but I think we seem to have some Hawaiian spirit's making so

[@hawaiianf1504]

rating the fridge cuz it seems the beer is evaporating every night. I just don't know why it's disappearing.

[@Badgertronix]

I had a twangy clunk once. Antibiotics saved the day

[@wyattoneable]

Oh man that cracked me up!

[@nancymitchell863]

I believe this is what is going on with my 2013 Explorer. it's been making a clunking/knocking noise for over 6 months and seems to be getting worse. I am wondering if you can give me an idea on how much this should cost to fix? I had a mechanic quote me a crazy price and I just don't want to get ripped off.

[@nancymitchell863]

I would greatly appreciate your opinion.

[@pyrogen4942]

i had the same issue, I own a 2012 Ford Explorer. I ended up replacing both front strut assemblies. I got both strut assemblies on ebay for 190.00, I installed them myself. A shop should not charge ore than 500-600.

[@nancymitchell863]

PYRO -GEN4 luckily I actually found a mechanic willing to replace the bearing only like this guy. Relieved it didn't cost as much as I was afraid it would!!

[@adamburnette]

I have a 2012 Ford Explorer and have no complaints other than when I had to replace the water pump. Folks if you don't know they must go inside the engine which is pricey and I'll let you look that process up. However with over 200,000 miles on mine other than that I'm just having small issues like this which every vehicle with this many miles have. Maintain it and to me its a damn tank.

[@renemanjr123]

Never done any thing with Struts but i have the strut spring compresers that clamp to the spring the 2 pice kit and those are not the way to go Why ?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

They work but tend to be less safe because they are independent of each other and can slip along the spring and let loose.

[@renemanjr123]

ok watched a few videos of guys using the same apring compressers that i have and i think i will take the Strut to a shop in town for 40 bucksthey will change it for me dont think i want to deal with the Spring of death thanks for the response and the videos .

[@irishgtxx]

The Car Doctor I can atest to that , I was compressing a coil on my Audi A6 and had the strut in a bench vice and was a using what seemed to be a decent independent coil spring compressor and as you said it slipped as I was compressing it and the spring shot out of the vice so hard it flew though the air towards my back windows of the A6 i was extremely lucky that I had the windows down as the spring passed straght through the car and hit the wall on the other side of the shop, and I thought holy feck I'm glad no one was in front of that ! Lesson learned don't mess with cheap tools on compressed springs.

[@flipindus]

is it me or did he say ford exploders instead of explorers??

[@kelvenguard]

EXPLODERS... you should see them after and 5 miles hour impact... Kolors Autobody

[@ThecardoctorTV]

oops, haha

[@johnkelly6967]

That's what we call ours!

[@Hustlinchadroma]

Ditto 2015 exploder sport here

[@surethingbud1835]

So would you recommend changing out both strut assemblies?

[@joebriggs9599]

Hello what brand is that flashlight?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Its a BluePoint off the Snap-On truck. I have a few but they tend to fall apart over time with heavy use. They cost $100. I just looked at a new light made by Snap-On I might get the next time he swings by.

[@joebriggs9599]

Thanks for taking the time to let me know what flashlight it was.

[@kelvenguard]

CAR DOCTOR... why not just put some oil or grease on it because its binding then springing ... I noted the new one moves also ... Thanks KOLORS AUTO BODY

[@lionsattar]

best

[@hawaiianf1504]

I have the Master key and besides how can i get to the beer if the fridge is locked? I mean I have to test the beer so no one gets sick. I only drink the bottom 50% of the can but getting to there is a blast.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

youre a good man!

[@Urmom-ub6db]

bro- i FLIPPIN love u! U gave me the confidence to get up in that B*@#H!

[@OKmetrologist]

The clunking noise is caused from the spring binding as the wheel turns on the upper bearing that was worn. And yes don't believe the dealer, it is a split year I made the same mistake after reminding the dealer of that fact I still was sold me the wrong part. The prefix is either BB or BF

[@ThecardoctorTV]

yep!

[@markvisconti3491]

What's bb and bf . I'm having this clunk issue in my 2011. Is this part the upper strut mount

[@nancymitchell863]

chris buchanan Your advice would be GREATLY appreciated! Do you know much about this issue? I'm concerned if it could be dangerous if I drive with this issue for an extended amount of time. I have had this exact problem with my 2013 explorer. I had the right side spring and bearing replaced and now the other side has started making the same noise recently.

[@michaeldevirian]

My dealer says about $900 to do by fronts. That sounds like a lot of money for what I just watched you do. What do you think?

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Seems a little high. Check with a good independent shop for an estimate.

[@ibeturface]

Thanks for showing that part number... mine has the same mounts

[@Cooper3312000]

Stealership quoted me 400$ for just the right side upper mount. “Because they have to compress spring” was the reason they gave. Looking for a smaller shop now.

[@nosmoke247]

My noise was tie rod sounded like a horse galloping beside me. Only heard on sharp turns

[@ThecardoctorTV]

inner tie rod ends are also a common source of noise when turning

[@cristhianvallejo3282]

Ife say first get a person certified in Ford motors to check your transfer case??? Have a good day

[@MrRod632]

Edges do it to

[@zx8401ztv]

Love the ford "Exploder" lol, you bad :-D That press looked good, but i would add a strap to stop the spring escaping, it just looks like it could escape when you were compressing just the spring. :-(. You may want to get some cheap masks, the crap and dust from cleaning the bolts wont do your nose and lungs any good, dont shoot me down before thinking about it.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

I wouldn't shoot you down friend...thanks for looking out for me. I smoked for about 20 years so my lungs are already worn and tired; probably not a bad idea to protect what I have left. I actually have reduced lung capacity and probably the early stages of COPD. I cant imagine dying a slow death from not being able to breath...lame. Good to see you friend!

[@zx8401ztv]

What a shame :-(, all you can do is keep the muck out of your lungs so they wont react so much, slow the damage down. Im happy you understand my concern, its hard not to sound bossy and upset people, my comments are just thoughts only. And me being a silly arse lol :-D.

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Haha. People say a lot worse. The things people comment on my videos is amazing. I appreciate your concern. I need to at least wear my safety glassss once ina while.

[@gnimelf613]

This is exactly what I’m looking for, but if I like the video that’ll be 666 likes sooooo.....

[@ThecardoctorTV]

don't do it!!!

[@Capable-opinions]

When is the next king crab season, Keith 🤔

[@robbyalmendrez1750]

That's allot of echo in the shop hehehe

[@michaeljohn8905]

My 94 exploder has 275 k on it ! Ok fine I may be a little mechanical inclined

[@ega0117]

Knowing what you know about Fords would you buy one for yourself?

[@DWALTS]

He said "Ford Exploder" 😂😅🤣

[@ThecardoctorTV]

Oops. Sorry bout that

[@semperfitt356]

exploders, how cleaver

[@witchywedges]

Ford exploders 😂