2017 MKZ 3.0TT AWD squeaking

[kramf411]

I got the vehicle just over a week ago. Great car, I should say. No issues until today.
Car is garage kept. Left for work at 6am today - 4 mile drive. No issues.
Parked the vehicle at my office until 4:30pm under low 30's weather. Started squeaking immediately the moment I drove away. It seems like its coming from rear passenger side. It squeaked the entire 4mile drive home. More squeak on left turns and road bumps.
Anyone experience this?

I made an online appointment to have it looked at on Thursday.

[bbf2530]

2 hours ago, kramf411 said:

I got the vehicle just over a week ago. Great car, I should say. No issues until today.
Car is garage kept. Left for work at 6am today - 4 mile drive. No issues.
Parked the vehicle at my office until 4:30pm under low 30's weather. Started squeaking immediately the moment I drove away. It seems like its coming from rear passenger side. It squeaked the entire 4mile drive home. More squeak on left turns and road bumps.
Anyone experience this?

I made an online appointment to have it looked at on Thursday.

 

Hi kram.  Have had that issue with my 2018 3.0T. Rear passenger side door area. Turned out to be the exterior window trim piece at the rear of the window frame. The piece at the rear of the window, from the beltline up. The Dealer sent my car to the body shop. They had it for several days back in May, mostly because it took some time to get the replacement trim piece. Problem was gone when I got the car back, but it returned in late summer. I'll have them try again when I bring it in for the next scheduled service visit.

 

Try this: I discovered if I open the door a few inches and press the rear edge of the trim piece forward, towards the front of the car with the palm of my hand, I can feel it move and hear it creak. Doing this will temporarily readjust the piece and stop the creaking for a while, until the trim piece vibrates/jiggles/moves enough during driving to begin creaking again. I can get it to stop for a while by manually pressing it again, until a particular bump or two will have it begin again, with no rhyme or reason. Then I can open the door, press the trim piece again, and stop it for a while. It will sometimes come and go, again, sometimes with no rhyme or reason.

 

I picked up my car new on 6/1/18. Car was quiet as a bank vault until the cold weather began in December of 2018. Then the noise would come and go during the winter cold weather. I hoped it would stop when it got warm again this past spring, but when it warmed up in spring/summer of 2019, the noise would still come and go. Had them repair it in May of this year. Got it back and it was bank vault quiet again for several months. But the noise began occurring again intermittently in late summer.

 

It is the only issue with my car.

 

I am curious as to what your Dealer will find, so please let me know what your Dealer says and does to fix the problem.

Edited November 13, 2019 by bbf2530

[kramf411]

Hi bbf2530.
This is a very good information. Thank you.

I was unsure that it could be shock/struts because the sound was almost too sharp.

I will update this thread once I got the vehicle back.

 

I came to work today after the car has been sitting inside the garage overnight - "quiet as a bank vault" as you say ?

[Scott]

I think my '17 3.0T may have the same issue. I have noticed a weird vibration/rattle sound from my rear passenger side door for some time. I can't seem to pinpoint a temp or speed when it occurs. It also comes and goes. I even had a tech ride with me to try to pinpoint it, but of course it did not make a sound that time. It does seem to be on the outside, so I too will be very interested in how this works out!

[bbf2530]

5 hours ago, kramf411 said:

Hi bbf2530.
This is a very good information. Thank you.

I was unsure that it could be shock/struts because the sound was almost too sharp.

I will update this thread once I got the vehicle back.

 

I came to work today after the car has been sitting inside the garage overnight - "quiet as a bank vault" as you say ?

 

Hi kram. I pulled the Repair Order. This is the part # they replaced: "DP5Z-54255A62-AB".

 

Here is a Google link: https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts/ford-applique-dp5z54255a62ab?origin=pla&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoqWa5Nnn5QIVFpSzCh3mmAKXEAQYAiABEgL8LfD_BwE

It is part #4 on the full door diagram. Exterior rear door trim applique.

 

That part is what I am referring to when I describe how I can alleviate the creaking, for a short time, by pressing it forward with the palm of my hand. I can actually hear it creak when I press it.

 

Hope this information helps. Let us know what your Service Department does for you and good luck.

 

[kramf411]

3 hours ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi kram. I pulled the Repair Order. This is the part # they replaced: "DP5Z-54255A62-AB".

 

Here is a Google link: https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts/ford-applique-dp5z54255a62ab?origin=pla&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoqWa5Nnn5QIVFpSzCh3mmAKXEAQYAiABEgL8LfD_BwE

It is part #4 on the full door diagram. Exterior rear door trim applique.

 

That part is what I am referring to when I describe how I can alleviate the creaking, for a short time, by pressing it forward with the palm of my hand. I can actually hear it creak when I press it.

 

Hope this information helps. Let us know what your Service Department does for you and good luck.

 

This came right on time. I am about to leave for the dealership. I'm dropping it off tonight for tomorrow's schedule.

Thank you very much.

[kramf411]

Dealership just called.

I was told that the issue came from the brakes/rotors which are somehow pitted/rusted.

I already checked them beforehand - they are fine. It has been sitting at a dealership's lot that why is a bit rusted on the surface but they will wear off.

I indulged a little about the brake issue so I asked how will the brakes squeak - only on one side - when they are not even engaged when the squeaking happens.

All they said was they wanna do a brake job to "isolate" the problem.

I brought up the information I got here and was relayed to them upon check-in yesterday  - they said the issue cannot be replicated.

I will try what bbf2530 suggested to replicate the issue when I get the car back later today.

Next dealership is about 40miles away.

 

Sorry not much information I can provide to you guys.

 

By the way, where do you guys get lug nut replacement? I was informed about bulging lug nuts (which is a common issue - i had the same on my 2014 Fusion that i traded in).
It was a $117 cost to replace them at the dealership. They will install exactly the same lug nuts that are prone to bulge.

 

Thanks everyone.

[bbf2530]

45 minutes ago, kramf411 said:

Dealership just called.

I was told that the issue came from the brakes/rotors which are somehow pitted/rusted.

I already checked them beforehand - they are fine. It has been sitting at a dealership's lot that why is a bit rusted on the surface but they will wear off.

I indulged a little about the brake issue so I asked how will the brakes squeak - only on one side - when they are not even engaged when the squeaking happens.

All they said was they wanna do a brake job to "isolate" the problem.

I brought up the information I got here and was relayed to them upon check-in yesterday  - they said the issue cannot be replicated.

I will try what bbf2530 suggested to replicate the issue when I get the car back later today.

Next dealership is about 40miles away.

 

Sorry not much information I can provide to you guys.

 

By the way, where do you guys get lug nut replacement? I was informed about bulging lug nuts (which is a common issue - i had the same on my 2014 Fusion that i traded in).
It was a $117 cost to replace them at the dealership. They will install exactly the same lug nuts that are prone to bulge.

 

Thanks everyone.

 

Hi kramf. Regarding replacement lug nuts: If I needed to get new lug nuts, I would purchase them from McGard: http://www.mcgard.com/

They also make the Lincoln Accessory Locking Lug Nuts for our cars.

 

Another choice is Gorilla: https://www.gorilla-auto.com/lug-nuts

 

I went with McGard for my locking lug nuts.

 

Concerning the creaking: I was lucky when I brought my car in for the creaking the first time. I asked the Service Advisor to take a ride with me while he sat in the right rear passenger seat, and it noticeably creaked while he rode. He felt it came from the door frame trim. He felt it would be better to have the Lincoln Certified body shop they use diagnose and fix it, since replacing and adjusting panels, trim etc, is more  a body shop area than it is for the techs in the regular repair shop. I appreciated that.

 

The body shop isolated it to that trim piece. As I said, the replacement worked for several months, then it came back. I think it needs more isolation from the metal window frame. Maybe more silicone sealant, or rubber gaskets where the bolts attach it to the door frame. Just me hypothesizing.

 

Maybe your problem is not even related to mine. I hope they find it for you.

 

Anyway, check out McGard.

 

Keep us updated and good luck.

[drolds1]

There are numerous aftermarket lug nuts that are solid and won't swell. Lincoln upped the size of the studs to M14x1.5m for 2017, so be sure to look for that size.

 

Edit:  It seems that bbf2530 and I posted at exactly the same time.  Those are good suggestions. Two well-respected names in the field.

Edited November 14, 2019 by drolds1

[kramf411]

Thanks bbf2530 and drolds1.

[bbf2530]

Hi kram. Any news or resolution for your creaking sounds?

[kramf411]

2 hours ago, bbf2530 said:

Hi kram. Any news or resolution for your creaking sounds?

They were not able to replicate the issue so nothing was done. And, I haven't experienced the same again - hopefully not anymore. As it gets even colder this winter and the vehicle will be outside the office, I shall see if it happens again. I was advised, if it does happen again, to drive immediately to the dealership and have a technician ride with me.

[bbf2530]

7 minutes ago, kramf411 said:

They were not able to replicate the issue so nothing was done. And, I haven't experienced the same again - hopefully not anymore. As it gets even colder this winter and the vehicle will be outside the office, I shall see if it happens again. I was advised, if it does happen again, to drive immediately to the dealership and have a technician ride with me.

 

Hi kram. Thanks for the update. Let us know if there are any further developments.

[kramf411]

On 11/14/2019 at 1:24 PM, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi kramf. Regarding replacement lug nuts: If I needed to get new lug nuts, I would purchase them from McGard: http://www.mcgard.com/

They also make the Lincoln Accessory Locking Lug Nuts for our cars.

 

Another choice is Gorilla: https://www.gorilla-auto.com/lug-nuts

 

I went with McGard for my locking lug nuts.

 

Concerning the creaking: I was lucky when I brought my car in for the creaking the first time. I asked the Service Advisor to take a ride with me while he sat in the right rear passenger seat, and it noticeably creaked while he rode. He felt it came from the door frame trim. He felt it would be better to have the Lincoln Certified body shop they use diagnose and fix it, since replacing and adjusting panels, trim etc, is more  a body shop area than it is for the techs in the regular repair shop. I appreciated that.

 

The body shop isolated it to that trim piece. As I said, the replacement worked for several months, then it came back. I think it needs more isolation from the metal window frame. Maybe more silicone sealant, or rubber gaskets where the bolts attach it to the door frame. Just me hypothesizing.

 

Maybe your problem is not even related to mine. I hope they find it for you.

 

Anyway, check out McGard.

 

Keep us updated and good luck.

 

On 11/14/2019 at 1:25 PM, drolds1 said:

There are numerous aftermarket lug nuts that are solid and won't swell. Lincoln upped the size of the studs to M14x1.5m for 2017, so be sure to look for that size.

 

Edit:  It seems that bbf2530 and I posted at exactly the same time.  Those are good suggestions. Two well-respected names in the field.

Hey bbf2530, drolds1

I am considering replacing my lug nuts and just had the chance to search for a replacement.
Would you mind checking if this is a decent choice?

Thanks!

https://www.amazon.com/McGard-84525-Chrome-Wheel-Installation/dp/B007QB5AHY/ref=sr_1_22?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1575375798&s=automotive&sr=1-22&vehicle=2017-55-5859-3408--1-6--21933--1-1---8&vehicleName=2017+Lincoln+MKZ

[bbf2530]

Hi kram. If you go to the McGard website and input a 2017 MKZ, the 84525 set is one of the sets offered: http://www.mcgard.com/product-search/?vehicle_year=2017&vehicle_make=Lincoln&vehicle_model=MKZ&vehicle_category=52

 

So assuming it is not a cheap knockoff of the real Mcgard set, it would be a good set at a good price.

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

Edited December 3, 2019 by bbf2530

[drolds1]

Can't go wrong with McGard.  The locking lug kit sold by Lincoln Acessories is made by McGard.  Just be aware that the description says 22mm for the hex size on the lugs.   Check your factory lugs.  They used to be 19mm.  IDK if that's still the case.  They may be different now with the larger studs.  I have a 2017 but I've never actually checked it.  Your factory lug wrench my not fit these.  Easy workaround, though.

[kramf411]

6 hours ago, bbf2530 said:

Hi kram. If you go to the McGard website and input a 2017 MKZ, the 84525 set is one of the sets offered: http://www.mcgard.com/product-search/?vehicle_year=2017&vehicle_make=Lincoln&vehicle_model=MKZ&vehicle_category=52

 

So assuming it is not a cheap knockoff of the real Mcgard set, it would be a good set at a good price.

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

Yeah, I did search on the McGard site and found the set there first then checked on amazon. I'll definitely feedback once I have them installed.

[kramf411]

5 hours ago, drolds1 said:

Can't go wrong with McGard.  The locking lug kit sold by Lincoln Acessories is made by McGard.  Just be aware that the description says 22mm for the hex size on the lugs.   Check your factory lugs.  They used to be 19mm.  IDK if that's still the case.  They may be different now with the larger studs.  I have a 2017 but I've never actually checked it.  Your factory lug wrench my not fit these.  Easy workaround, though.

Yeah, I am aware of 22mm vs the 19mm OEM. Fortunately, I have a 22mm lug wrench.
Thanks again guys!

[bbf2530]

Hi kram. Wondering if you have had any re-occurrence of your right rear door frame trim fascia, creaking/squeaking? I found a solution which has eliminated mine for a month now.

 

Let me know if you are still around and interested.

EDIT - See two posts down for solution which worked for me.

 

Good luck.

Edited January 5, 2020 by bbf2530
Add information

[Scott]

On mine it looked like the rubber gasket on the edge had become separated a bit, so I pushed it as close to the plastic sail panel as possible. I thought that would help, but it didn't. I am certainly interested in any other options.

[bbf2530]

On 12/18/2019 at 9:37 AM, Scott said:

On mine it looked like the rubber gasket on the edge had become separated a bit, so I pushed it as close to the plastic sail panel as possible. I thought that would help, but it didn't. I am certainly interested in any other options.

 

Hi Scott. Sorry, did not see your reply until today.

 

I picked up a spray can of teflon dry lubricant. One that comes with the thin red straw to enable more precise spray placement. I'll check the brand name of the spray I purchased and edit this post to add it, when I have a chance tomorrow.

 

Open the right rear door. Hold a towel around the area you will spray to catch any stray spray,. Carefully spray all around the inside plastic edge of the exterior window trim pieces, placing the red straw right up against the gap between the plastic trim and the metal window frame while running it all around the entire window frame and all trim pieces (rear, top and front). I also inserted the straw tip down the small gap at the top of the rear trim piece, and up through the small gap at the bottom of the rear trim piece, liberally spraying into both those areas. For good measure, I also lubricated the exterior trim pieces on the other three doors in the same manner. No more squeaks or creaks for ~1 month now, and the car has been quiet as a bank vault again.

 

The spray is a white Teflon powder, so you want to be careful not to let stray spray shoot into/onto the interior and exterior of the car. You may/will probably get a little dripping from the bottom of the trim pieces for a few minutes, until the spray propellant dries, but it wipes up easily. Then just wipe off any excess teflon powder which remains in visible areas. Any that does get on the exterior can be easily wiped off, but I would imagine that interior overspray may be more difficult to get out of carpet etc. Not very difficult, but being careful in the first place is easier than cleaning up afterwards.

 

Hope my description of where and how I sprayed is understandable. If not, let me know and I will try to give a better explanation. Let us know how you make out and good luck.

Edited January 4, 2020 by bbf2530

[Scott]

Thanks for the info, bbf2530. I ordered a can of it off Amazon yesterday and will give it a shot. I ordered B'laster 16-TDL Advanced Dry Lube with Teflon. Hopefully, that will do the trick. It does seem sad that we have to find work-arounds like this for a 50K car, but if it works I will be happy!

Edited January 5, 2020 by Scott

[bbf2530]

1 hour ago, Scott said:

Thanks for the info, bbf2530. I ordered a can of it off Amazon yesterday and will give it a shot. I ordered B'laster 16-TDL Advanced Dry Lube with Teflon. Hopefully, that will do the trick. It does seem sad that we have to find work-arounds like this for a 50K car, but if it works I will be happy!

 

 

Hi Scott. Just checked and it was also B'laster Advanced Dry Lube with Teflon that I used. You made a good choice...lol

 

Temperatures have dropped well below freezing on several days, and still no squeaking/creaking from the right rear door window trim.

 

Yes, I agree and wish the trim piece did not squeak/creak in the first place. My MKZ was quiet as a bank vault for 6 months after I purchased it.

 

However, this solution works, so I'll just add it to my annual ritual of lubricating the door, window and other seals.  Better than having them replace the trim piece again and having the noise return after a few months, again.

Actually, now that I think about it, I want to see how long this treatment lasts. So I will not even respray the area, until if/when it creaks again. Will report back with any new information.

 

Hope the cause of your creak/squeak is the same as mine and this works for you too. Better than chasing around some other phantom cause.

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

Edited January 5, 2020 by bbf2530

[kramf411]

On 12/16/2019 at 9:04 PM, bbf2530 said:

Hi kram. Wondering if you have had any re-occurrence of your right rear door frame trim fascia, creaking/squeaking? I found a solution which has eliminated mine for a month now.

 

Let me know if you are still around and interested.

EDIT - See two posts down for solution which worked for me.

 

Good luck.

Hi bbf2530, I have not encountered the same issue again but if it happens again I will try the solution you have provided. Thanks a lot!

[bbf2530]

Hi all. Just a quick update on my right rear door trim creak after the Teflon spray lubrication: Still no sound and quiet as a bank vault after ~3 months.

 

I have not retreated the areas, as I want to see how long it lasts. So for those who may have this same issue, there is a cure.

 

Good luck.