Strange noise coming from suspension??

[usmcr1341]

Hey everyone! I have a 2004 Explorer xlt 4x4 and am experiencing an odd problem. It does not happen all of the time but if I hit a pothole or take the truck down a dirt road (pretty much any variable surface) it will start. Basically itll pull to the left and almost sound like I am taking off on a runway. And any time I let off of the accelerator, there is a clunking sound. It feels completely unbalanced and unsafe really. When accelerating from a dead stop, itll pull hard left and make these "take off" sounds and clunks while changing gears. It usually subsides after a few minutes but this seems to happen about once throughout the day. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Brad

 

[FordFool2]

Does your XLT have AdvanceTrak? If so, turn it off for a day and see if the symptoms go away. Sounds like it may be engaging. Once we have that, then the focus will be on why it is engaging. Typically it is because it is getting back input from one of the wheel spped sensosrs.

 

[usmcr1341]

Does your XLT have AdvanceTrak? If so, turn it off for a day and see if the symptoms go away. Sounds like it may be engaging. Once we have that, then the focus will be on why it is engaging. Typically it is because it is getting back input from one of the wheel spped sensosrs.

Thank you for the reply. It does not have AdvanceTrak.

 

[03WIExplorerLtd]

Wild idea, but maybe a hub?

 

[usmcr1341]

You could be right. The symptoms are just very strange to me since they do go away completely after a while. Would that cause a thumping sound when quickly letting off of the accel? I will note that my lower ball joints look worn and I am planning on swapping them out next week. Could they cause these kind of symptoms? Its just strange to me that the symptoms fade away after a short time. Its like the truck resets itself. I swear this things been nothing but problems! Went out this morning and all four windows will not go up or down (using any switch) unless the drivers side door is completely open. So now I am playing with the wiring on that as well. It also has the timing chain issue. Some say that the 04 does not have that issue but they do! Ford did not fix the issue at least through 2004. 9 out of 10 startups begin with a rattle until the system is well lubricated. Oddly when starting cold, if the engine doesnt turn over instantly (if it takes an extra second to turn over) it wont rattle. It only does it when its dry. I have all kinds of work cut out for me! Thanks everyone. I appreciate it.

 

[03WIExplorerLtd]

You might have some binding that is "pent up" and then once released, it gone.

Is the rattle the HVAC system? I could be wrong, but I thought that timing chain rattle issue reared itself when you were accelerating.

 

[usmcr1341]

You might have some binding that is "pent up" and then once released, it gone.

Is the rattle the HVAC system? I could be wrong, but I thought that timing chain rattle issue reared itself when you were accelerating.

The timing chain issue is the same as on the previous years. It has been rattling for the last 30K miles or so. It completely goes away once the engine warms up but it is definitely the timing chain (or the broken tensioners) which ford claimed to have "fixed" in 2003. That is a whole different project and until I have time to pull the motor, I'm going to have to hold off. Im going to replace the ball joints and see if the suspension problem goes away. With my luck, it wont. Thanks for the input!