Front End Shutter/Chatter AND Gear shift delay

[peteymit]

Just wanted some suggestions on the following two issues:

1. When cold, the transmission takes about two seconds to go from Park to Drive or Reverse. I believe from reading these forums that a solenoid and body valve may need to be replaced. If anyone could confirm this as the likely suspect, that would be great.

2. The more important issue is the chatter or shutter in what feels like the front end. It seems to only happen when the 4-wheel drive would be engaging. High torque takes offs on the snow, or turns on slick surfaces. Sometimes when driving straight it feels as though the 4wd is working but then as soon as I turn a corner it gets to shuttering again. It doesn't seem to vibrate as much as just a chatter or shutter. Hard to explain I guess. The Service Bulletin for the rear diff clutch pack sounds on point, but I don't believe it has ever done it to me on dry surfaces whether I'm pulling a hard u-turn or not.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[metafan]

not sure on question 1

but question 2
you need to check the front diff fluid level and then you will probably end up needing to replace the fluid, if you put the wrong fluid in it and will shutter and cause problems, the correct fluid type can be found from your local pats store providing you have the info they need. also make sure that it doesn't need a slip modifier. which is an addition fluid you add to the differential on top of it.

if that doesn't help crack open the front differential and see if there are any visible problems. also while you are at it check for leaks and or differential stress cracks or fractures.

 

[jrford]

1. If its only a delay in shifting and the trans shifts fine thereafter, then it could be the solenoid valve body, AND/OR the Servo Bores. Some have changed/fixed those alone and have had good luck. But depending on the miles (100-150k+)it makes more sense to me (imho) to rebuild the thing. . .although if money is tight i'd be tempted to give it a go. Remans seem reasonable too from what i have read.

2. in addition to what was said, you want to look for any leaks in any of the seals, check the shafts going into the diff for side/side, up/down play; there should not be any, rotational is ok. From the sounds of it my guess would be the pinion bearing if the problem is in the diff. Also i'd take a look at those wheel bearings, when in 4wd they maybe loading up the bearings to the point when that they are binding but i think you could isolate being left or right if that where the case.

 

[peteymit]

The Explorer has 88k on it.

Yesterday and today have been 20 to 50 below temperatures and I have not heard it shutter at all. I've been trying to avoid it happening so it didn't make things worse, but there were a few times today that I would have definitely expected to hear the sound and did not. Would temperature have an effect on things down there?

 

[jrford]

If 50 below,. . . i wouldn't be surprised if it did. Funny things happen at that temp.
this chatter or shutter and 4wd, you have the buttons on the dash and in 4wd Auto, it will engage and disengage itself many times a minute, i would think you could feel it but not hear it. . . perhaps its working as intend? maybe someone else has a better idea,

 

[peteymit]

For a while there it seemed to do it more often in auto mode... so I would put it in full-time(4 High). I'll give her a good test on the way home today and see what happens...

 

[peteymit]

I just drove home and I did get it to shutter again after a corner where it usually happens at all the time if its slippery. I really had to get after the 4.0 to get it to let loose and shutter again though, compared to barely giving it any gas normally. I'm guessing something with the temperature is helping it for whatever reason. No other variables have changed.

 

[jrford]

Almost sounds like the 4wd motor is slow or not working correctly. . .try and disconnect it and see what happens.There are fuses you can pull, not sure which, sorry. But don't get stuck. Also i'd look at the front driveshaft and make sure nothings lose.