Front End Knocking Noise

[Golfnut]

I have a 2000 Ford Explorer. It is making a knocking type sound that seems to be coming from the left front wheel area. It is not regular or predictable. It can do it on a straight away, turning, braking or not braking and at different speeds. I replaced the schocks and ball joints 1 year and approximately 12,500 miles ago. Can you tell what the problem may be?

 

[Dopler174]

It could be a front spindle.

 

[brianjwilson]

I have a 2000 Ford Explorer. It is making a knocking type sound that seems to be coming from the left front wheel area. It is not regular or predictable. It can do it on a straight away, turning, braking or not braking and at different speeds. I replaced the schocks and ball joints 1 year and approximately 12,500 miles ago. Can you tell what the problem may be?

Welcome to the forum. Did you replace both upper and lower balljoints?
The other VERY common noise maker up front is the sway bar and end link bushings. Sometimes you can tighten down the end links a bunch and the noise stops, other times they need replaced. They need to be REALLY tight, I believe the bottom nut is 15mm and the top bolt is 16mm.

 

[sidneyhop]

Did the noise start after you replaced the ball joints and shocks? If so look there first so see that everything is tightened up as it should be. Ive also heard a common problem is the brake caliper bolts sometimes come loose and the caliper can bang around making those random knocking noises.