Shudder off the line with 02 v8 EB

[snickers]

Its an 02 Eddie B with 113k miles on it. I dont know how you guys differentiate between AWD and 4WD, but this one is always in 4WD with no option of 2WD. It has a low range also.

About a thousand miles ago my explorer started shuddering when I first pull away from a stop in forward or reverse. It almost feels like a U-joint is knocking, but to my knowledge these things dont have U-joints, just CV's. Also it hums a bit from the rear (<< I think but it could be the front also) going down the highway.

Well I took it to a dealer that I used to trust, and they replaced the left rear wheel bearing and changed the tranny fluid (it was almost time anyways). All that seemed to do was throw my alignment off, because it still has exactly the same issues it did when this all started.

Any ideas on that?

And since I'm posting anyways, what would cause my fuel mileage to drop all of a sudden? It went from getting 12mpg with me driving like demon possessed, ice cream cone eating retard around town to only getting 9 to 9.5. And it dropped quick! Like flip a switch quick.

I've done a bit of searching on both subjects. Theres just so many things that could have gone wrong with the drive line it would have been hard for me to wallow my way through it being a newb and all.

Thanks in advance!

 

[CHRISXPLOR]

welcome!

 

[ummduh]

Its an 02 Eddie B with 113k miles on it. I dont know how you guys differentiate between AWD and 4WD, but this one is always in 4WD with no option of 2WD. It has a low range also.

About a thousand miles ago my explorer started shuddering when I first pull away from a stop in forward or reverse. It almost feels like a U-joint is knocking, but to my knowledge these things dont have U-joints, just CV's. Also it hums a bit from the rear (<< I think but it could be the front also) going down the highway.

Well I took it to a dealer that I used to trust, and they replaced the left rear wheel bearing and changed the tranny fluid (it was almost time anyways). All that seemed to do was throw my alignment off, because it still has exactly the same issues it did when this all started.

Any ideas on that?

And since I'm posting anyways, what would cause my fuel mileage to drop all of a sudden? It went from getting 12mpg with me driving like demon possessed, ice cream cone eating retard around town to only getting 9 to 9.5. And it dropped quick! Like flip a switch quick.

I've done a bit of searching on both subjects. Theres just so many things that could have gone wrong with the drive line it would have been hard for me to wallow my way through it being a newb and all.

Thanks in advance!

At 113k, when was the last time the spark plugs were changed? I wouldn't honestly go more than 50k on factory plugs.

my 4.0 went from 12.5-13 tops to 15.5 worst just from changing the plugs. Two of them had worn so much that there were barely firing and had tons of deposits on them.

As far as u joints, yes there are actual u joints also.

I haven't looked at the rear shaft lately, but the front is CV style only at the transfer case, and has a normal u joint at the differential. I assume the rear is the same way.

 

[snickers]

Thanks for the input so far. I forgot to mention that it does the shudder more when you start with the wheels turned, but it does it to, some extent, all the time.

I'll call up the dealership and see if the plugs or wires have been changed or when they were changed

 

[rrgone]

At 113k it is def time for new plugs and wires (unless it's V8) and fuel filter.

It's Auto4WD if it has 4X4Low capability. If you want to check if the Auto4X4 system is causing your shudder turn it off and see if the shudder stops. Take out the power fuses (#17 and 18) in the battery j-box to turn it off.

 

[snickers]

At 113k it is def time for new plugs and wires (unless it's V8) and fuel filter.

It's Auto4WD if it has 4X4Low capability. If you want to check if the Auto4X4 system is causing your shudder turn it off and see if the shudder stops. Take out the power fuses (#17 and 18) in the battery j-box to turn it off.

It is a v8. So no to plugs and wires?

And do I just pop the fuses out and hot rod it around a bit or no?

thanks again!

 

[jwright4]

sounds to me like the 4x4 control module is kickin in the 4x4. let us know if it goes away when u take the fuses out. if so, it's most likely your 4x4 control module is bad...

 

[ummduh]

the 4.6 v8 doesn't have plug wires. it still has spark plugs.

 

[snickers]

I think i'll prolly change the plugs anyways, and give the cute ute a complete run through. While im at it ill check all the shafts and bearing, replacing everything that needs it. I have to do brakes at all four corners anyways. Might even lift the front a bit while I'm at it.

Any suggestions on oil for the transfer case and diffs? and any input on plugs? whats a good repair manual for a 3rd gen?

I'll still check to see if the transfer case is the issue first. After that i'll change the oil in the diffs to see if its my limited slip screwing up. and change the wheel bearings that need it wen i change the brakes. Anything else i should add to my list that u guys can think of? Like power steering fluid and flush the brake system maybe?!?! How do you check to see if a coil is cracked?

Hopefully someone is really bored so they dont mind answering all my questions. lol

Thanks guys

 

[Cgy04XLT]

Thanks for the input so far. I forgot to mention that it does the shudder more when you start with the wheels turned, but it does it to, some extent, all the time.

I'll call up the dealership and see if the plugs or wires have been changed or when they were changed

I see that you have a shudder and happens when wheels are turned, well that is the exact problem I am having...look at this thread and it may help you out quite a bit.....

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=241751

Hope this helps you out...it has me!!!

 

[snickers]

Mine howls at higher speeds too though. Other than that it sounds pretty much identical.

Thanks for the link!

 

[Cgy04XLT]

Mine does as well, which could be gear lash. But until you get the clutch packs replaced it might be hard to tell. If your getting a shop to look at it they can measure the gear lash to see if it is within specs.

No problem, like to help out when I see that someone has the same problem as I do.

 

[ummduh]

I think i'll prolly change the plugs anyways, and give the cute ute a complete run through. While im at it ill check all the shafts and bearing, replacing everything that needs it. I have to do brakes at all four corners anyways. Might even lift the front a bit while I'm at it.

Any suggestions on oil for the transfer case and diffs? and any input on plugs? whats a good repair manual for a 3rd gen?

I'll still check to see if the transfer case is the issue first. After that i'll change the oil in the diffs to see if its my limited slip screwing up. and change the wheel bearings that need it wen i change the brakes. Anything else i should add to my list that u guys can think of? Like power steering fluid and flush the brake system maybe?!?! How do you check to see if a coil is cracked?

Hopefully someone is really bored so they dont mind answering all my questions. lol

Thanks guys

Definitely flush the brake fluid. I usually do it every other year. If it is dark that means there is water present, and it should be flushed. Standard DOT 3 is all you need. DOT 4 actually absorbs water faster than 3.
Flush starting at the passenger side rear first till you get clean fluid, then the driver's rear, then the front passenger, finally the front drivers.

Trans and tcase both take Mercon V. Not a whole lot of options there.

I'd just use Autolite double platinum plugs.

Rear diff takes 75/140 (or 85/140..) synthetic, and if you have the LS you need the friction modifier.

Not sure on the front, I believe it's just 80w90 in that one.