Body Panel System - General Information Ford Explorer Sport Trac II

Material

Material

Insulation

Insulation is used as a sound-deadener to reduce exterior road and powertrain noises from the interior of the vehicle. Mastic insulators are also used as insulation. For information on the location of the mastic insulators, refer to BODY REPAIRS article. Insulation is installed

1. under the hood.
2. in front of the instrument panel.
3. over and under the tunnel.
4. over the front and rear floor pans.
5. inside the B-, C- and D-pillars.
6. on the wheel house/quarter panel.
7. on the engine side dash insulator (behind the engine-car rearward).

It has heat-bondable mastic deadeners for improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics.

Clear Silicone Rubber

Clear Silicone Rubber TA-32 or equivalent meeting Ford Specification ESB-M4G92-A

1. does not run.
2. is fast drying.
3. remains semi-elastic.
4. can be used for sealing water leaks, noise concerns, remounting trim and repairing torn weatherstripping.

Caulking Cord

3M Strip Caulk-Black 051135-08578 or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSB-M4G32-C

1. is a heavy-bodied, plastic base with a filler.
2. is commonly known as perma-gum.
3. is used on spot-weld holes and between surfaces not sealed with a gasket.

Weatherstrip Adhesive

Trim and Weatherstrip Adhesive TA-14 or equivalent

1. is a quick drying, strong adhesive designed to hold weatherstripping onto all body panels and surrounding metal.

Silicone Lubricant

Silicone Spray Lubricant XL-6 or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESR-M13P4-A

1. is used to keep the door and the window weatherstrip pliable and soft.
2. makes the door easier to close.
3. retards weatherstrip squeaks.
4. retards weatherstrip wear.
5. helps retain door window alignment by reducing friction between the glass frame and the rubber weatherstrip.
6. should not be used prior to painting.

Leaks

Note. Trim removal will reveal the location of most leaks.

1. Remove any trim or carpet in the general area of the leak.
2. Road test or water test the vehicle. Use leak check powder to help locate leak paths around door weatherstrips.
3. Inspect for a dust pattern around the area in question.
4. Inspect for water paths near and above the area in question.
5. Some leaks can be located by placing bright light under the vehicle, removing any necessary trim or carpet and inspecting the interior of the body at joints and weld lines.

Noise

Wind noise, rattles and their sources are detected by driving the vehicle at highway speeds. The vehicle should be driven in 4 different directions, with all the windows closed, the radio off, the blower motor on low speed and all the ventilation ducts open.

Most wind noise leaks will occur at the door and window seals or at the sheet metal joints in the door or the door opening.

Symptom Chart - Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)

Note. Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) symptoms should be identified using the diagnostic tools that are available. For a list of these tools, an explanation of their uses and a glossary of common terms, refer to NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS article. Since it is possible that any one of multiple systems may be the cause of a symptom, it may be necessary to use a process of elimination type of diagnostic approach to pinpoint the responsible system. If this is not the causal system for the symptom, refer back to NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS article for the next likely system and continue diagnosis.

Symptom Chart - Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)

See also:
• BODY REPAIRS
• NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS
• BODY CLOSURES
• HANDLES, LOCKS, LATCHES AND ENTRY SYSTEMS
• REAR VIEW MIRRORS
• GLASS, FRAMES AND MECHANISMS
• ROOF OPENING PANEL