noise, vibrations, shudders, OH MY!!

[jcjcm]

All,
I'm having some issues w/ my '02 explorer xlt. On short trips (10 miles or less) I have zero problems. Anything over that, and I've noticed I have a few assorted complaints. I've noticed that I have a slight grinding noise when on left handed easy turns (curves). At the same time, I have felt a intermittent "bump" in the driveline when coasting ( 60 MPH and down coasting, no throttle) Also, I feel a very definite shudder when turning left from a complete stop. I have recently rebuilt the Rear end due to excessive wear in the axle bearings. I have also replace the left front wheel bearing, and the 4 wheel drive control module due to failures. Any ideas? I'm at my wit's end and I'm just about to get out of the Ford business because of the porblems I've had... Any help will be appreciated.

 

[jennsblue02]

Hi there! Did you ever figure out what the rear end shudder was when turning left from a complete stop? I have the same thing, and it seems to be getting worse. Pleae reply if you know what the problem is. Thanks!

 

[cobra621]

Ditto on this problem... I'm having the same thing exactly. I'm hoping to figure out what it is by searching this board. I also have an ABS light on, and a shudder in the tranny.

 

[jcjcm]

I finally had success with the shudder by replacing the front end axle grease with full synthetic axle grease (I used Mobil 1). When adding the new synthetic grease, I put in 4 ounces of friction modifier, then topped off with the axle grease. After adding the new grease, I took the truck to an empty parking lot, and turned the steering wheel all the way to the left, did a couple dozen circles, then repeating the process with the steering all the way to the right.

A good way to find out if this is your issue: take the truck out and do the circles... if your truck's shudder improves, then you should change to full synthetic. ( parting note... if your truck is still under warranty, you may void it by using the synthetic. When I had the rear end rebuilt, my mechanic informed me that Ford would only honor the warranty if you used the proper Ford replacement lube)