2002 explorer 4.0 front end problem

[Dumpyjam]

I recently replaced all the wheel hubs. Took it on a test drive and heard a pinning sound (can only be described as a hammer hitting the front end)
I only drove about a mile. I nursed it home and it began clicking and almost killing the engine.. I removed the front drive shaft and this stopped the problem. This is driving me crazy!!! Since this didn't start until I changed the bearings. I double check the bearing and all is good. I've been told it's the suspension, spindle bearing, mounts. Any ideas???

 

[Nomopohomos]

I recently replaced all the wheel hubs. Took it on a test drive and heard a pinning sound (can only be described as a hammer hitting the front end)
I only drove about a mile. I nursed it home and it began clicking and almost killing the engine.. I removed the front drive shaft and this stopped the problem. This is driving me crazy!!! Since this didn't start until I changed the bearings. I double check the bearing and all is good. I've been told it's the suspension, spindle bearing, mounts. Any ideas???

By the time you read this my account will probably be deleted I just wanted to check something out and happened to spot your concern. First off the best way to find a stubborn noise like that is to buy what's called chassis ears which consists of several microphones you clip to different parts of the front end and they connect to a switchboard and you wear a pair of headphones while you are driving to determine which microphone is closest to the noise.

Now if ordering something online for $300+ and waiting seven to ten business days it's not your cup of tea I have a couple theories for you.

When you were doing the wheel bearing you may have possibly pulled the CV axle out of socket (inside the rubber boots) a lot of times people attempt to pop it back in and 90% of the time the damage is already done.

You may have pulled the CV axle out of the front differential a little bit and you are wreaking havoc on your differential

Driving with a bad wheel bearing causes damage to the output seal of your differential and differential fluid May leak out... causing a lack of fluid in the differential.... Causing damage to one more gears in your differential

I would not recommend driving with the drive shaft removed as you may cause damage to the transfer case at least that's what I know of with GM's but if I were you I would look for diff oil leaking from seal and/or take time to pop open the front differential cover, do a wear test (special paint on the gears to see if they wear down evenly... Google it) just to rule it out or start with ruling out the CV axle by swapping it out (it probably doesn't have much life left anyways having had a bad bearing) and replacing the axle seal as well.

 

[Dumpyjam]

By the time you read this my account will probably be deleted I just wanted to check something out and happened to spot your concern. First off the best way to find a stubborn noise like that is to buy what's called chassis ears which consists of several microphones you clip to different parts of the front end and they connect to a switchboard and you wear a pair of headphones while you are driving to determine which microphone is closest to the noise.

Now if ordering something online for $300+ and waiting seven to ten business days it's not your cup of tea I have a couple theories for you.

When you were doing the wheel bearing you may have possibly pulled the CV axle out of socket (inside the rubber boots) a lot of times people attempt to pop it back in and 90% of the time the damage is already done.

You may have pulled the CV axle out of the front differential a little bit and you are wreaking havoc on your differential

Driving with a bad wheel bearing causes damage to the output seal of your differential and differential fluid May leak out... causing a lack of fluid in the differential.... Causing damage to one more gears in your differential

I would not recommend driving with the drive shaft removed as you may cause damage to the transfer case at least that's what I know of with GM's but if I were you I would look for diff oil leaking from seal and/or take time to pop open the front differential cover, do a wear test (special paint on the gears to see if they wear down evenly... Google it) just to rule it out or start with ruling out the CV axle by swapping it out (it probably doesn't have much life left anyways having had a bad bearing) and replacing the axle seal as well.

Thanks for the info.. I am waiting on replacement parts. Will update soon

 

[Dumpyjam]

Thanks for the info.. I am waiting on replacement parts. Will update soon

Turns out. I just needed to replace the front drive shaft and joints.

 

[mountaineer2004]

^^^ That's good news!