Closer to buying one

[Bolt snapper]

Previous Expedition owner (2004) and looking to get back in the club with a 2011 that I’m looking at. This one seems really clean. Has a new-ish Ford motor with only 36,000 miles (truck has 175k).

Two observations from yesterday’s test drive: When it was started cold, i heard a constant ”click” from what sounded like the right rear passenger door area. Wondering if this is an air ride compressor? Is it on the passenger side?

The other issue is the bouncy ride. Is this normal for a 2011? A search of posts sounds like one possibility could be the LT tires, but I’m wondering again if its a function of an air ride system?

If the motor’s new, is the rest of the drivetrain reliable to 250k or beyond?

Need advice and know that you guys know better than anyone

 

[mr_dave]

No, a bouncy ride is not normal. It sounds like it needs new shocks. I have LT tires and when they're over-inflated for normal driving I can tell the wheels bounce over bumps more than normal, but the truck itself does not - if that makes any sense.

 

[Bolt snapper]

That sort of confirms what I thought. Would a ‘11 XLT (pretty plain with very few options) have air ride? My old ‘04 Eddie Bauer did, and the previous owner replaced them with solid coil-over shocks. That is one thing I didn’t think to check out when I was looking at it, and I’m still curious about the clicking noise at startup that seemed to come from the rear passenger side.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

That sort of confirms what I thought. Would a ‘11 XLT (pretty plain with very few options) have air ride? My old ‘04 Eddie Bauer did, and the previous owner replaced them with solid coil-over shocks. That is one thing I didn’t think to check out when I was looking at it, and I’m still curious about the clicking noise at startup that seemed to come from the rear passenger side.

The clicking noise could be a defective HVAC actuator in the right rear HVAC compartment, but sound as though it is at the right passenger side (second row)?

 

[GlennSullivan]

Id say it def needs shocks, or the previous owner replaced them with a Monroe spring / shock package - which I did to save purchase and install money - Ended up with bouncing front end and raked stance. Had to redo the entire job with oem parts to get stock ride back. When replacing shocks, keep the stock OEM springs and use the Motorcraft OEM shocks for level stance and good ride.

Clicking heard from the rear of the vehicle is most probably 1 or both of the blend door actuators in the 3rd seat area. Make the seller change them both.

Try and find if the front blend door actuators have been replaced, if they have not failed / been replaced they will.

 

[Bolt snapper]

I didn't think of an actuator, but that's exactly what it sounds like, now that you say that. I'll have to look into what all that entails.

 

[GlennSullivan]

I didn't think of an actuator, but that's exactly what it sounds like, now that you say that. I'll have to look into what all that entails.

If it is a clicking sound that is only present when the HVAC system is activated, it is one of the blend door actuators. Some are easier to get to (the rears) than others. I have a 2011 with 62,000mi. Changed 1 of the front actuators in 2017 under extended warranty and then this past winter 1 more in the front (hard to get to) and 1 in the rear started acting up within a week of each other. The dealer gave me a good price to change all 5 at the same time and I took it before they changed their minds.

 

[gasman5045]

If you have rear heat and air it could be the blend door on unit right rear

 

[BigOleFordFan]

AFAIK, the blend door actuators are a fairly common issue in the 011's for some reason (maybe a design defect, or a bad batch of parts at the time)

Both of my front ones failed at ~70k and was only about $200 to fix at my local trusted shop, but the others are still kickin just fine

But on the air ride, a lot but not all EL's & XLT's have it, but you could call a stealership with your VIN & they can tell for sure. And if it is not working correctly or at all, then YES, you will get a bounce house ride for sure...been there, done that too....the system itself was fine, but the sensor/control block went poopoo, so that was another $500 out the door

 

[eddytheexpy]

I’ve got a 2011 limited EL and it was pretty bouncy when I got it. Replaced the shocks and all was well (no air ride btw). I’ve since put on LT tires and it still isn’t bouncy.

As for the clicking is it a clearly noticeable volume? From my research, that’s your blend door actuator which seems to be pretty common. Mine has a very quiet fast clicking from behind the cluster and I can’t figure out what it is. I think I’ll make a post about it now since I was resurrecting a 4 year old post commenting about it.

All in all I highly recommend the 2011, especially if it doesn’t have the air shocks. I hear they are a major pain and add extra steps to every repair process and very specific parts. Plus it’s just another thing to break especially if it’s a system that you don’t care whether you have it.

 

[Tonka]

I have a 2013 that did the clicking it was two of my rear blend door actuators in the rear had to be replaced.

 

[914rrr]

Had blend door mechanisms replaced on our 2011 Navigator. Wasn't too expensive for parts and labor at an indy garage. At least it isn't an earlier Explorer blend door assemby. Our mechanic back then swore he'd NEVER do another one as you have to take all of the dashboard and console out to replace it. 8+ hour job!