"Clunk" Noise when accerlation begins

[96 Explorer XLT]

I have 96 XLT AWD and noticed over the past week or so when I come to stop and take off, a "clunk" noise when occurs accerlating. Like the sound of something stuck that is breaking free. It doesnt happen everything I come to stop sign or light but it happens. If I accelerate slow, it usually wont happen but if I take at a little quicker it happens. I dont notice anything different when driving, funky noises, or the feeling something is wrong. Just when I come to stop and take off.

Probably could be a number of things but wondering others have experienced it before. My guess would be a transfer case or transmision issue.

Thanks,

 

[tsilney]

I had this a clunk when I acclerated and Decelerated and hit bumps. Got worse and worse. Ended up being a transmission mount bolt had come off. Since you have a 96, I would check the torsion bar pads. Seems to be a common issue and you can do a search on it. Lots of threads about it.

 

[96 Explorer XLT]

Thanks...I will check into the torsion bar pads. It does sound like something is slidding and hitting something. Or slidding and coming to stop aburptly.

 

[dmac0923]

i would check the tranny mount and the driveshaft u joints

 

[toypaseo]

Grease the slip joint.

 

[JoeMahma]

Ditto with the slip joint.

 

[frickea86]

Dumb question probably, how do you grease the slip joint?

 

[JoeMahma]

Dumb question probably, how do you grease the slip joint?

Not dumb at all. On the rear driveshaft you have a slip joint or yoke that is protected by a rubber bellows boot. The slip joint does exactly that, it slides back and forth on itself to allow for suspension travel. You need to get that boot off and grease that joint. Some leave the driveshaft on the truck to do this but I took mine right off of the truck and cleaned it up really good before greasing and then you just put the boot back the way you took it off. If your REALLY careful when you take it off you can reuse the clamp that holds the boot on. If the clamp does get broken you can use a hose clamp or a large zip tie to hold the boot in place. Hope this helps.

 

[96 Explorer XLT]

The "clunk" noise is my transfer case going to crap. I suppose it could last 2 hours or 10 years.

I hear it even more when Im driving in the snow.

Any good thoughts on replacing this besides "ouch, thats gonna hurt" because I will not be touching it and will have a shop do it.

 

[ScooterERAU]

I vote for U-Joints. Does it make the noise when you put it in gear or only on acceleration? It will break sooner or later and leave your drive shaft spinning. Happened to me delivering pizzas.

 

[Vinniety]

Slip joint i totally agree. I have gone through this two times. Once with my Mazda pickup and now with my 2000 explorer sport. I took advice from the guys on this forum and i cut off the original clamps pushed the boot back as much as i can and i sprayed some grease. Exactly which grease it was i dont remember it has been a while. The clunk went away but now has come back minor. Next time i change the oil i will lube it up again.