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I can only say that when mine was making a rattling noise, I found that it was the covers towards the back on each side of the console, they are oval in shape. They werent in tight enough, so I just folded a piece of paper a little thick and stuck it between the cover and the console. Cant even notice it, and it fixed my problem.
I had the same problem with my console in my '97. I took the whole thing apart...including the cd changer and all the inside. It took a while, but there are a couple of brass nuts that needed to be tightened down a bit. It made it a little bit better, but it still rattles and shakes side to side when going over diagonal obstacles or high speed on bumpy freeway. Give yourself some time to do it...and remeber where things go. Good luck!
Here is the Ford repair (the part # is towards the bottom):
Console - CD Player Skips/Squeaks/Vibration
Article No.
97-26-21
12/22/97
^ CD PLAYER - "SKIPS" - HIGH SERIES CONSOLE -
NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS
^ NOISE-"SQUEAKING" FROM HIGH SERIES
CONSOLE - NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS
^ VIBRATION - HIGH SERIES CONSOLE - NORMAL
DRIVING CONDITIONS
LIGHT TRUCK:
1995-98 EXPLORER
1997-98 MOUNTAINEER
This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to include 1998 model year vehicles.
ISSUE:
A shake/vibration from side-to-side of the high series console may occur on some vehicles under normal driving conditions. The shake/vibration could cause "squeaks," "rattles," and CD player skips. This is caused by low clamping load of the rear attachment bracket on the console to floor pan.
ACTION:
Install a bracket to the existing floor bracket and attach it to the internal structure of the console. Refer to Instruction Sheet 7207, included in the High Series Console Floor Bracket Kit, for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
High Series Console Floor Bracket Kit
(F77Z-78044N19-BA) contents are as follows:
^ One (1) Console Brace
^ Four (4) Tapping Screws - M6.3x1.81x19 Hex Washer Head
^ One (1) Instruction Sheet (I.S. 7207)
Obtain locally one (1) Devcon Polystrate 5-Minute Epoxy.
PART NUMBER PART NAME
F77Z-78044N19-BA High Series Console Floor 8racket kit
(Obtain Locally) One (1) Devcon Polystrate 5-Minute Epoxy
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
SUPERSEDES: 97-5-14
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
972621A Install High Series Console 0.7 Hr.
Floor Bracket Kit
972621B Additional Time To 0.2 Hr.
Resecure Mounting
Bracket
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
7804SA06 59
OASIS CODES: 107000, 207000, 702000, 702300