03 explorer "banging noise"

[mg]

ok, the frustration level is pretty high.
started experiencing a intermitent "banging" noise in what i thought was the rear end. realized right rear coil spring was broke. replaced coil springs and struts in rear end. "banging" noise has not ceased.
was under the vehicle and it is pretty "wet" just behind the oil pan (towards rear of vehicle). is that part of the transmission? its not leaving a puddle, but is very wet. its diificult to determine if its tranny fluid or oil, as the amount of dirt/grime is extensive. when i changed the oil a few weeks ago i dont recall seeing this. now wondering if the "banging" is coming from drivetrain somewhere, only seems to happen on bumps though

please any thoughts appreciated. i have been rolling around on the garage floor for days now, and am as clueless as day 1????

 

[xlt03]

Being you just changed oil, I would check the oil drain bolt. Remember that the drain bolt has a little seal/o-ring on it, make sure that is still there. Double check your oil filter is not loose. I suspect that (drain plug) may be the source of your wet problem. Touch the wet and check the color of the oil. Have a passenger sit in different seat positions while you drive around to isolate the location of the bang noise. As to the noise, I would check motor mounts and trans mounts. Another possible is the stabilizer links. Raise the front wheels off ground and with jack stands on the frame inspect the stabilizer bar links. Let us know what you find.

 

[mg]

well hopefully i should know later today. the wetness definantly is not coming from the plug. it may be the pan seal though or whatever is just behind the oil pan.
does anyone know what is directly behind it, and if part of tanny would it contain fluid?

 

[mg]

well...seemed to have gotten lucky this time. the banging was coming from a right front broken stabilizer link. $20 part and a case of beer, and its riding fine.
the wetness underneath seems to be coming from the oil pan gasket, its not leaving puddles at this point, so will prob just keep an eye on that. chalk it up to 162,x.. miles on an '03.

 

[xlt03]

Thanks for posting back with your repair. Cinch up the oil pan bolts just to be sure. Cheers...this Bud's for you!