Thumping noise from underneath floorboards

[firerescue251]

Yesterday my girlfriend and i were parked on her street, when i felt a thumping noise from underneath the floorboard. It kind of alarmed me because i had just purchased this explorer a week ago and it had not done it since i had purchased it. Well just to look and see what it was i opened the door to listen for any unusual sounds. I heard a pinging noise and also felt the thumping @ the same time. Don't know what it is. Please HELP!

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

Very likely balljoints and/or control arm bushings. Sway bar endlinks/bushings or torsion bar adjuster. Many things can clunk as you've described. These items will get you started. Go out and buy a haynes manual (or Chilton's) and there are troubleshooting techniques inside that could help narrow it down...

To check for bad ball joints, jack up the wheel (tire on) until the tire is just barely off the ground. Hold the tire at 12 & 6 o'clock and give a tug at either end. If you've got more than 1/8" play at top or bottom, that balljoint is likely bad.

If you hold it at 3 & 9, you'll be able to tell if your tie-rod end is bad as well (someone chime in if i am not correct on this one).

If the thumping is coming from below your seat, the torsion bar adjuster could be the prob.

Good luck

 

[Heavymentill]

As BuffaloXplorer stated alot of things can clunk. If you can pin point your clunk you'll get alot more help.

 

[zebrex]

The part I dont understand is he said he was parked.

Firerescue just to clarify were you movig or parked when you heard the noise?

 

[TPLYNCH]

The catlytic converters make tons of noise after you shut down, especially in cold weather. Was the engine running or off?

 

[Buckshot]

I think he ran over his GF's neighbor. He was just trying to get the drivers attention.

 

[jayhawkexplorer]

I think he meant just when he got out of it or into it, putting weight on or off the truck. Mine does that in cold weather, creaks and groans a bit. Just part of owning an 8 year old truck.

 

[firerescue251]

i was parked and the vehicle was running. thanx guys and girls

 

[firerescue251]

also my belts are squealing on my 2001 ford ranger. Only on damp mornings and after it is washed. Also the radio lights won't come on when it is damp out.

 

[jayhawkexplorer]

I'd say you have a pretty big problem with water getting into your engine compartment. Are the splash guards in your wheelwells still intact?

 

[vrytired]

does it feel like theres someone under the truck with a rubber hammer? mine does this, i think its something vacuum related because it will keep goin if you shut it down while its thumping.

 

[firerescue251]

yeah, but not after i turn it off

 

[TPLYNCH]

Could the pinging sound like marbles in a tin can? If yes, then that's probably the wrist pins. Common late model OHV sound. Supposedely no bad engine effects. Not sure about your thumping...

 

[BarkSlayer]

Your girlfriend doesn't have a cat, does she?

 

[ve4ron]

Your girlfriend doesn't have a cat, does she?

Did she ?