Vibration on acccceleration while turning

[hlenoble]

I have a 2003 Explorer XLT 4X4 with 39,000 miles. I have recently noticed a signifiant vibration when accelerating while turning. The vibration is there whether the wheel is turned slightly or more sharply. It does not vibrate more with the wheel turned sharper, the vibration is the same. The vibration stops when the wheel is straightened.

There is no vibration when accelerating in a straight line.

Before I bring it to the dealer I am looking for suggestions as to the possible cause. This way I can hopefully help them diagnose the problem. I do have an extended warranty, so (hopefully) any repairs will only cost me the deducible.

Thanks in advance for your help.
- Hal

 

[InTheShadows]

Sounds like the Clutch packs. Need friction modifier in the diff oil.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1429415#post1429415

 

[hlenoble]

Thanks

Thanks for the link. I did a search but for some reason I didn't find that thread. I did have the diff fluids (front & rear) changed to synthetic about 8K miles ago, so the friction modifier could be the answer. The TSB about the clutch pack is interesting as well.

- Hal

 

[rancherlee]

Thanks for the link. I did a search but for some reason I didn't find that thread. I did have the diff fluids (front & rear) changed to synthetic about 8K miles ago, so the friction modifier could be the answer. The TSB about the clutch pack is interesting as well.

- Hal

What Synthetic did you use, some of the synthetic's have friction modifer in them already and some don't require any.

 

[IZwack]

Does the vibration only happen at lower speeds? Say you were to take a turn at 30mph, would the vehicle vibrate then?

If the sound exists only at low speeds (as if you were turning into a parking spot at a mall), my first thoughts are ball-joints as they produce a "groan" sound when they have worn out.

 

[hlenoble]

I used Mobile One and Valvoline, one type for the front diff and one for the rear. I would have used the same brand, but Advance Auto only had one synthetic that matched the specs for the front, and another for the rear. I don't recall which was which, but I'm sure I can go there and find out.

The vibration happens only when accelerating from a stop, or at VERY low speeds, under 5 MPH approx.

 

[jcjcm]

I have noticed the same vibration you're describing in my '02 xlt. I asked the dealer, and he said that since my truck has the "auto" 4x4 function, this vibration was caused by the auto 4x4 sensing "wheel slippage" when turning from a stop or at very low speed and trying to engage the 4x4. Anyway, to make a long story short, he said not to worry about it.

 

[hlenoble]

Update

So, I dropped the Explorer at the Ford dealer yesterday, and they called me today with their diagnosis. They said the clutch packs need replacing, just as the TSB decscribed.

The parts were ordered and should be in tomorrow and the repair should be done later in the day or early the next day. Hopefully all should be well after that.

I am hoping that the gas mileage improves, which has been my biggest complaint about the truck. When I first got it (with 27,000 miles) I got about 17.5 MPG on the highway. Lately I am getting 15.5 on the highway, despite changing to synthetic oil and diff fluid.

Thanks to all for your help.

- Hal