Front end "clunking" noise

[SGR1600]

I've tried searching, but most of the results I've found have been for 1st gen explorers. The problem I'm having is at low speeds, as in less than 10 mph I have this sort of whining clunking comming from the front end. It makes no difference if I'm breaking or not, it makes the noise. It's been getting worse lately, so I'd like to figure this one out. Any help would be great. Thanks.

 

[Blee1099]

Check your front end for some play in the ball joints. Also check your u-joint..

 

[SGR1600]

ok, check ball joints and u-joint. I'll do that tomorrow and report back. Thanks.

 

[SGR1600]

Ok, Ford said that my lower ball joints and outer tie rods were shot, so I had them replaced. So now I'm $750 poorer and the noise is still there. The ride is better, but the noise is there.

 

[kdogg212001]

the noise is in 2 or 4 wheel?? sometimes on my 94xlt when i take it out of 4wheel drive the axles dont pull out all the way and it make a winding sound maybe that could be it ????

 

[SGR1600]

the noise is in 2 or 4 wheel?? sometimes on my 94xlt when i take it out of 4wheel drive the axles dont pull out all the way and it make a winding sound maybe that could be it ????

The noise happens in 2wd, but I dont think that that's the problem. I know the sound you're talking about and this happens even when the wheels are straight. It really sounds like some sort of poorly lubricated joint, but I can seem to figure out what it is.

 

[IAmTodd]

Have you replaced your sway bar bushings? I had a clunk in mine at all speeds, no matter what and that cleared it up. Check those out.

 

[SGR1600]

Have you replaced your sway bar bushings? I had a clunk in mine at all speeds, no matter what and that cleared it up. Check those out.

I just replaced my sway bar and end link bushings with Energy Poly bushings and the noise is better, but not all gone. Any other ideas?

 

[EliteConcept]

maybe a loose shock??? i don't know

 

[kdogg212001]

well on my 94xlt i was told that the noise was my wheel bearings so i jacked up my car tightend them a little and it took most of the noise away but i still get alittle noise!! maybe its a shock?? i also need to replace my bushings!! they make a noise like whenever i hit the brakes!!

 

[SGR1600]

Well I just installed new shocks all around, so thats not it either. Wheel bearings, huh? I'll try to look into that.

 

[kdogg212001]

yea, my wheel bearings where actually loose because i took them out to change the rotor, and i did not tighten them enough when i put them back on! so that was my noise!! maybe its yours??

 

[T-ndz]

Was it a noise, and could actually feel the thump in the floor board? Almost like the wheel just bound up quickly and freed up?

If so than you have a faulty hub. actually, there is a plastic piece or delrin, its a peice that ford does not sell. However it does come on a new hub though, but it does run some $$$. The pieces I have seen were cracked, buts its enough to make that same problem. Hope this helps..