# Service bulletin SSM 54809

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

- Type: Service bulletin
- NHTSA id: 11032690
- Published by NHTSA: 2026\-05\-14
- Manufacturer's number: SSM 54809
- Manufacturer's date: 2026\-05\-07
- NHTSA component: SUSPENSION

## NHTSA's summary

Some 20242025 Explorer vehicles built on 01\-Feb\-2024 and through 31\-Jul\-2024 may exhibit a rattle/clunk/knock noise from the front suspension at low speeds between 830 mph \(1348 km/h\) over harsh/uneven pavement such as cracks and small bumps while driving straight \(not while turning\). This condition may be due to a loose pressure tube within the front strut assembly and may be present in either front strut. In some cases, a louder noise from one strut can mask a lesser noise from the opposite strut, which may result in only one strut being replaced and a repeat visit if the other strut later becomes apparent. When diagnosing, evaluate both front struts for the concern. To repair, replace the affected front strut\(s\) as necessary. For claiming, use causal part 18124 and labor operation 18124A \(one side\) or 18124AT \(both sides\). If the noise persists, refer to Workshop Manual \(WSM\), Section 204\-01 for normal diagnostics.

## The document

- [NHTSA's copy of the document (PDF)](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2026/MC-11032690-0001.pdf)
- [If that address does not open, try this one](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2026/MC-11032690-9999.pdf)

The document is the manufacturer's. This site does not hold it.

## Components

Suspension

## Vehicles listed

- 2024 to 2025 FORD EXPLORER

## Other bulletins for the same vehicles and component

- [TSB 26\-2242](/bulletins/11032909.md), 2026-05-26, Service bulletin: SUSPENSION. This bulletin supersedes 25\-2213. Reason for update: update the Service Procedure to add notes to clarify the customer symptoms, applicability of this TSB, directing technicians to evaluate both front strut mounts, and add Figure 1 to identify the specific area of the strut mount to observe. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a click/pop noise while turning the steering wheel from straight ahead to full lock during low speed turning events. This noise may be due to the front upper strut mount washer movement under steering loads.

JSON: [/v1/bulletins/11032690](/v1/bulletins/11032690)

[Report an error on this page](https://github.com/wenmar-pro/wenmar-open/issues/new?template=data_correction.yml&title=Data%20correction%3A%20Service%20bulletin%20SSM%2054809&page=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.wenmarpro.com%2Fbulletins%2F11032690&vehicle=Service%20bulletin%20SSM%2054809)