2001 Explorer Sport front End Noise/Rattle

Apr 06, 2005 4 Replies

I just purchased a used 2001 Explorer with 44,000 miles. Theres a front end Noise/Rattle (Warm or Cold) quite loud. The dealership said its the timing chain and had many such complaints and would replace it. I purchased the vehicle without the noise 200 miles ago. I would like to know if anyone esle had this problem and/or the cause if not the timing chain.


NEVER buy a V6 SOHC explorer. Even brand new. Only V8 or OHV. Ok too late for that advice now. FORD had a recall for some model years (the early ones) , not sure about 2001. Call your dealer and see what could be done. If I were you, I would get a warranty on this baby ASAP.

Rule out other things though, like accessory belts, tensioners and pulleys.

Also, seems after 200 miles, you would have some sort of used car warranty...unless it was private party ...

"Lenny via CarKB.com" wrote: > NEVER buy a V6 SOHC explorer. Even brand new. Only V8 or OHV. > Ok too late > for that advice now. FORD had a recall for some model years > (the early ones) > , not sure about 2001. Call your dealer and see what could be > done. If I > were you, I would get a warranty on this baby ASAP. > > -- > Message posted via

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My explorer was purchased one month ago through a ford dealer, it is covered under a warrenty. The noise as they felt was the timing chain. They replaced the chain and gears yesterday, 3/8/05. I picked the vehicle up returned home and I still have the noise (Ticking, rattle, clicking) it sounds as if its coming more from the left side front of the engine. I have a 3 month 3,000 mile warrenty, but need to resolve the problem very soon before it expires.

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