A case of the clunks...

[dnellans]

A few months ago my explorer started "clunking" under the driver's side in both 4x2 and 4x4. It happened intermittently, but not reproducably so I was at a loss to what could be wrong. Thanks to this board I suspected that perhaps it was the radius arm bushings which had never been replaced (92 XL with 100k). Over the last day I managed to replace them myself (saving $600) with the rivot grind method described here and at the same time did new front shocks (also original).

The ride now is MUCH nicer with energy suspension poly bushing and some rancho 5000 shocks. The clunking has gone away in 2 wheel drive however it still happens in 4x4 and is louder than ever. it seems to happen only on the drivers side so I am now suspect that perhaps my driver's side auto hub has **** the bed. i did brakes and new wheel bearings last fall and because of no clunk i didn't really examine the autohub thoroughly to make sure it was ok.

Is this the most likely cause of a Loud clunk on the driver's side in 4x4 only? Is there something else I should check out while down there? What should I look for in/on the auto hub to see if it is damaged? More importantly, does anyone have a single working autohub they want to sell? I don't think i want to invest $250 in the manual conversion if a used auto hubs will get me through another year for $50 or so?

any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated! this is the best board in the world!

-d

 

[dnellans]

bump, no thoughts anyone?

 

[Blee1099]

Only way to find out is to pull apart your auto hub and check it.. How are your radius arm bushings?

 

[dnellans]

i just replaced the radius arm bushings as i said above so they are in perfect shape. what should i be looking for when i take the hubs apart to inspect them?

-d

 

[GlocK]

Take your front hub, rotor, and spindle out and check your U-Joints. The half shaft
should be able to rotate (up,down,left,right). I had the same problem, I changed my
radius arm bushings, but I still get the clunking when I make a sharp turn, even in
2WD. Check your front U joints, they may be binding and giving you that annoying clunk!! Good luck!!

 

[DeRocha]

When was the last time (if ever) the Wheel u-joints were changed? The factory units are non greaseable so the lube will dry out over time (very common). When this happens the joint will bind and possibly become frozen. This will be very noticeable in 4x4 when turning as it forces the joint to articulate in those directions. This will place a huge force onto the spindle bearing.

 

[rocco123]

Don't really think it's an autohub, but if U want I'll send pics of what to look for. I own a '94 so it should be the same setup.

Give me yer e-mail

 

[Rhett]

Are you getting any wheel play when you jack up the front tires?

Pull the hub and clean it and regrease it; heck check the bearings while you in there.
Then, if that doesn't work
Try replacing/greasing the u-joints on the front driveshaft;
Then if that doesn't work
You're probably looking at ball joints, but I'd say that's less likely... given it's 4x4 only clunk

 

[camaro_guy_z28]

What is the approximate price for each of these parts, balljoints, tierod ends, radius arm bushings, minus labor . I'm fairly new to this and I have a weird clunk in my front end, right front wheel is where I think it is coming from, it only seems to happen when I make a left turn and the explorer rocks back and forth, I can actually feel it when it happens. Any thoughts or suggestions. Thanks

 

[DeRocha]

Ball joints (Moog) greasable RockAuto
Upper (2) K8546 $27 ea ($54)
Lower (2) K8563 $26 ea ($52)

U-Joints (Brute Force)
Wheel Joints (3) 1-0297BF $12
Front Shaft (3) 1-0153BF $12

Bushings (Energy Suspension) Summit Racing
Radius Arm 4.7110 $17

 

[Harry P]

If one of the hubs are shot, then the front wheels won't turn in 4WD because there's no limited slip differential in the front...if one hub is bad neither front wheel will turn in 4WD. If the front wheels are turning in 4WD, it's not likely to be your hubs.

If you feel you need a used auto hub, I have one... email me at harryp33@hotmail.com if you're interested.

 

[camaro_guy_z28]

Thanks