What should I get done first?

[RandyOhhh]

I have a whole list of things I need to change on my '00 Explorer Sport with 100K. I'm just looking to see which are more "important" than the others.

1- When I have a bumpy ride (i.e. Hit quite a few pot holes) the front wheels start making noise. Not the wheels themselves but sounds like the shocks are tired. After I let it sit for a while it goes back to normal. Ideas?

2- Rear wiper is dead. A while back I noticed it slowing down and now it just doesn't work. Motor change? Cost?

3- My air bag light comes on within 21 mins of turning the truck on. Not too worried about the air bag not functioning but I know it's important nonetheless. Ideas? Cost?

4- When I'm idling my voltage goes down and when I take off my belt squeals real bad. I let off the gas and the voltage goes back up and the squealing is gone.

5- I busted off my antenna in my parking garage at work. I have the nub still there but it's rusted and I can't screw another antenna onto it. Can I do something with the existing nub or do I have to replace. I'm thinking a clue or something

6- My driver side door doesn't unlock on the first shot. I need to keep hitting the unlock button on my remote and then it eventually comes up. Like it's sticking or something. Sometimes I actually have to go to the passenger's side to open my door.

I think that's it. As you can see I have quite a few things going on with this truck. I have my last car payment in 2 months and then I'm investing in getting this bad boy back in shape.

All your comments and feedback would be GREATLY appreciated.

- Randy

 

[Blee1099]

I would fix the idling issue first since your experiencing voltage droppage. Try getting the alternator tested to see whether or not its gone bad. Then I would either do the airbag issue or the bumpy ride since your experiencing noise from the front wheel. The airbag light is some type of fault in the system so you need to take it to Ford or somewhere else to have it checked for error codes and you can probably get the door fixed at the same time, thats probably a rod or something in the door thats been bent, more than likely someone tried breaking into your truck if a rod is bent inside the door.

 

[proffessor1979]

I don't really know too much, but I have a 94 and had what sounds like the same thing you do about the front wheel area when hitting holes....

My sound was like a clunking noise that I could actually kind of feel underneath my feet.

For me it was the Radius arm bushings, but I don't even know if you have them on your truck..I am quite the newbie..but figured might as well try to help..lol

 

[Billy177]

i would replace the belt i am assumbing that this is causing the voltage drop and the squeeling. also does your cruse control work because if not then your clock spring needs to be replaced. i would also check all your fuses.

if you have original shocks now is a good time to replace them. you could esily do them yourself.

also if the plugs, wires and o2sensors are original replace them too

as far as the with the antenna you have to take the fender off it is a cheap repair but a pain in the ass

for the door try locking and unlocking it with the key 10 times it may free it up

and for the rear wiper i would not worry about it it sucks anyway and never touches the window even when it does work.


if i were you i would get the belt and airbag fixed first

 

[RandyOhhh]

Thanks for all the feedback guys...

I parked the truck indoor and I woke up my neighborhood with the fan belt this morning. I think that's #1 on the list. I'm fed up with watching the voltage meter more than I'm watching the road

I'm all thumbs so I don't know if I'll tackle the shocks change solo but I'll recruit some friends to come help in exchange for some wobbly pops.

Cheers,

- Randy

 

[Opera House]

Just a thought. This might be an AC problem. Yes, it does come on in the winter with defrost. Find the wire going to the electric clutch on the compressor and disconnect the connector. See if that changes things. I have heard of older units dragging on the belt and reducing alternator output. Certainly sounds like something taking a lot of hp from the belt. Could also be an idler pulley.

 

[Billy177]

it is definatly the belt or belt tensioner becaue it also messes with the alt causing the voltage gauge to fluctuate

 

[Glacier991]

I'm with Operahouse. You have something seizing or strongly resisting the belt, hence the squeal. AC tops that list of possible culprits. Try unplugging the wires going to the AC clutch on the front of the compressor and see if the noise problem goes away.

 

[EBInterceptor]

The AC clutch does make a lot of noise when it isn't functioning properly. If you look at it with the engine running it's not hard to tell if it's disengaging improperly. It also can cause a mess under the hood from the metals rubbing. Lots of metal dust, is what I experienced.

Bumpiness in the shocks I am also having at this point, and though I haven't checked myself, it could be a bearing problem. Check for looseness by jacking up the front end and move the tires around.