Cracking sound coming from front end

[Flatty]

Here is the problem. I have a sound coming from my front end on a stock 1997 Ford Explorer. It is a 4 wheel drive with the V8. It has brand new ball joints, tires, and u-joints. The sound happens under load. I was driving upa small hill, barely creeping along, and the sound happened. It sounds like taking a bunch of empty Coke cans, and ptting them in a paper bag. Then rattling the bag with all the cans in it. This sound is really annoying me.

And BTW, I don't want to hear swap in a solid axle, because that is not an option

Dimitri

 

[MSTNGGUY88]

If yours has CV's than it sounds like your CV's are going out.

 

[Flatty]

Don't all Exploders have CV's in them? But yea, that is what I was thinking as well. any other opinions?

Dimitri

 

[mahieber]

Maybe a bunch of empty Coke cans in a paper bag?


but seriously, the hubs could be an option if it sounds like it is coming from one side or another. Have someone walk next to the truck to see if they can isolate it better.

Good Luck

 

[Flatty]

Already tried walking next to it, no such luck. If it is a hub, well the CV is in the same place, so we can't isolate it. I think I am just gonna tear it apart tonight and see what it is. It could be a bad bearing somewhere.

Dimitri

 

[MSTNGGUY88]

Well mine is only a 2wd X so i'm not very familiar with the 4wd's. I just know about the CV problem from other vehicles I have worked on with them. But if they are not even turning without the 4wd enganged then that isn't the problem. I'm just not sure how they work. I know the driveshaft turns at all times but oh well i'm taking it all back now because i'm sure the CV's don't turn when not engaged. So that really can't be the prob. Sorry man.

 

[Flatty]

Actually, this thing is a full time 4 wheel drive, so it could be the CV. The full time 4 wheel drive has the CV constantly turning on it. Gotta cheak it out. It is coming from the Drivers side of the truck.

Dimitri

 

[MSTNGGUY88]

Yeah alot of times if it is a CV you will hear it when you turn also. Man we have problems with them all the time. It's not an expensive fix and it's a good thing you catch it now before you try to put them under some stress.

 

[rustytr]

Swap in a solid front axle, I mean, I'd check the CV as well. Let us know if that was the problem.

 

[Flatty]

If it was mine, I would do the solid axle swap. That would be the esiest way to fix it, but it is my bosses, and he asked me to help him out. I am thinking it is a bearing in the hub. the race can be spinning in the hub, or the bearing could be shot.

Dimitri

 

[Robert]

When mine was making wierd noises that I thought were the CV joints, my mechanic neighbor suggested that I jack up the front tire and turn it by hand. If you can feel any clicking/binding when turning it then it is probably the CV joints. If not then look to a bearing problem. A bearing problem typically requires more RPM to show up than you can provide by hand. A CV joint problem will be evident every time your tire goes past the binding spot.

On mine, I didn't feel any binding and the noise I was concerned about has since gone away. I do get an occasional popping noise when I am locked in Low when off-road.

 

[MSTNGGUY88]

That is definetely an easy way to find out which it is.

 

[Flatty]

OK, did that, and no binding. Now what bearings usually go out on these things? I was told it was a driveshaft, but that was good to go. I also changed out the ball joints on it. The last thing left is the spindle bearings. I figure if this si the problem, it is nbot covered by warranty, so I amy as well do this for him.

Dimitri

 

[Horizon200]

I get the same noise from mine and it's a 2WD. Always when it's cold and windy. I've replaced Bearings, rotors, Bushings, windshield wiper fluid you name it. Has done it from day one and I now have 126K on it. So, It's really more of an annoyance than anything.

 

[X24]

ahhhhh... I was under the impression that the newer explorers didnt have hubs. Is that correct?

 

[TPLYNCH]

The '95+ do not have the automatic locking hubs, but they do have sealed "hubs"....

 

[SleepAllDay408]

I had sort of a popping noise when i would pull into my driveway. about a month or two ago i got a recall letter for the front sway bar links and now it doesn't make the noise...it could be that.

 

[DougS]

If you still have that crackling sound and it isn't the cv's, check your transfer case. I had a similar sound coming from under my '97 AWD/V8. I put in on jack stands and turned the wheels...no sound. I then turned the drive shaft and the noise was there which I localized to the t.c. Took it to a tranny shop and they gave me the bad news that it was probably the chain getting ready to break lose and started giving prices on a new one. I asked them to check the fluid first to see if there was any metal in there. It was dark, but no metal. I asked them to just replace the fluid to see if it would help and they put in an additive (don't know the name) that is supposed to lubricate everything AND remove any glaze build-up that can happen with worn fluid. I drove around for 1/2 an hour and everything is fine. No noise, no new t.c. Cost me $10. Can beat that when we were initially talking $1500! Check this before they talk you into major repairs.