somthing broke in wheel well please help

[cburke1088]

i have a 98 5.0 xlt awd, and i have had a slight vibration comign from my passngers side front wheel so when i went to look at it i notice that this sort of arm thing is broken off, im not sure the name but the picture should explane, the red is where it is dissconected or snapped off and the green is hwat i wanna know the name of.
i used and image from a thread i found. so my question is waht is this thing? and is it going to be a fortune to get repaired? and should it be repaired right away? thanks for urhelp

 

[daffy]

It's called many things, most people refer to them as sway bar end links, $15 at any auto parts store, 2 wrenches and 15 minutes to replace. I didn't even jack mine up to replace them.

I wouldn't think that would cause a vibration though. Definately causes a thumping sound with the slightest bumps though.

 

[Yeeehaw86]

I believe that is called the sway bar end link. The part it is broken off of is the sway bar, so at the least you could describe it to the parts guys. I just bought one like a month ago from ford for less than $6. So long as the swaybar itself is not broke, that should be all you need to replace. It's not that big of a deal to completely remove the swaybar if it is broke, and you can't afford to fix it right away. I haven't had a front swaybar for almost a year, and I'm lifted. It doesn't adversely change the ride that much. I would recommend taking that link with you to a parts store, and buy the matching energy suspension piece, instead of a stock replacement. good luck.

 

[cburke1088]

wow you guys are quick, so if this isnt causing my vibrations waht is, heres teh thing, when i am reving in between 1 and 2 grand if i try accelerating right as it goes past 2 grand i will get a horrbile vibration that feels like its comiing from the passenger front wheel, but if i step on the gadd real hard i dont get the vibrations, only when im at like a steady speed and ahve to go up a slight incline

 

[Yeeehaw86]

So your vibrations are happening only when it's under a large load at low rpms? then when it downshifts, and revs higher, the vibrations are gone? I'm now very interested, because I have the same problem, but unfortunately don't yet have a solution.

 

[cburke1088]

yes, does urs come from a certain side like mine? and you can feel it in the gas pedal?

 

[Yeeehaw86]

yup. My steering wheel kicks a little just as if shifts. not really hard, just a little. kinda feels like torque steer. I was told in another thread about this that it is probably my alignment. i have yet to get it checked. I don't think the vibration has anything to do with alignment being off though.

Just noticed your join date. welcome to the site!

 

[cburke1088]

hey thanks alot, i bought my explorer two months ago yesterday and i love everything about it, except for this damn vibration, and today when i saw that that was broken i though i had the source of my problem now it doesnt seem that way

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Auto Zone sells a set of Energy suspension sway bar links, with bolts, bushings all hardware. You need to replace both links on the front, IMO.

As for the vibration, I wouldn't think the links would cause the vibration. Bad handling, yes, vibration, no. I'd suggest you check your front driveshaft for play. The CV style end near the transfer case is notorious for failure.

 

[cburke1088]

that sounds expensive, i really want to get rid of this vibration but i just replaced my water pump ($286.00) and i am afraid of having another huge bill to pay

 

[MountaineerGreen]

The driveshaft is a DIY task, a few tools and a little time can save you $$

 

[cburke1088]

how would i go about checking the drive shaft? any good write ups anywhere?

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Not really any write up, just grab the driveshaft near the transfer case and see if it wiggles any. You can remove it and drive a short while without it to see if that is your problem.

You need an 8mm hand wrench and a Torx bit set to remove the driveshaft. If you don't have any tools, get a metric hand wrench set, a 1/4" ratchet, long extension and torx bit set for the 1/4" drive. A set of sockets wouldn't hurt too.

 

[cburke1088]

unfortunitally i dont know much about car repairs or parts, and its like your speaking a differnt language, if i take it to my mechanic(dads good friend) how much do u tinhk getting this virbration fix would cost if it does have somtihng to do with the driveshaft

 

[MountaineerGreen]

I'd say it all depends on the mechanic. I don't usually pay people to work on stuff, so I can't even venture to guess the cost. It shouldn't take very long to replace the DS if that is the problem, so there shouldn't be too much charge for labor. I believe Advance Auto sells a reman part ~$100

 

[Yeeehaw86]

can we replace this cv with one of the sweet new ones from tom woods? I read in peterson's, or some other off-road magazine, that they had a new cv joint that was supposed to be amazing, and were offering it for many different applications. I always try to replace stock parts with better, aftermarket ones, if I can.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

I haven't heard or read about the new CV. Some people have had a flange made to bolt up to the transfercase, and use a standard u joint.

 

[Yeeehaw86]

thanks, I'll check into doing that. Or i may just go ahead and throw out the front earlier than planned and go sas!