4wd clunking sound

[jgriffin]

kicked in the 4wd today before I pulled into the driveway so that I would not have to worry about rolling while installing my shackles and there was some loud clunking when I turned into the driveway. There was another write up on this, but it was with a 91 and mine is a 97. I am wondering if it is my hubs or what and if anyone has had this problem and maybe they know how much $$ it cost to get fixed. I guess I am going to have to fix it reguardless, but maybe some suggestions on the best fix. Maybe I can do it myself. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[RFR2212]

I've read in one of the truck mags that ford was notorious for putting on bad automatic hubs on their later model explorers.....Now I could be wrong, but when my auto hubs went out I would here a huge clunk followed by a grinding noise. Hopefully that helped if not maybe someone else knows? Thanks, Pete

 

[95ExplorerLtd]

I think I read in my manual that the clunking is the driveshaft or the drive-something coming up to gear or speed, when I turn it on in the driveway it will do that occasionally. Had to pull the mower out of a ditch yesterday ) flicked it in 4 auto and backed around and I dont recall any clunks this time. Then just to make sure it was disengaged when I was finished, I laid down a pair of tracks on the road to see if it was only the back wheels spinnig ) heeheehee

 

[jgriffin]

Only thing is, mine did not just clunk once or twice like it was just kicking into gear, it kept clunking every time I move with the wheels turned. Even with the wheels just slightly turned, but not when they were straight. I just took it out to a sand parking lot and it did not clunk, but it seemed jerky and it left tracks in the dirt more than turning in two wheel. Think I am going to take it to ford on tuesday to see if they know what is wrong.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Jgriffin,
Your 97 does not have auto-hubs. Only 91-94's do. 4x4 on 95+ models is locked in at the transfer case. Were you in Auto or 4Hi/4Low? In 4x4 Hi or Low you will always have noise when turning, especially on a hard pack surface because of the different turning rates between the front and back tires. When locked in 4x4, the driveline turns at the same speed. The popping is the release of the "windup" caused by differences in the turning speeds. You'll have less noise on slicker surfaces because it is easier for the tires to lose traction and release the windup. If you are getting that noise in 4-Auto, then you may have a problem with the wheel speed sensors, GEM module, or the transfer case. The computer is sensing wheel slip and kicking into 4x4 when in fact there is no loss of traction. Sorry for the long explanation. Hope this makes sense and helps you out.

 

[jgriffin]

It only does it in 4 hi or low, but my tires are getting really chewed up on the inside and the guy at the ford dealership told me something in the 4wd could cause this also. I don't know. I will find out tommorrow though.

 

[jgriffin]

Found out what was wrong today, wish I didn't have to though. The clunking I heard was my chain slipping. I need to get the transfer case rebuilt. Lots of $$$ for a college student.