My newly-bought Explorer is.. Alive, just. It has issues.

[JJLGarrison]

Hi everyone, I hope everyone is well, I am new to "Forums" and I am a new member here, you have broken my Forum virginity. I am experiencing alot of issues (not just motor related lol!) and I was told this is the best place to go. UK based in N'hants.
I recently bought an Explorer; 1998 model year, 4x4 with hi and low range (they work EXCELLENTLY, too). I am obtuse and mechanically incompetent but I am learning - I have to with this vehicle because I appear to have bought a truck from a previous owner full of lies, if I hated the car I would not have a problem, but I don't. We are now intwined and I require the teachings from the great pool of experience.
Alas, I am experiencing these things:

- Wurring from front diff, it has a leak, is it a lack of fluid perhaps?
- The transmission, though working without fault in all modes, is noisy, is this normal for a vehicle of this calibre?
- Intermittent grinding (metal on metal) coming from underneath at speed, I don't have to be cornering.
- Vibration from the front through the steering.
- Check suspension light came on a few times, I thought it was a sick joke the car was pulling on me due to my increasing waistline, but it seems okay now.
- Various bongs, beeps and chimes upon key insertion, it makes more noise than what I am typically used to after insertion of any tool really.
- The infamous death rattle (I was told it was the inside of the cats) and this rattle seems to have gotten worse, it also has a (non christmas) jingle behind it.
- Rough idle, I attempted rusty EGR removal to no avail, it is still attached.
- Immense vibration at idle with high and low points.
- New belt tensioner vibrates, and oscelates when fan is activated like a lonely spinster without company for 10 years.

However, I will say that despite these things, I love the Exp, she is a pleasure to drive off road, and I can't think of a better place to be than this chieftan-tank sounding monster of a vehicle. I am not very wealthy, and I lack knowledge, but this is the first vehicle since my Lexus (berk in a Merc rote it off) that I have wanted to keep going, she is what is right with the world. And opposites attract so... there you have it. It starts first time every time, with no fuss, I adore this vehicle and I now know why people keep them once they buy them.
Kindest regards,
James

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Check the 1995 to 2001 Explorer section.

 

[410Fortune]

check your front driveshaft at the transfer case, it could be causing a few of those issues
Also if it runs rough at idle you likely have a misfire
Have you tried pulling codes from the computer? If the check engine light is on then you need to pull the codes

 

[JJLGarrison]

I will have a look at the plugs. I only bought the car a week ago, however, she has been off the road for 70% of that time lol! There is no "Check engine" light - Only the "Check suspension" light, the little orange one on the right. I work alot, I haven't had a chance to use any real equipment on her, I am in the process of sourcing an OBD II reader for it. I assume it is OBDII? Thanks for getting back to me! *Edit*
It seems to transfer just fine, would the case still be an issue if so?

 

[dezufo]

Welcome to the world of the money pit.
Whats the mileage? Do you have any service history or even receipts for parts replaced by previous owners?

Grinding; could be the external bearing housing on the front drive shaft at the transfer case end. It has a rubber boot that can split and lets in water which the ball bearings do not like, it happened to mine. New assembly can be sourced on ebay. If it does need replacing then consider replaceing the bearing at the other end as well and get one with a grease nipple.
Vibration at the front; could be a wheel out of balance. could also be air in the power steering, usually happens when front has been jacked up and then the wheels turned manually from side to side. To clear it start engine and turn the wheels slowly from full lock to full lock, repeat a number of times, then take it round the block and see if the vibration has gone.
Suspension light; this will come on occasionally either when you first start up or when your moving, as long as it goes off then the system is working correctly. The rear shocks have a hose connected to a small air compressor which is mounted on a bracket high up near spare wheel. There is a bracket with an actuation rod on the rear axle on the offside this operates a variable resistor that operates the compressor. ALWAYS switch off the auto levelling when ever the vehicle is going to be jacked up or put on a lift, as in when it goes in for an mot, alot of mot inspectors/garages do not know about the self levelling and then wonder why the warning light comes on.
Bongs and very annoying chimes: Health and safety crap, can be disconnected.
Death rattle; if it is happening at 2000 to 2500 rpm when accelerarting then it is more than likely the chains/tensioners
Rough idle + vibration; Could be intake manifold O rings. there is a kit available that inludes new tensioners, can't recall what it is called (OM2 ?) I had mine done by a chap in Aylesbury, (whatsontv), who advertised on ebay, was done while I waited
Belt tensioner; Check if your fan blades are bent also check the bearings on the other pulleys. I changed the factory fan for an electric one so that it warms up quicker in the winter to allow the lpg to kick in.
ebay is a good source for 2nd hand parts and rockauto.com for new parts, even though they do not list the european model most parts for the usa/mexico/canadian models will fit, get a haynes manual it is handy for knowing what to look for and where
good luck and happy motoring

 

[CDW6212R]

It sounds like the past owners didn't take care of the truck well at all. 99% of problems are easy to find and fix, when they first occur or there is a symptom. Neglect is the cause for most people giving up on a vehicle, and they sell it off. So don't blame the vehicle, it just hasn't had enough attention to keep up with even the basic things.

You can fix it up and continue to enjoy it for many years, but it's likely going to take a lot of time and money for a while, until you get most of it taken care of. Be patient and learn what is needed, and do it, or give up now and let someone else give it some TLC.

Start with normal basic items, tuneup and fluids etc. Assume nothing has been done, for too long. Replace all fluids as you can, all filters, the spark plugs and wires, all coolant hoses, the belt, the tensioner, and all idler pulleys. If any of the brake pads don't look nearly new, replace them with OEM or EBC pads.

It's time for the differential grease, so rent a slide hammer and axle bearing pullers, and replace the axle bearings and seals. Doing those basic things are needed for any old and just purchased vehicle, it will take time and some money. But it's cheap versus a car payment, or waiting until break downs make you pay for towing and emergency repairs.

The noises will likely be from neglected front hubs, CV axles, the differential grease, and ball joints. Inspect it well up front, and plan to discover a few parts needing replacement. Try to do them in groups to save labor and take it apart once etc.

Most of what's needed is explained many times in threads here, be patient and get started. Clean it up and enjoy it, most people love these 2nd gens and keep them for ages. I've got three of my own.

 

[JJLGarrison]

My goodness that is alot of information, I really appreciate it! Looks like I have alot of work, and time to put into her, it will take a while but this is a great start.
The vehicle came with NO service records, about 108,000 miles on the motor.
Apparently the previous owner's inlaw was a mechanic - the second time I drove the car the auxilliary belt escaped the pulleys and twisted around the fan. Apparently it was improperly installed and it caused an uneven strain on the bearings. The tensioner snapped! So this probably indicates the kind of care taken for the vehicle, care which despite my lack of knowledge, I still find rediculous. I have always maintained my cars and bikes well, through what little I know and garages I trust.
Would anyone here advise on replacing the chain tensioners without replacing the guides? Or would the guides simply fall out of place. I have a video of the jingle, but I can't seem to upload it without going through youtube. I am more than willing to send it over whatsapp.
Oh, no handbrake either, the guy never adjusted it and just sat it in PARK!? I now use a large rock after squashing a small chock.. Atleast that bit is done, I will get to work on jacking the truck up and having a look underneath - I got stood up today bt the guy who was supposed to give me a hand, but I do now have a haynes manual!

 

[JJLGarrison]

So, an update - I have ordered the timing kit from Cloyes, I will attempt to change this (I must source an engine crane) myself and hopefully on the road to recovery! I am starting to see what one means when they say "Money pit"

 

[JonC]

Hi James,

I'll chuck my four penn'orth in for what it's worth. I have the dubious distinction of being on my third Explorer after swearing I'd never touch one again! First one was perfect - had none of the textbook Explorer issues but like a prat, I wrote it off executing a performance car manouevre and forgetting I was driving a tractor!

The second one was a short journey into hell and was what turned me off them for a long time - had ALL the classic Ex. faults - even managed to blow the back end off the inlet manifold due to a very semi-skilled LPG 'installation' (not by me!).

The I found my present beau - 1999 truck with less than 39,000 miles on it - so I'm back and it will be spoilt rotten!

Anyway, on to yours:

- Wurring from front diff, it has a leak, is it a lack of fluid perhaps?

Check ALL oil/fluid levels if you've not long had it. Some of them make a world of difference in a very short time, others will get you later!

- The transmission, though working without fault in all modes, is noisy, is this normal for a vehicle of this calibre?

Again, check fluid levels (follow the instructions closely) and if nothing improves, get a good auto-box specialist to download the fault codes (even if you're not seeing any lights). It can be very revealing.

- Intermittent grinding (metal on metal) coming from underneath at speed, I don't have to be cornering.

Crawl around underneath, look for anything that doesn't move but which is too close to anything that does. Pull the wheels off and check the brakes (drums with discs on the back - do both) and have a look at the front backplates/splash shields - they break with age.

- Vibration from the front through the steering.

Sounds like wheel balance but while you're down there, have a look around every bit of rubber under the front (there's plenty). Any deficiency will only get worse.

- Check suspension light came on a few times, I thought it was a sick joke the car was pulling on me due to my increasing waistline, but it seems okay now.

Usually means it's not levelling itself properly. The system is high under the driver's side rear end - between the exhaust and spare wheel. It falls apart with age. There's plenty of explanation on here for what to do with it and it's not usually a big deal. Just do it in the right order.

- Various bongs, beeps and chimes upon key insertion, it makes more noise than what I am typically used to after insertion of any tool really.

Depends on the year/model really I think. It's American and they love that s..t!

- The infamous death rattle (I was told it was the inside of the cats) and this rattle seems to have gotten worse, it also has a (non christmas) jingle behind it.

Check this out carefully. You can get a metalllic rattle if you get a small stone trapped in a cat splash shield. I'm pretty sure some muppet has dropped a nut down the inside one of mine - it sounds like it and if you bump the cat by hand, you can hear it. Conversely, if it's timing chain rattle, it needs proper fixing - no half-a-job shortcuts - get the right gear and do the whole thing or get a man who can and while you're about it...............

- Rough idle, I attempted rusty EGR removal to no avail, it is still attached.

...........change the inlet manifold o-rings. It's dead easy, doesn't take long and makes a world of difference to how it runs. I'm pretty sure mine need changing so they'll be done soon.

- Immense vibration at idle with high and low points.

As above but also consider new (NGK) plugs and silicone leads. All three can really transform your drive but changing and Explorer's plugs can also broaden your vocabulary and make you look like you've been self-harming! You'll need 3/8 drive sockets (because 1/2 will get trapped, the front wheels off and leather forearms. A couple are easy but most of them you can either touch or see - but not both! Still, get good plugs and you'll only do it every 50,000 miles!

- New belt tensioner vibrates, and oscelates when fan is activated like a lonely spinster without company for 10 years

Take it off, check it out when it's unloaded and see what the bearing is doing. If it's got any side-slop, bin it and get a better quality bearing.

Good luck - and welcome to the wonderful (mostly) world of the Ford Explorer!

Jon.

 

[JJLGarrison]

Thankyou for your input! Everybody here is very helpful, I will be getting under the truck tomorrow to inspect these things, all I seem to currently do is work! I will post my findings in this thread and any photos if I am unsure. Really this knowledge is priceless and it's very much appreciated! One thing I will ask is if there are any garages neat N'hants, Buck's or Oxfordshire that people would recommend if I fail to aqquire an engine crane to do the rear cassettes? I can't find anything on google it's just run of the mill stuff.

 

[JJLGarrison]

Not sure where to post this, but the people on this forum are bloody awesome; met two today who have been nothing but kind and helpful. I will live and learn the ways of the Explorer and hopefully, help some others here like I have been!

 

[Ilikemice]

Hi, I might be able to lend you an engine crane, I'm kinda local Nuneaton/Leamington

 

[JJLGarrison]

That is very kind of you, however I hope to have sorted the issue with another member here helping me. I will however let you know if I need your assistance
James