clunking noise in front end while driving/turning

[chernandez]

I need some help. I just got this 2004 eddie bauer explorer two months ago, already had a transmission replaced, and starter wires fixed. Now when i turn or driving there is clunking noise. Almost feels like loose bolt or something around the tire area. I dont know anything about cars and i just want to know if this could be something serious or minor as i have maxed out on funds with the new transmission. I also hear a lot of squeeky noise going over speed bumbs etc.I feel like buying this car was a huge mistake. I just want to become familar with things that are common to go wrong with this model.

 

[phix-]

Just spent this weekend doing this repair. The squeaks are more than likely the lower control arms and/or ballpoints. The clunking during turning or body weight shift is upper arms. Upper arms are about $200 from rock auto and I believe you will spend that or slightly more on lower control arms. You can get them with the ball joints. If you take it somewhere expect to pay around 600. Though you will not likely get the "professional grade".

 

[swshawaii]

Check the front sway bar end links and frame bushings. Cheap repair and a common failure,
Also agree on the ball joints if they're original. Some shops can offer free suspension checks.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=195135
http://www.moogproblemsolver.com/_pdf_En/MOOG_PS_Bulletin_25471_K7275_En.pdf

 

[esclamada]

could be your sway bars, cheap fix but sometimes a PITA. Otherwise it may be the ball joints (upper/lower or both)


Just go down and look under and check if the sway bar is still connected to the sway bar link.

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[can6fan]

This may be a CV joint as well. Is it worse turning left or right? If it is and noise is worse on Right turn, likely left CV joint and vice versa.

 

[pet575]

On the squeaking, it is probably the sway bar bushings. Do a search in this forum for that problem, you can find the bushings and spray them with WD-40 and the squeaking will go away temporarily.

 

[05explorer1974]

Sway bar bushings are very common and links. Also ckeck the hub it could be the hub has a vacuum leak on that side and the 1 wheel is locked in 4x4. that was also a very common problem. Mine did that so I would turn you would get a clunk because the front wheels were not turning at the same speed.

 

[SyberTiger]

For 3rd generation Explorer try this: Sway Bar Bushing and End Links

Very possible one of your end link bolts snapped and the sway bar is hanging on one side.