Does a bad ball joint make a banging noise?

[PAExplorerXLT]

I hear a metallic bang/pop going over potholes. I even feel it under my feet. The mechanic put it on the jack and said it is either the ball joints or the stabilizer bar busing. Nothing else is loose under the car. The reason I am skeptical is that the sound feels a lot closer than the front wheel but may be sound travels.

 

[corkey]

if he didn't know which it was it's time for another mechanic,,
it could be either or, yes they do make a noise,, jack it up full than push the bottom than top of the tire, if it is the ball joint there will be a clunk and movement ,

if it is the swaybar you can find out by prying it up where the a arm link is,, as it moves you can see it,,,

 

[Logangray02sport]

Check your body mounts under the cab. Mine were bad and made noise and you can definitely feel it under you feet because that's where one of the mounts are

 

[PAExplorerXLT]

Body mounts? Where are they and what do they look like?

 

[swshawaii]

Ford Explorer and Sport Trac Frame/Body Cushions
http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/183

Torsion key mounting pad?
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159065&highlight=torsion+mounting

 

[PAExplorerXLT]

Ford Explorer and Sport Trac Frame/Body Cushions
http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/183

Torsion key mounting pad?
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159065&highlight=torsion+mounting

You re right on:

"Some people also describe the noise like "a hammer beating under the vehicle.”

Couldn’t be more accurate. But wait! You gotta be kidding me.

"Once the bolts are removed the body must be lifted off of the frame, to one degree or another, depending on the mounts to be replaced. This also involves removal of the steering shaft, brake lines, engine fan and removing the bed on the Sport Trac."

 

[swshawaii]

Physically go under your vehicle and inspect them. Two door Sports and Sport Trac's have serious body mount issues because
of the foam (MCF) material used on most locations. IIRC, the four door Explorer's had rubber body mounts with far fewer failures.

 

[PAExplorerXLT]

I hope so because that body ain’t coming off.