A popping sound coming from my suspension?

[TekMan05]

Well lately I've been noticing when I go over certain bumps or go off a curb into the grass my driveway I've been noticing a little bit of a popping sorta creaking noise. NOT loud at all just it's coming from the front of the Explorer somewhere. Does this mean something in my shocks are starting to wear out? I haven't noticed that much of a difference my ride or not but not sure?

 

[410Fortune]

It may be the torsion bar pad, from the factory there is a little piece of material on top of your T bar adjuster, it wear s out and then you will hear a pop because its metal on metal
Most Gen II's with higher mileage I have worked on suffer from this on the passenger side for some reason, including my own 96

 

[TekMan05]

Is it an expensive fix?

 

[wyochimneysweep]

my 97 was from the upper ball joints wore out

 

[410Fortune]

It could also be ball joints or a tie rod but the t bar pad is a common issue.

It can get expensive yes, try a search for these things...I personally just spent about $600 for parts to rebuild th efront of my 96 including all new tie rods, new hubs/bearings, new upper and lower ball joints and I will be using the t bars from my parts truck with half the miles on them..

 

[Turdle]

98-up have no pad on the key-it is a seperate piece.

Does it pop when you first start forward after a reverse movement?

You just got tires-correct?
Did you get a front end alignment? If not, take it in for one, if there are worn front suspension components-they'll find them for you

 

[TekMan05]

You know also I could be paranoid. Because some times bumps and curbs also rattle my amplifier in the cargo area where my subwoofers are too. That sometimes creates a rattle or creaking noise because its not really strapped down securely.

 

[Ian5700]

Jtsmith, Mine seems to have a sort of popping noise, when reversing, pop, pop, pop. and then when forward, what is the likely cause of this? I replaced the front sway bar bushings on my 97, the ones that link it to the chassis, which were well worn, but no change in noise. Shocks seem fine.

 

[TekMan05]

Well I plan on taking my Explorer to the Dealership in the next month to month and half to have all fluids flushed (Except oil). I'll try and have them look at it while they're at it.