I fixed my hood bumper squeak once and for all...

[Ozz]

I see many people still complaining about the squeaky hood bumper issue. I have tried a few things and wanted to share what I did to finally eliminated the problem.
I tried silicone, grease, etc on the bumpers but it always wears off such that you end up with the rubber against the paint.

To solve the problem (this is old news):
I started out by installing jam nuts on the bumpers to keep them from moving. I adjusted the bumpers up to a point where I could not push the center of the hood down with hand force when closed.... again - old news...

Now for the NEW IDEA:
I got some felt tape - I had a sheet of it from 3M. If you're not familiar with what it is, it feels like felt on one side and has a tear off backing which exposes a pressure sensitive adhesive (it's sticky backed). Anyway, I cleaned the hood and the bumpers with thinner, cut 2 - 2" round patches of felt tape and stuck one on each side of the hood in the depression above the bumper. I then took a can of silicone spray and soaked the felt tape with it. I also applied silicone to the hood bumpers until they wouldn't absorb any more.

For maintenance, I spray a little silicone on the felt to re-wet it when I get under the hood. So far it has worked like a charm.

Now, someone is going to ask where to get felt tape and I can't really tell you. I know it's out there but I got mine in a sample pack directly from 3M.

Good Luck!!!

[Bluerauder]

Now for the NEW IDEA:
I got some felt tape - I had a sheet of it from 3M. If you're not familiar with what it is, it feels like felt on one side and has a tear off backing which exposes a pressure sensitive adhesive (it's sticky backed).
Thanks for the suggestion. I have some left over velcro squares (the fuzzy stuff) with the sticky backing that might just serve the same purpose. :up: I'll try it.

[Warpath]

Sounds like the stuff you put on the bottom of chair legs to keep them from scratching the floors. If so, you can get them at Lowes, Home Depot, or home improvement section.

[duhtroll]

On mine it's not the bumpers that squeak - it's the damn latch itself.

[Hotrauder]

On mine it's not the bumpers that squeak - it's the damn latch itself.

For that I put about 8 slices of thick West Verginia Brand Apple Smoked bacon on...and make 2 large sandiches with Sour Dough bread, get a six pack of Labatt BLUE and have lunch. Dennis:beer:

[duhtroll]

How dare you type that to me when I'm hungry!

:drool: :food:


For that I put about 8 slices of thick West Verginia Brand Apple Smoked bacon on...and make 2 large sandiches with Sour Dough bread, get a six pack of Labatt BLUE and have lunch. Dennis:beer:

[magindat]

I bought the felt circles in a pack of like 16. I used 2. PM me if you want a pair!

[TripleTransAm]

On mine it's not the bumpers that squeak - it's the damn latch itself.


Same here, on both my MMs. You can actually see the friction marks on the latch mechanism where it grinds away against the hood-mounted 'loop' (whatever that thing is called).

The dealer tried messing with my MM#1 to the point of messing up the actual hood height, but I can't recall if it was too low or too high. I might try moving the latch mechanism down a very small amount or maybe tilting it to the passenger side so that the 'hook' of the latch secures the hood down against the bumpers, rather than having the 'loop' continue to rub against the side of that 'hook'. In my case, I can see some very clear rub marks on the vertical surface of the hook, and in my opinion that should not be contacting the 'loop' at all. But I'm writing this from a desk right now, not sitting next to the car itself so I'll have to have a closer look this weekend.

Now that I think of it, the dealer mechanic was adjusting the height equally across the entire latch mechanism, not tilting it to the passenger side. Maybe that's the missing trick. After all, that dealer mechanic was a bit of a mouth-breathing knuckle-dragger (ie. not the fastest processor on the motherboard, if you get my drift).

[TripleTransAm]

Sorry... after visualizing that suggestion in my mind, it might make more sense to tilt the bottom of the latch mechanism towards the passenger's side, not the top. That way, the top of the 'hook' continues to secure the hood via the 'loop' but you've moved the lower surface of the hook further away from the loop itself. What I'm trying to accomplish is limiting the point of contact with the 'loop' to only the round upper portion of the hook.

[TheDonk]

The felt pads with lubricant for the bumpers is one solution, but I imagine
that it will be only a temporary fix. I believe that at some point your
double stick tape will become saturated and eventually slide/fall off.
I will share with ya'll my "fix" for squeaking bumpers. Go to Wally World,
K-mart, Home Depot, Lowes, hardware store, etc. your choice. Buy a pack
of "Magic Sliders" (they are furniture sliders / gliders made of a teflon like
plastic disk) 1" size works fine. I removed the plastic disk from the backing
and used good 3m automotive double stick tape to secure them in the
recessed area of the hood where the bumpers ride.
The only thing I have to lube once in a while is the latch mechanism.
Mike

[SergntMac]

Adding jam nuts to the stabilizers is old news, but the felt coated sticky paper stuff can be found anywhere you can buy lamp parts. Hobby shops, craft stores, anywhere you can find stuff to rebuild a table lamp, or, make a lamp out of some crap around the house has the felt sticky paper stuff. It's used on the table base.

[BAD MERC]

Mine has NEVER squeaked again after I did this; along each fender is a slot, beside the battery and beside the washer tank. These slots will accomodate the rubber hood isolators that prevent the hood shimmy from causing wear and squeaking on the latch. The Marauder does not have them, nor does the Marquis or Crown Vic. I got these from a Ranger. Here's a pic!

[TripleTransAm]

Son of a gun! That right there is most likely THE solution to the problem! All my other cars have this (heck, even my '78) and I never picked up on the fact that they were not there on my MMs! No one at the dealer picked up on this either!

To think... just to save a few pennies...

Sir, you have my :bows: over this discovery.

[BAD MERC]

I wanna thank STLR FN for telling me how to post pix from my computer. I am a little new at this. here's another little mod that I love in my car and adds a little "I wish they came like this" to the Marauder; backlighted inside door handles. The LED is green and only 3/16" diameter. You put them in at the top corner so they light up the whole cavity at night. I got their power from the window controls in each door. Nighttime photo later tonight.

[duhtroll]

Part # ?



Mine has NEVER squeaked again after I did this; along each fender is a slot, beside the battery and beside the washer tank. These slots will accomodate the rubber hood isolators that prevent the hood shimmy from causing wear and squeaking on the latch. The Marauder does not have them, nor does the Marquis or Crown Vic. I got these from a Ranger. Here's a pic!

[BAD MERC]

I don't know the part #. There's a body shop behind my store and I was fiddling around with a few different sizes that I swiped from totalled vehicles. Some of the ones I tried were visible when the hood was shut. I found the flattest ones and they hold the hood side-to-side when closed. Walk through a boneyard and grab a few pairs.

[TripleTransAm]

I got these from a Ranger. Here's a pic!


Any idea (ballpark) what year Ranger this little piece was from? I know nothing about Rangers.

[STLR FN]

Any idea (ballpark) what year Ranger this little piece was from? I know nothing about Rangers.Well it's not from the '93 or newer Rangers. I was just at my local Ford dealership and they had one for the 93-current Ranger. Tried it. It is to big and bulky. The hood actually squishes the hood "isolator" down allowing it to "show" through the hood. So my guess would be they're from a '92 and older Ranger. The parts rep showed me on the dealer computer. It is "smaller" and more "shallower", like the one silver2004Marauder has on his but they didn't have any in stock. So if someone wants to try their favorite dealer for a '92 and older Ranger hood isolator we'd be much obliged.

[blackf0rk]

I'd like to say that my squeek didn't come from the bumpers, but from the latch.

[STLR FN]

Seems the hood isolators from a '03-'06 Expedition and Navigators will work. Put them in last night after work and no squeaks so far. I have an in plant(I work for Ford@ Mich Truck) part number of N804 384. Maybe Brian can look up the part number and we can be done with this once and for all.

[duhtroll]

Please post it when you find it. I'd like to get mine taken care of!

Thanks

[STLR FN]

Please post it when you find it. I'd like to get mine taken care of!

ThanksJust go to your dealership and ask them for hood isolator bumpers for an '03-'06 Expedition. We're running '06's now but they are the same for those model years, actually the same for '97-03 F-150's and '97-'02 Expeditions.

[duhtroll]

I just ordered 6 of these. 2 for me and 2 for TMF and JWheeler also.

Never let it be said I didn't do nothin' nice for ya'

:)

-A

[mpearce]

Just go to your dealership and ask them for hood isolator bumpers for an '03-'06 Expedition. We're running '06's now but they are the same for those model years, actually the same for '97-03 F-150's and '97-'02 Expeditions.

Can you post pictures? The other fellow said he got his from a Ranger, but now the Expedition ones work also? If I go to my ford dealer and get these I want to make sure they work.

-Mat

[STLR FN]

Can you post pictures? The other fellow said he got his from a Ranger, but now the Expedition ones work also? If I go to my ford dealer and get these I want to make sure they work.

-MatMatt I can post pics. Give me a day or two so I can pry the Marauder outta my wifes hands. :rolleyes:

[jwheeler]

Well thank you Andrew!!! I think I owe you a big greasy meat sandwich!

That is if you can still eat that stuff! :bigcry:

-J



I just ordered 6 of these. 2 for me and 2 for TMF and JWheeler also.

Never let it be said I didn't do nothin' nice for ya'

:)

-A

[drgnrdr33]

Hats off to those who figured this out! :up:

[duhtroll]

I just gained 5# on our Canada trip. Lots of bus riding and hostess.

My a$$ is on the treadmill starting tonight.


Well thank you Andrew!!! I think I owe you a big greasy meat sandwich!

That is if you can still eat that stuff! :bigcry:

-J

[mpearce]

Matt I can post pics. Give me a day or two so I can pry the Marauder outta my wifes hands. :rolleyes:

Thank you! I was thinking of stopping by the local ford dealer sometime before the weekend. I just wanted to go in armed with the right information, so I don't get that retarded stare when the guy behind the counter has absolutely no idea what you're talking about.

Thanks for the help.

-Mat

[STLR FN]

Thank you! I was thinking of stopping by the local ford dealer sometime before the weekend. I just wanted to go in armed with the right information, so I don't get that retarded stare when the guy behind the counter has absolutely no idea what you're talking about.

Thanks for the help.

-MatUnfortunately that comes standard on a lot of parts guys NOT ALL but a lot. Either way I should have pics tomorrow or Thurs.

[Blue03]

You might want to ask if the dealer can order the side hood bumpers for a 1995 Grand Marquis LS HPP. After I bought the N804384 S for the 03-06 Navigator, I checked my daily driver and it had a pair. They are a little larger (see pic - GM bumper on left), but have held up well. If the dealer has em, I'll use those for the MM. I'm thinking the N804384's may be a little small. Hope this helps someone!

[STLR FN]

You might want to ask if the dealer can order the side hood bumpers for a 1995 Grand Marquis LS HPP. After I bought the N804384 S for the 03-06 Navigator, I checked my daily driver and it had a pair. They are a little larger (see pic - GM bumper on left), but have held up well. If the dealer has em, I'll use those for the MM. I'm thinking the N804384's may be a little small. Hope this helps someone!Good update. Mine are starting to squeak again. I'm going to get a set. What is the actual part number for the '95 GM LS w/HPP?

[Blue03]

Good update. Mine are starting to squeak again. I'm going to get a set. What is the actual part number for the '95 GM LS w/HPP?

Don't know yet. I'll check on it Monday or so and post unless someone beats me to it!

[TripleTransAm]

I'd like to say that my squeek didn't come from the bumpers, but from the latch.

I think that's the case for most (if not all) of our squeak issues up front.

MM#2 complicated things slightly (sneaky little bastard) by squeaking in a totally different voice when the hood bumpers were too low (sometimes in concert with a rattle which was most likely the hood bouncing up/down). Perhaps this high pitched squeak was bumper rubbing, but once I raised the bumpers on MM#2 a bit, the rattling stopped and that old familiar front end groan came back just like on MM#1.

So how much money did Ford save by omitting these parts?

And a big "thank you" to the supplier of the part number, I will address this ASAP early next week.

edit: so, how come Town Car owners aren't going nutz with this same noise? Crown Vic? Grand Marquis?

[mpearce]

So how much money did Ford save by omitting these parts?

I ask myself the same question...then I remember the research we did on United Airlines when we were in college.

United Airlines saved the company $1,000,000 a year, by omitting 1 olive from every salad served on board each flight, each day.

-Mat

[mpearce]

You might want to ask if the dealer can order the side hood bumpers for a 1995 Grand Marquis LS HPP. After I bought the N804384 S for the 03-06 Navigator, I checked my daily driver and it had a pair. They are a little larger (see pic - GM bumper on left), but have held up well. If the dealer has em, I'll use those for the MM. I'm thinking the N804384's may be a little small. Hope this helps someone!

So are these the new favorites? I'm guessing these are the bigger ones, and the Navigator ones are smaller? I'll see what the dealer says. Thanks for the pics.

-Mat

[TripleTransAm]

United Airlines saved the company $1,000,000 a year, by omitting 1 olive from every salad served on board each flight, each day.

Good story. I wonder how much of that savings went to upper management bonus over that clever idea, since airline companies seem to be going tits up on a regular basis lately. :P

Good move, anyway... I hate olives.

The deal with some nickel-and-diming isn't so much about how much money they save per unit, it's how much money they'll lose in the long run because of that missing item. For example: 4 silly rubber hood cushions omitted off a certain 2 Marauders will mean I'll most likely never consider forking over $40k US on anything with a blue oval on it ever again. Did they save $40k on each car by omitting the cushions? Sure, the cushions cost peanuts to buy at the parts counter, but was it worth the 3 years of headaches and trial-and-error until some bright soul in an online community finally spotted the root cause and publicized it? Would I want to go through it again?

Anyway, in business, it's all about risk taking so who knows whether it was really worth it or not in the end. I wonder which executive's hot tub I contributed to.


Speaking of airline-industry... my 8 hour trans-atlantic flight went well. KLM pampered me well, in economy no less. Lots of little details: like for instance, handing me a full can of Coke instead of a glass filled with 90% ice. Plenty of other such details (some more, some less significant) contributing to the certainty that I will not hesitate to choose KLM for my next trans-atlantic flight. I fly that route at least twice a year for both business and personal reasons. A few years back I'd have never hesitated choosing another carrier within the same price range (such as Swiss Air, especially when I saw KLM quality take a sharp downturn once they linked up with NWA) but yesterday's performance set the tone for my next booking. I guess there's more to business success than just short-term dollars and cents.

[mpearce]

Good story. I wonder how much of that savings went to upper management bonus over that clever idea, since airline companies seem to be going tits up on a regular basis lately. :P

Good move, anyway... I hate olives.

The deal with some nickel-and-diming isn't so much about how much money they save per unit, it's how much money they'll lose in the long run because of that missing item. For example: 4 silly rubber hood cushions omitted off a certain 2 Marauders will mean I'll most likely never consider forking over $40k US on anything with a blue oval on it ever again. Did they save $40k on each car by omitting the cushions? Sure, the cushions cost peanuts to buy at the parts counter, but was it worth the 3 years of headaches and trial-and-error until some bright soul in an online community finally spotted the root cause and publicized it? Would I want to go through it again?

Anyway, in business, it's all about risk taking so who knows whether it was really worth it or not in the end. I wonder which executive's hot tub I contributed to.


Speaking of airline-industry... my 8 hour trans-atlantic flight went well. KLM pampered me well, in economy no less. Lots of little details: like for instance, handing me a full can of Coke instead of a glass filled with 90% ice. Plenty of other such details (some more, some less significant) contributing to the certainty that I will not hesitate to choose KLM for my next trans-atlantic flight. I fly that route at least twice a year for both business and personal reasons. A few years back I'd have never hesitated choosing another carrier within the same price range (such as Swiss Air, especially when I saw KLM quality take a sharp downturn once they linked up with NWA) but yesterday's performance set the tone for my next booking. I guess there's more to business success than just short-term dollars and cents.

I agree with you completely. I hope you didn't think I was being sarcastic in anyway...I wasn't. Your phrase just sparked some useless knowlege I have stored in my brain.

As far as domestic carriers go in the US, the quality and service is just plain poor. I look at it just as transportation now. It's unfortunate that things have gotten this bad...but thats for another thread.

My wife and I are going to Hawaii in september, 6 hour flight, and we have to pay extra money if we want meals. Oh well. At least I'll get my hood bumper thingys soon so my hood doesn't squeak!

-Mat

[SergntMac]

What do these squeaks sound like again? I don't want to fix the wrong thing...

[TripleTransAm]

I agree with you completely. I hope you didn't think I was being sarcastic in anyway...I wasn't. Your phrase just sparked some useless knowlege I have stored in my brain.

Absolutely not! I can see my reply might have sounded dry, but it was in no way intended towards you or anyone else (anyone else that wasn't a large corporation out of touch with their buyer base, anyway).

As I get older I am beginning to appreciate more and more the little customer service type of touches. The little details that just prevent me from having yet one more frigging annoyance to have to deal with in an increasingly complex life (more kids, more cars, more job workloads, more household responsibilities, etc.). Maybe I'm more conscious of parting with my money, too... and prefer sharing the wealth with those who show me more sincere effort. And by sincere, I mean I hate being the recepient of a$$ kissing, it's awkward and distracting. For that reason, I took the time to walk along the length of the MD-11 to have a chat with the onboard service personnel to express my satisfaction with the level of service until that point... hey, it might have actually been conducive to getting a few more extra nice touches later on in the flight, who knows. The Swedish national Nikon lens rep I dealt with on Thursday did a lot of legwork for me to get me a very good price on a hard-to-find lens (a fair price, given the different economic realities of another continent)... I'll be calling his manager on Monday to comment on that experience and recommend placing this positive note in his personnel file. I might not see the guy ever again in my lifetime, but he went the extra distance for me for no personal benefit whatsoever and so deserves the good word to his management.

(cue the sound of a needle scratching across a vinyl record...)

Contrast this to the most likely "oh, that's normal behaviour" I'll get from any local Ford dealer next time something goes south on my Marauder. Oooff... talk about getting splashed with a large cold bucket full of reality.

[TripleTransAm]

What do these squeaks sound like again? I don't want to fix the wrong thing...

The high pitched squeaks appeared to be the hood bumpers (coupled with the occasional rattle). Adjusting the hood bumpers up to tighten the hood against the latch brought out the lower pitched hollow metallic groan which is from the latch.

Taking a close look at the surface of the 'J' hook on the latch will show exactly how much that large hood of ours can actually move even when we're not hearing any audible groaning. In more serious cases (as with my 2 MMs), it's enough friction to wear through liberal applications of thick wheel bearing grease. It also appears to be more apt to occur when the underhood area is hot, such as on a really hot day or after a 30-45 minute long drive (it usually comes on about 5-10 minutes after resuming slow city traffic after 30-45 minutes of highway driving for me - enough time for metal to soak heat and expand, I guess?). Somewhat bumpy roads are a must, of course.

I took small videos using my small point-and-shoot digital camera (with a teeny tiny mono microphone) and even then it's fairly easy to make out the groans and squeaks over the modded exhaust tips. If there's any interest I'll try to repackage them tonight and upload them somewhere.

[Blue03]

Ok lets try round 2. The number for the 95 GM LX additional hood bumpers I ordered a pair of today was f49z16758a. They are spendy little buggers at list of about $7.63 a piece. If they work, it will be worth it to silence the annoying sqweeks.

See update in Post 46

[mpearce]

What do these squeaks sound like again? I don't want to fix the wrong thing...

I only get my squeaks when I'm going over the gravel driveway of Dragway 42, or going down the ramp into my buildings underground garage. It's a pretty steep decline and the hood squeaks. Hard to describe...little bitty high pitch squeaks...mine are so faint I can hardly tell where they're coming from. It only happens under those two conditions.

-Mat

[duhtroll]

I'll bet a dollar to a donut that the squeaking is not coming from the J-shaped piece, as that is the hood catch when you open the hood part way and I'm not sure it's what's holding the hood closed. The real hood latch is lower down, methinks. I can't tell for certain because obviously it's closed when engaged, but I'm betting it's that black metal plate with the hole in it below the J-shaped piece. Greasing that J-shaped piece did me no good.

-A


The high pitched squeaks appeared to be the hood bumpers (coupled with the occasional rattle). Adjusting the hood bumpers up to tighten the hood against the latch brought out the lower pitched hollow metallic groan which is from the latch.

Taking a close look at the surface of the 'J' hook on the latch will show exactly how much that large hood of ours can actually move even when we're not hearing any audible groaning. In more serious cases (as with my 2 MMs), it's enough friction to wear through liberal applications of thick wheel bearing grease. It also appears to be more apt to occur when the underhood area is hot, such as on a really hot day or after a 30-45 minute long drive (it usually comes on about 5-10 minutes after resuming slow city traffic after 30-45 minutes of highway driving for me - enough time for metal to soak heat and expand, I guess?). Somewhat bumpy roads are a must, of course.

I took small videos using my small point-and-shoot digital camera (with a teeny tiny mono microphone) and even then it's fairly easy to make out the groans and squeaks over the modded exhaust tips. If there's any interest I'll try to repackage them tonight and upload them somewhere.

[Bluerauder]

I finally got around to putting the small 1" velcro/felt squares up on the under hood dimples. Then I wrapped the hood latch "U" (or "J") connection with a couple wraps of blue masking tape. I couldn't find my electrical tape .... :rolleyes: The squeak is barely noticeable even on very rough roads. :D Still need to get the side hood bumpers to finalize the fix. :up: Suspect that I will have to keep an eye on the tape 'cause it'll eventually cut through and start scraping metal-to-metal again. :(

[Blue03]

:( Jeeze what a pita. The Parts in post 42 are the front adjustable bumpers and not the one I intended. I believe the correct one is FMCN807032S for the bumpers on the side of the hood. But...you may want to wait until I recieve the new ones so I can make sure its the correct part this time. Good news is these little guys list at only $4.58 each. Sorry for the bum steer!:o

Man I'm having one of those days! It's Post 42 not 31! Really, came home after work to mow the lawn and some bird nailed me with a big one just above the ear!:baaa:

[Bluerauder]

:( Jeeze what a pita. The Parts in post 31 are the front adjustable bumpers and not the one I intended. I believe the correct one is FMCN807032S for the bumpers on the side of the hood. But...you may want to wait until I recieve the new ones so I can make sure its the correct part this time. Good news is these little guys list at only $4.58 each. Sorry for the bum steer!:o

No problem. :cowboy:

:thanks: I'll be looking forward to your post on the part number.

[duhtroll]

I only paid $2.92 each for the rubber pieces for the sides. I don't know if they worked yet - have to wash the car a few more times to know for sure.

-A

[Daily 03]

I was getting a noise from my hood and found that the lip on the passenger side of the hood near the cowl was making contact with the fender. I bent it in and have not had any noise since.

Dale

[STLR FN]

:( Jeeze what a pita. The Parts in post 31 are the front adjustable bumpers and not the one I intended. I believe the correct one is FMCN807032S for the bumpers on the side of the hood. But...you may want to wait until I recieve the new ones so I can make sure its the correct part this time. Good news is these little guys list at only $4.58 each. Sorry for the bum steer!:oUmmm the part number in post #31 is the number I supplied you and that is the correct part number for the side hod bumper on the '03-'06 Expeditions and Navigators. I walked down the line and got it directly off the box the 1000 or so bumpers come in. Now the part number in post #42 might be for the adjustable hood bumpers.

[Blue03]

Sorry guy. Your navigator part in 31 was correct. I bought a pair and they looked a little small when I put them on. I've edited my posts 42 and 46 to have the best info I have to date. The part in post 46 is what I have on order now. I think the side bumpers for the 95 GM will be the best solution but will wait to try them out to confirm they work.

[Marauderjack]

Will someone straighten this out....I ordered the number in post #42 and according to DJ they are the adjustable corner bumpers!!??:argue:

What is the correct number for the triangles??:confused:

Marauderjack:help:

[STLR FN]

Will someone straighten this out....I ordered the number in post #42 and according to DJ they are the adjustable corner bumpers!!??:argue:

What is the correct number for the triangles??:confused:

Marauderjack:help:N804384S are the Navigator/Expedition side hood bumper.
Part number N807032S are for the 95 GM side hood bumpers.

[Ozz]

Hey STLR FAN,
Is your MM the blue one or the black one with fancy 'non-OEM' wheels in the MTP lot?
I come out there for the '07 Exp/Nav build and park outside the lobby. My MM is an '03 300A w/ tint and chrome ss inserts. I parked next to the blue one last week. It was gone when I left.

[STLR FN]

Hey STLR FAN,
Is your MM the blue one or the black one with fancy 'non-OEM' wheels in the MTP lot?
I come out there for the '07 Exp/Nav build and park outside the lobby. My MM is an '03 300A w/ tint and chrome ss inserts. I parked next to the blue one last week. It was gone when I left.Niether mine is DTR. Next time you're at MTP. Look me up. I'm on Trim Line 1 nights. Just ask for DJ.

BTW IIRC the DBP is actually a CV LX Sport. I haven't seen any blues at our plant, mainly SB and Black.

[GA-Marauder]

I took my hood squeaking MM up to Bill Currie Ford in Tampa. The body shop guy adjusted the latch (moved it down), readjusted the bumpers (now about the 20th time for that) and, walla, no more squeaking. Do I think this is permanent? No...but I also went to the parts department and found out the 2004 Lincoln Town Car DOES HAVE the hood isolator parts described in the previous posts. I ordered a pair, and am picking them up today. I'll update with part numbers and later with results.

[GA-Marauder]

Picked up part and installed. Really seems to isolate hood movement. Part Number 3W1Z-16758-BA (one each, bumper). I'll report results after I put some miles on it.

[TripleTransAm]

Thanks for the info, Tony. And thanks for the confirmation on the Town Car... I was having a hard time believing they'd be forced to put up with this kind of noise. Now to figure out if Grand Marquis/Crown Vic owners also experienced this in the past 3 model years.

[GA-Marauder]

No problem. I thought there had to be some panther derivative that had them, since the slot is there under the hood. So I went to the top of the model line, Lincoln Town Car, and there it was. Sure hope it works long time.

[Blue03]

OK, I picked and installed the side bumpers for the 95 GM on my MM this am. It was part number N807032-S. For the pair, they charged me $5.72 plus the governors fee. I did not adjust the front corner bumpers or the latch. So far no noise and I ran over every speed bump, lane marker bump and manhole I could find on the way to the office without a sqweek. :) Is it done? I dunno...but I'll post if something changes. BTW I never heard a hood sqweek out of the GM in the 10+ years I've had her. Also, sounds like the Town Car part is a good way to go as well! Good Luck!!

[Ozz]

I stopped by MTP trim line 2 and 'borrowed' a set of side bumpers from Mr. Ford today... Thanks for the tip STLR FAN - and I believe you parked next to me today.

[STLR FN]

I stopped by MTP trim line 2 and 'borrowed' a set of side bumpers from Mr. Ford today... Thanks for the tip STLR FAN - and I believe you parked next to me today.If you're meaning today as in "May 9, 2006 the 6am to 2:30 pm day shift", wasn't me. I work afternoons and have been driving my '98 F-150 lately. Anyhow, you're welcome for the "tip".

[GreekGod]

All those Marauders look alike.

[GA-Marauder]

150 miles so far after the latch and bumper adjustment, plus adding the Town Car hood isolating bumpers, and not one squeak. It sounds so nice now!

[TripleTransAm]

...................

[sspmustang]

Picked up part and installed. Really seems to isolate hood movement. Part Number 3W1Z-16758-BA (one each, bumper). I'll report results after I put some miles on it.
Tony, was that a stock item? I may stop by there on the way home tomorrow..
--Mike

[GA-Marauder]

Tony, was that a stock item? I may stop by there on the way home tomorrow..
--Mike

Mike,
Call in advance. They had to order them, but they were there in 1 day. I still have not heard a squeak since I installed them, about 300 miles ago. Good luck!

[Big House]

All I did was raise the hood bumper stops...I was so nice not to hear that squeak...I drove over stuff that would have normally sqeaked like crazy and I heard was the rumble of my Beast.

[sspmustang]

Mike,
Call in advance. They had to order them, but they were there in 1 day. I still have not heard a squeak since I installed them, about 300 miles ago. Good luck!
Thanks, went by there at lunch and ordered a pair..should do the trick!
--Mike

[Blue03]

It's been a couple weeks since I put the side bumpers in and no squeaks so far as well...Looks like this will do it. Hopefully they will stay away for good.

[Bluerauder]

Seems the hood isolators from a '03-'06 Expedition and Navigators will work.

Just ordered a set of Expedition hood bumpers/isolators to fix the hood squeek. I have been trying different solutions for awhile; but the darn squeek comes back in a couple weeks. The dealer didn't have them in stock -- so I ordered a pair. Oughta be here by Wednesday. :D

[Sharky]

I have the hood squeak problem on my 2003 GM. I'm gonna stop by the dealership and order a pair of those isolators ASAP. Thanks to Bluerauder for bumping this thread, and all those who contributed to it! :cool:

[Loco1234]

Thats one thing that I can say about my Marauder... Theres no sqweaks from it.... although I have taken a couple people for rides and I have heard a couple sqweaks from in it.... LOL

[Bluerauder]

Just ordered a set of Expedition hood bumpers/isolators to fix the hood squeek. I have been trying different solutions for awhile; but the darn squeek comes back in a couple weeks. The dealer didn't have them in stock -- so I ordered a pair. Oughta be here by Wednesday. :D
Picked up the hood bumpers today and installed them. Will report out tomorrow if I notice a difference in the squeekage. :o

Ford Part Number -N804384-S (comes in a package of two for $8.40). Seems a little pricey for two little rubber bumpers -- but WTH -- its driving me batty. :rofl: It's embarrassing too. :o

So far, so good on the way in to work this morning. I even tried out a couple of the "rough" spots on the roads to give it a test for squeeks. Seems to be working. :up:

[rauder775]

Excellent on the "rubber guides". That squeaking has been driving me crazy!!

Also, agree some nice accent lighting or courtesy light was a major miss for a Mercury, even a High Performance version...thanks Sliver

[duhtroll]

And are you still squeak-free?


Picked up the hood bumpers today and installed them. Will report out tomorrow if I notice a difference in the squeekage. :o

Ford Part Number -N804384-S (comes in a package of two for $8.40). Seems a little pricey for two little rubber bumpers -- but WTH -- its driving me batty. :rofl: It's embarrassing too. :o

So far, so good on the way in to work this morning. I even tried out a couple of the "rough" spots on the roads to give it a test for squeeks. Seems to be working. :up:

[CRZYBIKER]

I am,
but I used aluminized anti-seize....just a dab! Been approx. 6 mos. since I applied this 'mod' with zero squeaks.

[mtenderenda]

I thought i had the squeak...It turned out to be a bracket that comes off the firewall and connects onto the frame...I found the bolt loose...Its a braket that is about foot long....Its down pretty deep....Take alook at that...After I tightened it up...The SQUEAK went away since then....

:banned:

[Bluerauder]

And are you still squeak-free?
The squeak is not as noticeable. But, I think the hood latch has cut through the tape that I wound around it. So, it is back to metal-to-metal rub again. Need to re-do the tape job. :o

[GA-Marauder]

And are you still squeak-free?


I am still squeak free after installing these last year.:D

[Svashtar]

I am still squeak free after installing these last year.:D

Tony, thanks very much for this. Don't know how I missed this thread last year! I'm going by tomorrow and order these. 2004 Lincoln Town Car, right?

My hood hasn't squeaked for a while after a greased the latch and put a couple dabs of marine grease on the bumpers, but with the warmer weather here the last few days it's started up again. Drives me nuts.

I think these for the Town Car might be a bit better fit than the ones for the Expedition. (?)

(Edit, just saw that those for the '95 GM should work as well!)

Thanks again.

Norm

[GA-Marauder]

[quote=Svashtar;477723]Tony, thanks very much for this. Don't know how I missed this thread last year! I'm going by tomorrow and order these. 2004 Lincoln Town Car, right?

My hood hasn't squeaked for a while after a greased the latch and put a couple dabs of marine grease on the bumpers, but with the warmer weather here the last few days it's started up again. Drives me nuts.

I think these for the Town Car might be a bit better fit than the ones for the Expedition. (?)

Your very welcome:D . Post #57 has the part numbers. Don't forget to check your hood latch adjustment also. Had to move mine slightly downward so the engagement was a little tighter. These should do the trick, though. Good luck.:2thumbs:

[Svashtar]

I got them on easily and they work great! Cost me $7 each, but that's the dealer for you. No noise, and was able to leave the latch alone, for now at least.

Thanks again. :up:

Norm

[FordNut]

Worked good for me, too.

[Shora]

Picked up part and installed. Really seems to isolate hood movement. Part Number 3W1Z-16758-BA (one each, bumper). I'll report results after I put some miles on it.


All I did was raise the hood bumper stops...I was so nice not to hear that squeak...I drove over stuff that would have normally sqeaked like crazy and I heard was the rumble of my Beast.

I noticed a slight squeak when going over very bumpy roads. Adjusting the hood bumper stops didn't work and they would work their way back down after a few weeks (I guess that the hood is too heavy for them).

Anyway, of the all hood isolators that you mavericks have experimented with, (Ranger, Expedition, older Mercury, etc.) I decided to go with those posted by GA-Marauder since they are from a similar year Panther (Lincoln Towncar).

I just installed these minutes ago so I don't know if they will stop the slight squeak but they do seem like high quality pieces (as far as rubber hood isolators go LOL).

Thanks to all you creative people finding the solutions.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/5/1/3/145_4524_thumb.jpg (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=7816&c=3&userid=3513)


http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/5/1/3/145_4526_thumb.jpg (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=7817&c=3&userid=3513)

[GreekGod]

I noticed a slight squeak when going over very bumpy roads. Adjusting the hood bumper stops didn't work and they would work their way back down after a few weeks (I guess that the hood is too heavy for them).

Anyway, of the all hood isolators that you mavericks have experimented with, (Ranger, Expedition, older Mercury, etc.) I decided to go with those posted by GA-Marauder since they are from a similar year Panther (Lincoln Towncar).

I just installed these minutes ago so I don't know if they will stop the slight squeak but they do seem like high quality pieces (as far as rubber hood isolators go LOL).

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/5/1/3/145_4524_thumb.jpg (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=7816&c=3&userid=3513)


http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/5/1/3/145_4526_thumb.jpg (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=7817&c=3&userid=3513)

Thanks for the photos. I just ordered two with my dealer today.

[Mad4Macs]

Whoo! 1 Year to the day!!!

[Shora]

Thanks for the photos. I just ordered two with my dealer today.

Pleasure.
:beer:

[cyclopsram]

I have a spare set of the hood bumpers genuine Ford packaged... 2 pieces N804384S Bumper... $15 and I pay the first class mail in the lower 48... No exports... sorry Canada... RAM for an extra $10 I will throw in one of the NOS oil deflectors for the oif filter change.... R PM me at crownvicP71@aol.com

[Bluerauder]

Anyway, of the all hood isolators that you mavericks have experimented with, (Ranger, Expedition, older Mercury, etc.) I decided to go with those posted by GA-Marauder since they are from a similar year Panther (Lincoln Towncar).

I considered the bumpers/isolators from the Lincoln Towncar; but noticed that the side hood lip was different for the Marauder. Figured that the smaller wedge might work better and it has for several months. Let us know how your choice works out.

[RUSTY]

I used loc-tite on the threads of the hood bump stops and some 3M tape (the thick clear stuff) on the contact surface on the hood. All good for the past year and a half.

[dreydin]

so is it 3W1Z-16758-BA? or N804384-S?


or either will work?

[GreekGod]

so is it 3W1Z-16758-BA? or N804384-S?


or either will work?

The 3W1Z-16758-BA works for me.

[Dobs]

I thought i had the squeak...It turned out to be a bracket that comes off the firewall and connects onto the frame...I found the bolt loose...Its a braket that is about foot long....Its down pretty deep....Take alook at that...After I tightened it up...The SQUEAK went away since then....

:banned:
Can i get more precision on the location of that bracket?

[Dobs]

NVM i found it, for someone who would like to get the exact location. You have to remove the fender splash shield to gain acces to the bracket and this bracket hold the fender on the firewall. You cant miss it.

[GetMeMyStogie]

Part # ?

I got this.... next time you're at your local auto recycling yard, have a look at any Panther Ford. My '86 MGM had them, and so did my '94. Same part for sure. Junkyard price: free.

[SideshowBob]

I tried looking up these bumpers on fordparts.com and first off, the part numbers given here don't work. So I looked up by model: 2004 Lincoln Town Car. The part # comes up as 16758A and 16758B, presumedly left and right and the price for each is different! Is there an actual difference between left and right? How can something so simple be so confusing?

[GreekGod]

I tried looking up these bumpers on fordparts.com and first off, the part numbers given here don't work. So I looked up by model: 2004 Lincoln Town Car. The part # comes up as 16758A and 16758B, presumedly left and right and the price for each is different! Is there an actual difference between left and right? How can something so simple be so confusing?

Ford part numbers (usually) have a basic part number preceded by a prefix, and followed by a suffi... 16758 would probably be a basic part number for a bumper, -A and -B would be possible suffixes (xxxx-16758-A).

--------------------

[Chevyguy]

I tried looking up these bumpers on fordparts.com and first off, the part numbers given here don't work. So I looked up by model: 2004 Lincoln Town Car. The part # comes up as 16758A and 16758B, presumedly left and right and the price for each is different! Is there an actual difference between left and right? How can something so simple be so confusing?


From Tascafordparts

3W1Z16758BA $6.72 $0.00 $4.43
Hood and grille - Hood and components - Bumper - On fender
On fender Back 2003 - 2010

Those are the big Town Car ones

Expedition ones

Item Number MSRP Core Price Price
N804384S $3.50 $0.00 $1.92
Hood - Hood and components - Lift cylinder - Bumper
On fender Back 2007 - 2010

[SideshowBob]

From Tascafordparts

3W1Z16758BA $6.72 $0.00 $4.43
Hood and grille - Hood and components - Bumper - On fender
On fender Back 2003 - 2010

Those are the big Town Car ones

Expedition ones

Item Number MSRP Core Price Price
N804384S $3.50 $0.00 $1.92
Hood - Hood and components - Lift cylinder - Bumper
On fender Back 2007 - 2010




So you don't need to order different part #s for left and right?

[GreekGod]

so you don't need to order different part #s for left and right?

no
-----------

[Blancosmarauder]

Lol I had the same issue I set my hood bumpers just right then used lock tight so the would not screw down with vibrration

[Chevyguy]

Finally took some pics of my 96 Town Car, guess what is on the fenders??




http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q329/folingo/1996%20Town%20Car%20Signature/Engine%20Swap/SL372498.jpg

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q329/folingo/1996%20Town%20Car%20Signature/Engine%20Swap/SL372499.jpg

Those are probably the same part as the 95 Marquis posted earlier. Smaller than the 03 up town car type. The 96 Town car has a hood and fender more like the Marauder.

Note the 03+ Town Car bumper MUCH bigger

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/5/1/3/145_4526.JPG

[guspech750]

I took some off my F-350 at work and presto. Noise is gone.