Click in rear axle

[my4mula95]

I've had my 2003 Mountaineer for about 6 months and really enjoy it. I live in the midwest and put the AWD to good use over the winter. I know that all 4 wheels spin when on ice; however, since it has been nicer out and the windows are down I started to notice a "clicking" sound when I slow down. I dont hear the noise when I accelerate but the clicking could be drown out by the V8 as it is loud when I accelerate. The clicking is coming from the rear passenger tire/axle region. I am not really sure what this could be. It only becomes loud and noticable when I am slowing down from about 10 miles/hour to zero. Additionally, its like the clicking noise is on a rotation. As if when the axle/wheel gets to a certain spot it clicks maybe caused by a slip in something...... This noise really has me stumped... Could it be a broken axle? One of the infamous hub problems? Bushing problem? What are the possibilities? PLEASE HELP!!

 

[EXPLORER04]

try doing this as a simple test. Try jacking up that tire and wiggling the tire left to right and then up and down. If the tire moves at all then your hub is failing

while your in there, check your CV Boots for tears and leaks.

 

[John_Rock]

Did you buy your truck new or used?

 

[Opera House]

Check for a damaged axle boot. I bought an 02 with one and it would lock up now and then. Cleaned out the CV, regreased ane installed a split boot. That universal boot was junk and water got in again, the binding came back. Regreased it and things are quiet again. CV has a lot of play in it. Amazing what abuse it can take!

 

[my4mula95]

I bought the vehicle used... had it for about 6 months and I never noticed the noise until it was warm enough to roll the windows down... you cannot hear it from inside the vehicle with the windows up and it sounds like there is a rock in the tire ... that is the best way i can explain the ticking noise... however there is no rock and it is louder and more distinct at lower speeds...

 

[John_Rock]

Like Opera House suggested look for a torn CV axle boot. If one is torn or has a hole, water will get in there and washout the grease. If that is the case and it is not under warranty, I'm sure you can find a CV axle rebuilder in your area that you can get a rebuilt one from for pretty cheap. I know a place here in Houston that I can get the front CV axles for $65 each when I give them the old busted one.

New CV axles from a Ford dealership could run you $200+. But, always price out all your options if this is your problem.

Regards,
John

 

[Opera House]

Dealer quoted me $390 for rear half shaft. That is a shame when you can get the fronts for older ones for $70. I was thinking there out to be a way to mate the outside of a front with the rear shaft.

 

[SteveMSU2k2EB]

Just ran into this myself. Ended up having the barring assemblies replaces, along with the emergency brake pads (2nd time they've fallen apart). That plus rotors and all of a sudden I had a bill of around $1300.

They said they see this somewhat frequently and had a tech driving a car around to confirm the problem and the wheel just feel off. These guys have always been straight with me so I'd highly recomend you get it checked out ASAP as well in case you have the same problem I did (which was exactly what you described).

 

[dmstangu]

Parking brakes

The parking brake shoes fell off in the wheel drum and are making the clicking noise. Order the brake shoes and hardware from RockAuto.com (some $60) and have them replaced (some $200 in any repair shop).

More discussions here: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=194342