Got a problem with my explorer see if you can figure it out

[Gsxkid]

Alright it just started happening like a week ago. When i cut my wheel to either the left or the right it feels like something is buckling under my car. It feels like something in the front end. Its not a good feeling at all. And no its not in four wheel. Its a 97 explorer I don't beat on it at all I just drive it to where i need to go. So it wasn't caused by offroading or anything. Please someone help.

 

[410Fortune]

buckling?

 

[Gsxkid]

O and i almost forgot when I'm just rolling like no gas applied I can hear a clunking noise that seems to be coming from the front passenger side.

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

warped roters?

 

[410Fortune]

when you give it gas does the noise go away?
Sounds like you need to inspect your front suspension, the CV joints, driveshaft, tie rods, sway bar links, brakes and ball joints.

if the noise is as severe as you make it sound then I would suspect a visual hands on "shake down" test of the front end would locate the problem.
This means put the front end up in the air on jack stands, start looking and shaking, then remove the tires and continue.

 

[Gsxkid]

Yeah you know the feeling of when you have it in 4 wheel and you cut the wheel completely to one side and try turning. It feels as though something isn't meshing together properly.I am going to have to jack it up and see If i can figure it out. I went to get it looked at and a mechanic told me that its either an axle or its the 4 wheel switch. He said because its an automatic 4 wheel type switch ( like i guess if a tire slips it will automatically switch to 4 wheel)sometimes they go and it wont disengage. something like that. lol

 

[410Fortune]

I suspect CV joints first, but it could be many things

 

[Gsxkid]

Its currently raining but when it stops i will have to get under it and take a look. Thanks

 

[410Fortune]

its not raining under the truck hahaha JK

 

[gijoecam]

First, unplug the transfer case and see if the noise/bucking persists. If it ceases, it's the transfer case engaging. It could be seeing an excessive difference in wheel speeds and engaging the auto 4wd. There were some GEM issues over the life of the 2nd gens that were similar to yours, so it may be a matter of calling the dealer to inquire about it.

If the noise doesn't go away, it's not the t-case, and could be a front end issue. CV joints and differentials come to mind.

Let us know what you find and we'll go from there.

-Joe

 

[Gsxkid]

Hey how do I unplug the transfer case?????

 

[gijoecam]

Umm, lay underneath it, and unplug the connector near the motor. It'll have about 7 or 8 wires in it. It's pretty straightforward I think....

-Joe