mjjstang
Member
- Joined
- December 2, 2006
- Messages
- 40
- Reaction score
- 0
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 97 4x4 SOHC
Ok, I'm new here and looking to pick up a 97 4x4 xlt explorer with 79k on the odo. I am telling you this thing almost looks and drives brand new. beauty, however (it is a decently cold day out here in Michigan, and the car has been garaged for a couple years I believe) I noticed when we put it in 4x4 high, it engages fine but usually when taking a turn, halfway through the turn there is a small mechanical clunk. Also when taking a turn from stop it makes some noise but I have a feeling this is normal, its more of a subtle screeching from the tires i think. but I am more worried about the mechanical noise. sometimes on other turns it hadn't made this clunk. its not a major clunk, it almost gets lost with the other road noises but its definitely there. I am somewhat mechanically inclined as I have done engine swaps and replaced rear ends and ETC. but I have limited to no knowledge on 4x4 situations. Is this maybe an easy fix. or is it even maybe normal? the car is a good price so I would be willing to shell out some cash to fix it if need be. in auto mode it works fine no problems what so ever. Thanks and I searched but it seems everyone has a slightly different issue than mine.
edit: so I was reading the sticky and noticed this :With 4x4 engagement, a popping and binding sensation should be considered normal when turning. During a turn, the front and rear axles follow a different arc. The compensate the tires must slip. The symptoms are referred to as a crow-hop or grabbing sensation. The same symptoms can occur when the tire circumference varies from front to rear. This is why it is imperative that the tires be rotated on a scheduled basis. Unequal tire pressure from front to rear can promote rotational variations.
well I guess that would explain the screeching, due to compensation, I really already kind of knew about this, but that single clunk after about half of the turn, still worries me a tad, all I need is some affirmation that it is normal. usually this clunk is best heard from a rolling turn, and the screeching comes from a stop and then turn.
edit: so I was reading the sticky and noticed this :With 4x4 engagement, a popping and binding sensation should be considered normal when turning. During a turn, the front and rear axles follow a different arc. The compensate the tires must slip. The symptoms are referred to as a crow-hop or grabbing sensation. The same symptoms can occur when the tire circumference varies from front to rear. This is why it is imperative that the tires be rotated on a scheduled basis. Unequal tire pressure from front to rear can promote rotational variations.
well I guess that would explain the screeching, due to compensation, I really already kind of knew about this, but that single clunk after about half of the turn, still worries me a tad, all I need is some affirmation that it is normal. usually this clunk is best heard from a rolling turn, and the screeching comes from a stop and then turn.
