Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[mdrolando]

I have a 2003 4.0 explorer. i am having this issue lately that i dont know where to look exactly.

almost every time i brake either hard of soft i can feel a 'knock' under the driver foot-well. i cant seem to locate anything lose or missing down there. it happens quite frequently. sometimes it knocks and sometimes it doesn't. It doesn't really have a pattern...


any one any suggestions?


thank you

 

[D Hook]

Does the steering wheel vibrate also when braking?

 

[mdrolando]

no, not at any noticeable way that i can feel

 

[03 Explorer XLT]

Does it happen over big bumps or when turning? Broken sway bar end links are pretty common. It can cause a knock like that. Check to see that the bolt and nut are still there.

 

[mdrolando]

it sometimes happens when braking but more ofter or in most cases when straight braking. i will definitely have a look at the sway bars tonight

 

[Ronin8002]

I experienced something like this as well. My truck has not done it lately so it seems to have been fixed when I replaced the solenoid block in the transmission. I cannot say this for sure though.

Is your truck 4WD?

 

[mdrolando]

the truck is a non 4x4. the 'knock' i feel is a single 'tap' or 'knock' that only happens while braking and some times but very seldom when going slowly over a big bump

 

[Ronin8002]

Have you tried pulling the ABS fuse? It may be the result of a wheel speed sensor going bad and causing the ABS to kick in.

 

[mdrolando]

i don't think it has to do with the abs since its a physical knock that happens underneath the car that is being felt under the driver foot earea

 

[Edith-theX]

Three things we look for at the shop,
-loose pad fit in caliper
-loose caliper to bracket bolts
-loose caliper bracket to knuckle bolts

It doesn't take much clearance in the brake system
To make a **** load of noise when you load them up
In opposing directions, ex: backing out thw drive way, braking
Driving forward and when u brake again you hear the clunk...

 

[mdrolando]

i don't think this would have anything to do with it but i do remember this sound NOT happening before the brake pads change.....but would that cause such a loud knock that it can be felt under the foot well area of the driver side? i tough maybe that would be felt in the steering wheel more or less. and this knock isn't felt in the steering wheel at all

 

[mdrolando]

btw THANK YOU all for all the information provided!!! i really appreciate it guys!!

 

[Edith-theX]

Check your pads bud, especially if you used aftermarket pads
They usually fit like **** and you wouldnt beleive the noise that
0.050" makes in the brakes... Spray the pads with hi-tack or squeak stop

 

[jsfairc]

I had a similar problem and my ball joints were completely toasted.

 

[EX_Florida_02]

Ive came across the same issues, (at least sounds similar) Found out after i replaced my sway links, the sway bar bushings were shot causing the bar to move, it clicks when i stop and go over bumps. Hope this helps

 

[2002GreyHD150]

i would look at the mentioned sway bars/links, pads, but also the front hubs/bearings.. My wife's Monty started throwing an ABS code then chattering/thunking... was a bad hub.

rob