Problem with Explorer...Need answers ASAP

[Tuc]

My husband normally posts on here but I dedided to post a question. I have been noticing a clunk sound under the vehicle that only occured every now and then. Since we had the starter fixed i have noticed it alot more frequent. Today I pulled out of my driveway and put it in OD and it took a minute to accelerate then made that clunk noise. Then in stop and go traffic I could let off the gas and the car would stop without having to put on the brakes. I could also feel it pulling the entire time I was sitting it. It also made a deep humming sound when I would accelerate. Not sure what to think about this. Need to know what this is!! Thanks!

 

[Glacier991]

Clunks can be many things. Clunks on acceleration are quite often U joints giving you the sign they're done and need replacing. Clunks on bumps and things can be suspension. Humms and other noises that are drivetrain related can be Transfer case related (I am wondering if yours is) or transmission related... and I would guess others can think of things I have left out. Your description makes it difficult, yet I know you are reporting what you experienced...not objecting to what you are saying - just need a closer look see/listen to help more.

One Q - when you said took a minute to "accelerate" did you mean engage in forward gear?

With little go on, I am very suspicious of the T-case, although I think you have the Borg Warner 1354, which was not a HUGE problem child as I understand it. (Compared to the 4405).

 

[Tuc]

Yes, when I would accelerate into forward drive it hesitates for about a second. Also, when I drive it it feel like something is pushing against it.

 

[pax]

"Then in stop and go traffic I could let off the gas and the car would stop without having to put on the brakes."

May be one of your brakes are binding, front caliper or rear drums.
I guess you have to start checking to isolate the problem.

 

[Tuc]

Hi Tuc here,
I drove the truck today and I think the force my wife is talking about is the brakes binding. what would be a good strating point to figure out if they are? and the clunk sound, I have not figured out yet. Pax any help with figuring out the brakes would be helpful.

 

[Positive Vibes]

With the brakes just start pulling your tires off and inspecting the brakes, pads, rotors, drums etc.

The clunk may be just your yoke needing some grease, hard to tell with out hearing and feeling it.

 

[Glacier991]

I had this same problem on my 92. It was the rear drum brake binding up. Jack up the Explorer's rear tire(s - one at a time if need be) put it in neutral and see if you can rotate it. I'm betting the binding will be one of these brakes.

 

[Tuc]

Glacier991,
If it is the rear brake drum, what would be the fix?

 

[msmith65]

Shift into neutral as you let off the gas. If the slowdown does not occur, you probably have a serious transmission problem, not a brake problem.

Based on what you've both written here about clunks when shifting, and hesitation from a start after shifting, I'm leaning toward a transmission problem.

 

[Glacier991]

if it IS the brakes, you'd best just go ahead and have the rear brakes (assuming THEY are the issue) redone. I only rebuilt the offending one on mine, but I did it myself and will get around to the other sooner or later.