Clunking sound from under hood.

[amys4x4explorer]

:roll:I have a 98 explorer & for awhile I have been hearing a squeal sound when I first start it, but my fan belt on it really isn't that old maybe 2 to 3yrs. Well today when I started it I heard the squeal and then a modest clunking sound its not loud but its very noticable. And I'm about 8 hrs from home, so I'm trying to find a mechanic close by I'm not sure if its safe to drive, so someone is supposed to come to the motel I'm staying in, & I'm really expecting to get ripped off. I don't have to be back home until Monday but I would kind of like to live on Friday still. :roll:

 

[slipknotas]

Sounds like this could be your problem:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=161590

I also have a a little bit of noise on start up but it is coming from the top idler pulley. About a $14 autozone part. Was able to tell using a mechanic stethescope (?spl), cheap tool to have from harbor freight. I would listen to everything while running using one and the item listed above in the link. If that don't work, remove serpentine (fan) belt and spin everything by hand.

 

[amys4x4explorer]

Oil was changed & now its not doing it anymore. They told me the timing chain was dying though cause they said they could here a clicking sound. Apparently its $1000 (thousand) just for the labor part.