MrWizard
Active Member
- Joined
- March 9, 2007
- Messages
- 80
- Reaction score
- 4
- City, State
- Bay Area, CA
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '94 XLT, '98 XLT
For months I've been chasing this knocking noise in my 1994 Explorer.
When I turn right, I hear a distinct knock somewhere around the left front wheel area. A single thunk, like you took a heavy
metal bar and whacked it against another metal piece.
Never happens when you turn left; only when you turn right.
And once in a great while, you hear the thunk after you start off from a dead stop. But you don't hear it when going over bumps, etc.
For various reasons, I've replaced the Radius Arm Bushings, the tie-rod ends, front brake pads, anti-rattle clips, flex brake lines.
Also replace the wheel bearings, and checked that they are not loose. Pushed/Pulled the top and bottom edge of the tires, when lifted.
No movement. Pushed/Pulled left and right edges of tires. No movement. Seems like the bearings are okay.
For a while I thought it might have something to do with the brakes, since when I replaced the anti-rattle clips it seemed like
the noise was less. But now it's back.
btw, it's a 4x2, so none of the usual other 4x4 sources would be the cause.
Anyway, at a total loss on how to get rid of this damn noise.
The last time I ignored a strange noise, I ended up stranded by the side of the road with a fried transmission in my Mustang.
So, turning up the radio, and ignoring it - probably not a good idea.
Any ideas?
When I turn right, I hear a distinct knock somewhere around the left front wheel area. A single thunk, like you took a heavy
metal bar and whacked it against another metal piece.
Never happens when you turn left; only when you turn right.
And once in a great while, you hear the thunk after you start off from a dead stop. But you don't hear it when going over bumps, etc.
For various reasons, I've replaced the Radius Arm Bushings, the tie-rod ends, front brake pads, anti-rattle clips, flex brake lines.
Also replace the wheel bearings, and checked that they are not loose. Pushed/Pulled the top and bottom edge of the tires, when lifted.
No movement. Pushed/Pulled left and right edges of tires. No movement. Seems like the bearings are okay.
For a while I thought it might have something to do with the brakes, since when I replaced the anti-rattle clips it seemed like
the noise was less. But now it's back.
btw, it's a 4x2, so none of the usual other 4x4 sources would be the cause.
Anyway, at a total loss on how to get rid of this damn noise.
The last time I ignored a strange noise, I ended up stranded by the side of the road with a fried transmission in my Mustang.
So, turning up the radio, and ignoring it - probably not a good idea.
Any ideas?