99 5.0 AWD Transmission and Front End Problems

[n0adk]

I apologize in advance - this is likely going to be wordy. Thats how I roll!

Have had my Explorer for nearly 5 years - 120k miles. Been having a host of issues but two that are REALLY bothering me. I perform most repairs but lately have not had the time nor health to be able to do them myself . I took it to a mechanic I have used and trusted for 12 years this week and two days later they are telling me everything is fine. I call shenanigans and am now left with the situation unresolved.

1 - Transmission - Over the past few months this has been getting progressively worse. Downshifting (especially at highway speeds) it will commonly jerk really hard when downshifting from OD to 3rd. Under heavier than normal throttle on shifting up from 3rd to OD it will present a vibration much like being on rumble strips or similar. When it does downshift it is hard enough to skip the CD player and startle and passengers. I purchased this vehicle used with relatively high mileage and have not put a lot on it myself. I have done some reading here on the forums and have read a few people resolving this by doing a full flush and filter replacement on the transmission. However, knowing that this has likely never been done on my poor Explorer, I have serious concerns about doing it now. I have heard horror stories of long term use of transmission fluid and then the sudden replacement breaking off the varnish internally and gumming things up - making symptoms worse than they already are. I really don't know how to proceed here...

2 - Front end issues. I am nowhere near as versed as I would like to be when it comes to suspension issues. For about 2 years I have been having issues ONLY in the winter when it is fairly cold where when going over bumps at just about any speed I get a pretty loud rattle/thumping. You can feel this in your butt, feet, etc. It not just a rattle, it feels like the whole front end is bumping around. However, now it seems to be happening regardless of the outside temperature - it’s like there is something REALLY loose in the front end. I can't narrow it down to driver or pass. side. New shocks were put on last winter - the problem did not change at all. It’s almost as if the wheels are loose. The great part - you guys will love this - the mechanic stated they found a 'good sized rock' in the front bumper and that must be what I am feeling.

These clowns at the shop - they have ALWAYS done a great job by my family and I. I have never had a complaint about them. Clearly something has changed - I am dumbfounded that they can't reproduce the transmission issues and think that a rock is the root cause of my front end issues. I am left with the problem as it is and clearly need to find a new mechanic.

Does anyone have any thoughts, suggestions or pointers on what I can look for in these cases? I am also looking for input on causing damage in doing a transmission service at such high mileage... Further, I suppose I need to find a new reasonable and honest mechanic in the Kansas City/Johnson County area...

Thanks all!

-Tony

 

['97 V8]

Tranny issue im cluless. The front end rattle is probably woen out balljoints. Go and buy some upper and low ball joints, inner outer tie rods and install them. That should solve the issue of feeling really loose upfront.

 

[n0adk]

Tranny issue im cluless. The front end rattle is probably woen out balljoints. Go and buy some upper and low ball joints, inner outer tie rods and install them. That should solve the issue of feeling really loose upfront.

Thanks for the response - based on what I have read here, I assumed it would come back as loose ball joints as well. The mechanic stated he checked and found them to be okay, but based on the fact that he thought the noise and feeling was a rock in the bumper, I don't know that I really trust his judgement on that one either.

I love my Explorer - I guess I am more irritated that they had it for two days precluding me from driving it and the end result is that I have nothing but a $40 diagnostic bill to show for it. If there was truly nothing wrong, then I would be a happy camper. However, I **KNOW** there is something wrong.

Again, thanks!

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Id go for a trans service, not a flush- drain the TC, drop the pan, drain cooler and replace it all with fresh mercon V.

If you've never replaced ball joints, they are probably your front end noise. The uppers are hard to diagnose- my drivers side is going out, yet passes the wheel wiggle test. It makes a clunk under certain conditions. When detached from the knuckle, it has slack in it.

I'd say if you want to fix the front end problem, especially at 120k, get Moog upper control arms/ball joints, and lower ball joints, put them in all at once and get an alignment. May even ought to put new tie rod ends on for kicks while your there.