Standard FRONT END "Thumping" sound!!

[loucypher]

Hello, I have what seems like the common FRONT END THUMPING sound coming from my 1998 Explorer 4x4. Truck has 90K on it. Sound started at 50K. Thumping from forward movement. Starts at 10mph. TIRES NEW..BRAKES NEW. WHEEL HUBS. NEW. Front axle shaft checked. Good. Don't see anything loose up front. ANY OTHER IDEAS WOULD BE AWESOME!! Thank you, Joe.

 

[Dave 1955]

Check your caliper mounting bolts,sway bar end links.
Does it do it all the time?

 

[loucypher]

Yes. Makes the noise all the time. Caliper bolts are tighter than the prom queen. Sway bar all tight too. Truck is very clean underneath. Original owner.

 

[Dave 1955]

So it's a rotational sound then that speeds up as you speed up.
Tell us more v6 or v8?
AWD drive could come into play more here maybe.
Of course even the switchable transfer cases still allow the front axles to rotate unless it's a 95/96.
You might have to pull the front drive shaft long enough to see if it goes away...course the axels would still turn so that might not help .

 

[loucypher]

Thumper

Yes..it is a rotational sound that increases with speed. 1998 Exploder V6 SOHC with Auto 4x4...NOT AWD.. Already dropped front driveshaft and test drove...no difference..

 

[Dave 1955]

Is it more noticeable turning or no?

 

[RomeovilleIL]

Probably best thing would be to get the truck up on jack stands so you can observe it running (slowly!) and look for movement. If something is binding enough to cause a thump you should be able to see it or at minimum be able isolate by sound to one area.

 

[loucypher]

Does not increase with turns...Hub bearings assemblies are new Timkens..

 

[Dave 1955]

Well I would have to think it's in the front diff then...gear set or axles.
Hope you figure it out. Cheers!

 

[pmonahan]

Perhaps one loose lug nut.

 

[loucypher]

Thanks for the replys...I think it is that Ford just makes junk...If fact,, in the whole history of the company the only thing they ever made worthwhile is the FORD 9" rearend. THREAD CLOSED...:thumbdwn:

Perhaps one loose lug nut.