After reading through a particular Ford Bronco forum chat about a window rattle issue, we found out that quite a significant number of Bronco drivers have had to deal with this problem. It has become such a normal issue amongst Bronco drivers that some of them see it as a normal feature they have to live with when they get their Bronco.
According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), there are some 2021 and 2022 Ford Broncos that may experience and exhibit a window rattle when the window is in a partially down position after driving over bumps. So, this tells us that it is a general issue – and is not just faced by one or two Bronco drivers – probably caused by a wrong window glass adjustment from the Ford factory.
For you to have found this article, there is a possibility that you are also dealing with this issue or you just got your Bronco and want to know more about the window rattle issue. Whatever the case may be, this article covers all you need to know about the Ford Bronco window rattle issue. So, keep reading for more information.
Bronco Drivers’ Issues with Window Rattling
According to the Bronco forum thread we read through, a Bronco driver explained how he has had to deal with the window-rattling issue and wanted to know if other Bronco drivers were dealing with the same issue. He stated that the issue affects both the 2021 and 2022 Broncos, as stated above, and that he hopes Ford has fixed the issue for the 2023 models so he could take it back to his dealership and get it fixed.
According to him, his window always rattled whenever he drove over bumps while it was in a partially down position. He tried to adjust it quite a number of times but he could only make it a little better while still having to deal with the rattling noise. He stated that his window still rattles over big bumps and even minor roadway imperfections.
There were also complaints from other Bronco drivers about the window-rattling issue. One stated that he always felt the window-rattling noise was a feature and not an issue. He had already learned to live with it because he felt there was no easy fix. Another Bronco driver stated that he also faces the same issue but his window also rattles in an upward position and not only a partially down position.
He stated that he took his Bronco to his dealership because of the window-rattling problem but they told him they did not have a solution to the problem. According to this particular Bronco driver, he did his research and found out that the solution to the problem is to replace the window regulator. But, he did not state whether he tried to and if it worked out for him.
A Bronco driver on the forum said replacing and adjusting the window regulator is meant to put more pressure on the glass to the rubber seal so that the window does not rattle anymore. While another Bronco driver said his dealership did the adjustment but the issue was not fixed. So, I guess we can say adjusting the window regulator does not fix the rattling problem.
After looking through the forum to see if there were any responses from a 2023 Bronco owner who faces the same window rattling problem, we found a response from someone on the forum. He stated that he has a 2023 Bronco (Black Diamond) whose windows rattle when they are partially open. He also said that he figured it was normal since his Bronco has a frameless door design.
How to Fix the Window Rattle Issue
On the same Ford Bronco forum thread, one of the Bronco owners talked about how he faced the window rattling issue and how he got it fixed. After taking his Bronco to his dealership and they could not fix the issue, he decided to do it himself. According to him, there are different SSM and TSB for the Bronco windows that one can try.
He was not only dealing with the rattling issue as his windows also shook whenever he opened his doors and they caught on weather stripping. He managed to fix both issues at the same time after a couple of tries.
As stated above, the major cause of a window rattle issue is a wrong glass adjustment from the factory. There is a rear or front door glass adjustment procedure that he followed from a workshop manual. You do not need to remove the door panel when performing this procedure but you will need to place the regulator nuts of the window to their highest outboard position, then reevaluate the noise.
During this adjustment process, ensure that you place your Bronco windows in a fully down position.
Additional Information
One major reason why any driver could experience rattling windows is bad gaskets. When your vehicle has bad gaskets, you should always expect that rattling noise as you drive. When you put your windows down, the sound will worsen and you can expect the noise even when you close your doors.
Gaskets are rubber seals and it is due to this reason that they can get worse over time. Gaskets can get worse after using them for a long time and also due to extreme weather. They can crack and shrink and this causes them to lose their grip around their windowpanes. This is what causes the windows to rattle.
Conclusion
It is quite evident that the rattling window issue that Bronco drivers face is a common one and will probably not be fixed any time soon. As some Bronco drivers said, they saw the problem as a common feature and not a problem. If you ever do find yourself dealing with this issue, you can either decide to deal with it or try to get it fixed.
