2004 front end Clunk

[NACDale]

I have my 04 exploder with about 90k on it.

When i turn real hard an accelerate or reverse and turn. Along with reverse and accelerate and also forward accelerate for the first time after revese I get a pop/clunk from the front end. Sounds like it is coming from the LF area. I have looked over the front end pretty good and cant find the issue.

Any ideas out there??

Dale

 

[dmstangu]

Mee too. When the wheel is turned all the way left (or right), and I start rolling slowly, it clunks and jumps once, like it stumbles on it's on heels.

Looking forward to comments. Thanks!

 

[japracer4]

there is a tsb(Technical Service Bulletin) for this issue. it is the 4wd falsely activating. it thinks that the wheels are slipping and needs engaged. my 04 does the same thing, so i did some research at work and found this. it basically says in the tsb that ford finds this acceptable and there is no correction for it.

 

[NACDale]

That kind of makes sense. But it is actually now making a popping sound when you break hard after driving or after backing up. It seems like when you change directions..even after a long drive. A turn at the right time or a brake at the right time will cause this to pop.

 

[wkobe88822]

did this eve get fixed
thanks wayne

 

[absolutecountry]

My '04 started doing the popping in the front end thing 2day, after a 50 mile hike up the interstate at about 85 mph. Pulled into wendys for lunch and noticed it turning hard into the parking space. Same thing backing out. I offroad alot in my old jeeps, and it only took a second to realize the truck was in 4x4. It was never shifted int 4x4 high, but the 4x4 high light was flashing itermittenly. Stopped, pushed 4x4 auto, started home. Explorer feels fine, drives the same, but every couple minutes, during acceleration, or deceleration, the 4x4 high light flashes a varying number of times and then stops. Also noticed the tire pressure light lit up for awhile one time during the trip home. Any idea what I need to replace? Besides the truck?

 

[DLinkOZ]

Years ago I had a problem with my 4x4 going into high or low (don't recall which) on its own. Turned out to the be the selector switch.

 

[absolutecountry]

The manual switch on the dash?

 

[DLinkOZ]

Yep

 

[absolutecountry]

Thanks for the reply, I'll try that.

 

[absolutecountry]

Ok, DON'T DO THIS! Got in touch with a ford guy, who told me to drop the front drive shaft if we never use 4x4. BIG MISTAKE. the auto hubs engage whether there is a front drive shaft or not. Now I am having the front left bearing/ hub replaced. But that's not going to fix the original problem, that it shifts into 4x4 everytime you drive it, multiple times. Is there anyway to completely turn off the 4x4?

 

[absolutecountry]

And does anyone know what fords stand is on the back hatch cracking completely through? The hinge on the back hatch- pin breaking? The front heater not working?

 

[wkobe88822]

taking the drive shaft out has no bearing in a wheel bearing going bad so i have no idea what i the big mistake is here

wayne

 

[DLinkOZ]

And does anyone know what fords stand is on the back hatch cracking completely through?

If it's not under warranty, they'd be glad to replace it for you. $400+ and you're set... :thumbdwn:

 

[absolutecountry]

the auto hubs work independently of the driveshaft.

 

[mercracing]

I have an 02 that does the clunk. mostly when going in or out of driveways... ya know, that little bump is making clunking noises and driving me nuts!

 

[AviatorSport]

Double post

 

[AviatorSport]

I have an 02 that does the clunk. mostly when going in or out of driveways... ya know, that little bump is making clunking noises and driving me nuts!

Lubricate the steering stops, its those little bumps on the lower control arms that contact the knuckles on full turn. I use anti-seize to correct this. Its probably a good idea to do this at every oil change.

This is a common issue and I do this on every Ford product I work on that has those steering stops.:

Also to others that have noise in the front end, make sure all your suspension components are tight.


Yay for my first post

 

[jakedrew]

^ interesting idea. have to take a peek at that. My 04 doesnt clunk though.

 

[absolutecountry]

will the "brown wire mod" work to disengae the 4x4 for the '04?