LOUD clunk going from reverse to drive only

[justusinfla]

The title says where I am at today. Here is the history.

For the last month we have been using our 2000 Explorer 4x4 in the mountains. Lots of 4x4 use and lots of manual shifting of the auto trans.

Once while driving around 25, squeak squeak squeak. Then I heard a metal to metal sound (like the wear indicators on disc pads...brakes are new bty) The sound was NOT brake pedal affected. Sound seemed to be coming from the left front. The sound went faster as I did...then a grinding, then a crunch, then noise went away for good. This all took less than a minute.

Next, up in the mountains, the AOD light started flashing. However everything was working as it should be. I search here and still wasn't sure what was going on. I drive it again, no flashing. A week later, it does it again. We shut it off, restart and after a mile or so, light came on again. Set overnight, light off and has stayed off ever since.

Took it into the shop. They checked u-joints and said they were tight, looked good. They did say the rear axle bearings had more play in them then they should.

Have smelled a burning rubber smell a couple of times. No vibration at all, ever.

Now this clunk today. It is loud and consistent...only doing it from reverse to drive. I searched all related threads and am hoping it is the slip yoke. I'm too old and fat to get under it, but want to be prepared when I take it to a shop this week.

ANY help is appreciated. It has 115K on it and lately has been nickle and diming us to death lately.

 

[RickOTR]

Sounds like the transmission is on it's way out, that's what mine did before it went south. The rubber smell is most likely the clutches which are made of asbestos. Check the trans fluid to see if it's dark or bright red. If it's not bright red, you may be able to have the fluid flushed (not just changed) and see if that helps. If not, it's rebuild time.

 

[koda2000]

sounds like classic worn u-joint noise. not very expensive to replace.

 

[wana461]

Sounds like the transmission is on it's way out, that's what mine did before it went south. The rubber smell is most likely the clutches which are made of asbestos. Check the trans fluid to see if it's dark or bright red. If it's not bright red, you may be able to have the fluid flushed (not just changed) and see if that helps. If not, it's rebuild time.

Mine was also going, from what I was told a gasket goes in these trannys and messes with the transmission and causes this clunk. Mine somehow fixed itself after about a week of driving with manual shifting.

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[OneofMany]

these trans are ALWAYS GOING.
But a clunk when shifting from revese to drive or drive to reverse is typical for a motor or transmission mount being broken. I cannot imagine that at 115k your rear end has excessive play but nothing (should) amaze me anymore. The squeak/squeal in your left front was probably just debris in your brake or hub.

 

[wana461]

Actually come to think of it it was not my transmission it was a rear axel bearing in the differential. Easy fix.

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[justusinfla]

The last time we had it in the shop, the mechanic said the rear axle bearings were on their way out, so maybe. Thanks for the responses. I drove it a short distance today and also got a clunk when downshifting.

Anyone care to guess on the AOD light flash? Do you think they are connected?

 

[justusinfla]

Taking it into the shop Friday. Hoping for the best, expecting the worst. Now it also clunks during downshifting, even when coasting.
I'll post what's found. Thanks

 

[justusinfla]

Solved

Taking it into the shop Friday. Hoping for the best, expecting the worst. Now it also clunks during downshifting, even when coasting.
I'll post what's found. Thanks

It was the chain on the gears in the transfer case. Chain got loose and started slipping off and on the teeth. Used transfer case $400, labor $250. Could have been much worse.