Need help getting rid of a noise, a clunk.

[wmorrisw]

Need help getting rid of a noise, a clunk.
I just got a 1998 Explorer Sport 4.0 sohc, 120,000 miles. The clunk seams to be coming from the rear suspension. You can only hear it when coming to a complete stop. It sounds like a set of golf club moving around in a trunk. If you come to a very easy pampered stop it will Not make the clunk.
I removed the spare tire. Not it.
Took it to local shop. Put up in the air, Test drove. No help.
Took to Firestone. Put up in the air, Test drove. No help.
Both could hear the noise, but couldn’t pin point it.

This is the last thing I need to do to get it in near mint mechanical shape. Got rid of two engine codes ( 02 sensors), door ajar light, rear wiper now work, rear hatch button is replaced so it can be locked and alarm works, got lumbar working in passenger seat, wired in new bulb to driving light, dash light, and found the code for the keyless entry. Found out nothing is wrong with the 4 wheel low (Just can’t use it unless the tires can slip)
But I need help more on this!

 

[Gatorblazer]

Is your jack loose?

 

[wmorrisw]

I'll check

 

[wmorrisw]

Not the problem. It's tight.

 

[Ranger379]

what about the other jack tools undneath the rear seat when u fold them down, maybe one of those bars came out of the little clippy holder things lol. do u think its a mechanical cluck or just something loose somewhere?

 

[wmorrisw]

I'll check

 

[wmorrisw]

Not the problem. think its a mechanical cluck

 

[alp]

I am having a problem that sounds similar but seems to be a transmission problem. My clunk seems to be a bit more pronounced than the original poster indicates if you brake normally but goes away if you brake gently. The transmission seems to have no other problems.

 

[wmorrisw]

Is it 4 wheel drive?

 

[daisyrocky]

That clunk was the same issue I was having for over a year. It's the tranny downshifting. It only clunk when you slowing down and comes to a stop. I went through all that and can no longer tolerate it and did a tranny flush and got worst. That's when the OD light start flashing and all hell break loose. I even ordered the valve body with all six solenoids but it was too late, did not help. I'm in the process of swapping tranny now. If you can live with it for the time being, let it be till you see the OD light flashing.

 

[alp]

It is a four wheel drive. Some have indicated that the problem is the drive shaft having some play in it. Daisyrocky was there anything that could have been done on your vehicle to keep the tranny from going?

 

[wmorrisw]

I bet if you grease the slip joint in the drive shaft the clunk will be gone.
It worked for me.
Let me know if it works for you

 

[daisyrocky]

alp, tried everything. Changed filter/gasket again, spent over 100.00 on Mercon fluids, inspect every areas driveshaft, yoke, transfer case and even ordered a valve body with the six solenoids at 106.00 and installed it's and felt the same. Stayed up all nights reading posts about this situation. The "clunk" got worst where it felt like someone bump you from behind everytime you come to a stop. Believe me, did not want to do the swap tranny job if there was an alternative solution. I'm in the process of tearing it apart and see if any abnormal wear or parts.

 

[wmorrisw]

How mush grease was on the slip yoke?

 

[wmorrisw]

The driveshaft stub shaft splines should be greased and the driveshaft slip yoke boot should also have additional grease in it.

 

[daisyrocky]

Well, everything is completely apart now but glad yours was only the grease problem. Mine did the "clunk" but at the same time OD light flashing so that indicated the tranny.

 

[alp]

That clunk was the same issue I was having for over a year. It's the tranny downshifting. It only clunk when you slowing down and comes to a stop. I went through all that and can no longer tolerate it and did a tranny flush and got worst. That's when the OD light start flashing and all hell break loose. I even ordered the valve body with all six solenoids but it was too late, did not help. I'm in the process of swapping tranny now. If you can live with it for the time being, let it be till you see the OD light flashing.

Hello flashing OD light. Now the car is shifting hard as I'm driving. I don't think its a grease issue. Let me know what you find please.