clicking rear axle 03 xlt

[speedracer g37]

i've tried a search, but cant seem to find an answer to my axle clicking. the noise is coming from the rear axle at slow speed only, intermittent and random, sometimes after a left turn or over a speed bump. anyone have any experience with a similar issue?

 

[bmx045]

It's the e-brake mechanism, it's a bit annoying but just about every explorer will experience it. It usually starts when your rear brake pads are getting low, I had this problem- replaced the pads and the sound nearly went away completely. I think there's something to do with the spring but, my e-brake still works fine, nothing more than an annoyance once in a while. Before I replaced the pads it would do it a lot, but not much any more.

 

[speedracer g37]

thanks a ton for the reply. i reallly appreciate the help. i'll see if replacing the pads works.

 

[Country313]

Thank you both for this! This is the reason I joined this sight. I have had 4 of my friends who are mechanics stumped! So thanks speedracer for the original post and thanks bmx for the reply!

 

[tperez715]

thank god this was posted

this post was sent straight from heaven!!! 02 explorer xlt and there has been a clicking sound coming from the rear...really couldn't tell if it was the right or left side. the back breaks were getting low so we changed those this morning but when my husband went to take the wheel off he noticed that without any force at all he was able to wiggle the wheel quite a bit on the drivers side but the pass side is tight as it should be. any ideas? he took a pic of the part that he thinks may need replacing. I'm a little blonde and couldn't seem to figure out how to add the pic to this post so a little help would be appreciated but any ideas on what you think may be causing the problem would be great. he's out now test driving to see if the brake change decreased the noise.....fingers crossed!!!

 

[speedracer g37]

post pics by hosting them up on photobucket. copy the img code on the drop down under the picture and paste into the post.

i changed the rear brakes and noticed the parking brake mechanism was dry and tight. after the pad change, the clicking became intermittent, but was still an issue. i purchased some spray lithium grease and coated the parking brake mechanism and sprayed down into the cable on both rear wheels. the action at the parking brake pedal became smoother and after twenty minutes of driving, the sound is almost non existent.

the wearing of the rear pads definitely has something to do with the clicking, however there is something else going on. i'm going to be bleeding the brake fluid this weekend and i may read up on tearing down and rebuilding the parking brake mechanism.

 

[Diziple]

this is most likely TSB 06-4-4, here is a link
http://www.ford-trucks.com/tsb/fulltext/show_article.php?tsb=06-4-4

ISSUE:

Some 2003-2004 Expedition, 2003 Navigator, 2004 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 9.75" or 8.8" limited slip rear axle, and 2002-2004 Explorer 4dr, Mountaineer, and Mustang vehicles equipped with 8.8" limited slip rear axle, may exhibit a chatter, shudder, a binding sensation, or a vibration during low speed turns. On 4X4 vehicles, the sensation may appear to be originating from the front axle or the steering gear.

ACTION:

First verify the condition. On 4X4 trucks ensure that the vehicle is in 2WD, to isolate the rear axle. On all vehicles, turn the wheel fully right (or fully left) and then accelerate the vehicle. If the condition is verified to be in the rear axle, replace the limited slip clutch pack.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

CAUTION: INSTRUCT THE CUSTOMER NOT TO TOW WITH THE VEHICLE FOR 500 MILES (805 KM) AFTER THIS REPAIR, TO ALLOW THE AXLE TO BREAK-IN PROPERLY.
Order and install the appropriate clutch pack, follow the instructions detailed in the Workshop Manual.

6L1Z-4947-A (9.75" limited slip)
F5AZ-4947-BA (8.8" limited slip)
NOTE: INSTALLING A CLUTCH PACK INTO AN INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION (IRS) AXLE IS DIFFERENT FROM INSTALLING A CLUTCH PACK INTO A SOLID-BEAM AXLE. BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE APPROPRIATE WORKSHOP MANUAL PROCEDURE.

 

[joe doe]

It's the e-brake mechanism, it's a bit annoying but just about every explorer will experience it. It usually starts when your rear brake pads are getting low, I had this problem- replaced the pads and the sound nearly went away completely. I think there's something to do with the spring but, my e-brake still works fine, nothing more than an annoyance once in a while. Before I replaced the pads it would do it a lot, but not much any more.

i am having this problem right now .its coming from the drivers rear wheel.i checked the ebrake pads and they are low on that side .sure sounds like its coming right from that wheel.i will replace the ebrake shoes and report back my findings .
2000ex sport 4.0 ohv with 130,000,its falling apart on me now .lol

 

[joe doe]

anyone else have this ebrake clicking?

 

[tperez715]

anyone else have this ebrake clicking?

the clicking that i had wound up to be my bearings so we changed the entire hub assembly. you can find them new on ebay . finding someone to press the bearings may be an issue. My local napa will only press bearings that you purchase from them. something to consider when deciding where to get them from.

 

[joe doe]

i have a solid axle rear in my 2000.i may end up yanking the ebrake pads off and driving it to see whats what.

 

[Claytondunn210]

wow this post saves the day. after a long two months of nothing but working on this thing (lowering, syn fluids, front brakes, etc) now i notice this, just my luck! i shall be replacing the rears soon enough and hopefully itll go away