rear shock part?

[steadyhand]

My 99 Mountaineer RWD, auto, 5.0 has a thump sound from the rear. It only occurs when the car is in gear and I am letting off the brake. It doesn't occur when putting it in gear, just when starting to roll. It never happens once I am moving either. It can be repeated simply by coming to a complete stop and starting again.

I took a look at the brakes and all up under the rear. The only part I found that seems to be a little loose is that small shock on the passenger side.

What is the exact part name for this small shock? I asked my local parts store and they couldn't find it. It may be listed under a different part name maybe?

I can grab that small shock and when I try to twist it, it will move a little and could cause a small tap noise. I really don't think that is what's causing this thump noise which I hear very clearly in the cab. However, it is a easy start and I don't want to get into something more difficult without ruling it out.

Can it be removed, just for the sake of seeing if the noise quits or will it effect handling?

 

[albi1cnobi1]

You can remove that so called "5th shock" and see if thats it. I've had mine off for over a year with no problems.

 

[colintrax]

I'd suggest you don't leave it off but you can take it off to see if that's causing it

 

[koda2000]

the technical name for it is "rear axle damper". you can easily remove it and go for a drive to see if that eliminates your noise, but don't leave it off permanently. mine was making noise and it was leaking so i replaced it. $28.88 on Amazon.

 

[SoNic67]

That shock is called axle damper shock. Is there for a reason, I am tired to read people saying: "I removed mine and didn't make a difference". Of course it didn't, because you removed a BROKEN one!
You can use Monroe SC2958 Magnum Axle Shaft Damper. It's some $30, installs in 15 minutes and really helps controlling the rear end.

 

[David Suesz]

You can remove that so called "5th shock" and see if thats it. I've had mine off for over a year with no problems.

I makes the rear end smoother, by reducing sideways movement. If you saw no difference, it probably wasn't working.

I replaced all five shocks a few years ago. I had no problem getting the axle damper. I used the Monroe.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

That shock is called axle damper shock. Is there for a reason, I am tired to read people saying: "I removed mine and didn't make a difference". Of course it didn't, because you removed a BROKEN one!

It was working. I had replaced all 5 of mine as well. But i have been moving towards more off roading so I removed mine, as well as rear sway bar disconnects. I saw no noticeable on road handling differences. And the OP's question was could it be removed for testing purposes, my response was only to show that it was safe to remove and drive, and the rear axle wasn't going to fall off. I was in no way telling him to leave it off.

 

[SoNic67]

My wife noticed the difference between driving with a worn 5th shock and the new one. She didn't know what I did to the truck. Before she felt it was 'unsafe' in turns (her words), so she asked me what I did to it to drive better...
She drives the Exploder once a week at the most.

 

[delexploder]

If its not the brakes or the shocks my guess based on experience is either pinion bearing or the carrier is worn

 

[dwitte]

My 1996 Explorer (236K) was making a clunking sound when I would hit road bumps, especially while turning. Removing the rear tire really helps with access. Getting the bolts loose was a chore, with lots of PB Blaster and working the nut back and forth. I replaced with a KYB SS10201 from NAPA. The clunking sound has gone away.