Popping Noise

Check drive shafts and wheel bearings, make sure all front end components are ok, I would contact the work shop that did the work and get them to re check everything that they did just to be safe.

I took my truck off road yesterday. While I was out in the middle of the field I thought I might need 4X4 so I engaged it without any trouble but when I needed to make a few sharp turns the front end would make a loud popping sound and the front end felt like it was binding. When we got back on pavment and I turned off the 4X4 the truck acted fine again.

Are my U-joints going out on my front drive shafts? That's my guess but I've never owned a 4X4 before. Is this an expensive fix? If I were to attempt to fix it myself would I need any special tools?

Thanks,
Terry

hello TC38632

To answer to your questions, can you take your explorer to an empty parking place, do not engage 4x4, turn the steering to the right full stop(untill steering stop turning) and drive in cercle: notice if any noise.
do the same, but now to the left, drive in full circle with steering to the stop, notice if any noise.
drive straight and brake suddently, notice if any noise.

next, drive at higher speed,(do not get ticket) notice if any noise.
do not engage 4x4, drive back to the pavement, raugh road. notice any any noise.
try to pull a load, or climb a hill,notice if noise.
get back with what you find, because can be tricky to diagnose.

Thank you so much for taking the time here. I did what you said this afternoon and the only time I can get the popping sound is when the 4X4 is engaged.

I tried it in 4X2 with the wheels fully turned and several other ways and the truck simply will not pop until you turn the 4X4 switch on.

Now here is something new, after I tried 4X2 and when I engaged 4X4 and turned the wheels all the way to the right. Not only does it pop but it also feels like it's climbing a hill before it happens. It feel like the right side of the car raises slightly and then I get the popping sound.

Terry

it is time to raise the vehicle and look for the following likely problems: Defective or misaligned U-joint there are 2 u joints spider that need to be check(#9 and #7) for loseness or binding

Explorer models use a locking mechanism mounted in the differential. This system is called a vacuum disconnect axle lock. there may be a problem inside the differential.

check those out and repport what you find.

please what should be responsible for this, each time i what to start my car i'll hear a pop sound like gun before the vehicle will start ,pls what should i check.
offiong edet

check ignition coil wires and spark plugs for cracked or leaking.

thanks sir , i'll check the plugs and the coil tomorrow
thks sir

why

Make sure the caliper is tight, pads are properly installed, and also, check the ball joints and tracking bar bushings.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

My explorer starts pops snaps, and makes a hard effort to pull itself when going up a normal hill. What could this be?

Pops? Snaps? are we talking suspension noises or engine ? I fit is low on power could be a few things. Last tuned up? Is the check engine light on? If so have it scanned and get back with the exact codes. coul dbe a plugged fuel filter, low fuel pressure/volume, partially plugged cat converter

not the engine, its suspension noises, the check engine light is not on

So it pops and makes noise when you are accelerating? Have you checked the u-joints? rear spring eye bushings? Is the noise coming from the front or rear?

noise coming from front end. The popping only happens when going up a hill and it also struggles at the same time , like it dont want to go up the hill at all, when you let off the gas the noise stops put still wont hardly get up hill its fine once up the hill.

I just recently pulled a boat way over the tow capacity and now the car makes a poping noise averytime i start to move. the noise will stop when the rpm's go high or low , but driving normal it pops and its getting really annoying. any help would be much appreciated.

Does it kind of sound like a card in the spokes of a bicycle? Check the motor mounts to see if the fan is hitting the shroud. Have the things I mentioned previously checke dfo rthe low power problem, they may or may not be related

Can you tell aprox where the noise is coming from?

[quote:b6dbf34d4b="Jacobandnickolas"]Can you tell aprox where the noise is coming from?[/quote:b6dbf34d4b]
it sounds like its under my feet when i give it gas

[quote:e74d7d828f="jjosh"][quote:e74d7d828f="Jacobandnickolas"]Can you tell aprox where the noise is coming from?[/quote:e74d7d828f]
it sounds like its under my feet when i give it gas[/quote:e74d7d828f] sounds like someone is hitting it with a hammer if that helps at all

Josh:
Have you checked the motor and trans mounts? You may have broken one.

Noises problem
1992 Ford Explorer 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Manual 136k miles

I notice that when I go over a bump, there is a sudden pop that I can feel under my feet. It seems to come from the right front tire and is quite loud. It usually happens when the right front tire is lower than the left. Any suggestions?

is it a pop or a clunk?

check your stabilizer bar bushings and your mounts for teh schocks.

you notice play in the steering?

A clunk is more accurate than a pop. There is a pull to the right while driving

do you have looseness and excessive play in the steering?

There is definitely play in the steering, especially while going over bumps which makes it difficult to control. The higher the speed the more play in the steering.

Vehicle is a 92 Ford Explorer 4X4 with 210,000 miles. The problem has been there for about 2 years now and started after the tie-rods were replaced the first time and the following parts replaced since then: bearings(both sides), driver side spendle, hubs(both sides), u-joints - drivers side half-shaft, front and rear drive shafts and drivers side ball joints. The popping does not happen on every rotation of the wheels. It does not matter if I am turning or moving strait. It will not pop when the wheels are off the ground(ie. on a lift). It almost sounds like its binding and coming from the drivers side.

I would speculate that you have auto lock hubs and this only occurs when you are in 4 wheel. Is there a slight feeling that goes with the popping? I believe you have a failing hub lock.

i would like you to check out the tie rods and for play at the tie rod ends at the vehicles steering knuckles.

possibe drag bar. definetely wear on the suspension components is what it sounds like.

92 Explorer. Yes, I have auto locking hubs and it only happens in 4x4. There is a jerking of the vehicle when it pops. If it is a failing hub lock, how do I fix it? The hubs have been replaced already.

That is the feeling that goes with it. Now since you replaced them once, you know they are quite expensive to replace. There is another option which it to purchase manual locking hubs. You would need to get out to engage them but they are much cheaper and the instalation is really pretty easy.

I agree, they are much less expensive and I think, more reliable. The only downside is that you have to get out and lock them in yourself.

i just bought a 92 explorer with only 77,000 miles for 1500.00. solid engine and transmission seems smooth and quiet but when i turn or go over bumps there is noise, popping i am assuming are ball joints and the rattling blown shocks perhaps. if i have to replace the ball joints, repack the wheel barrings and replace the shocks what kind of ballpark $$$ are we talkin?

manual locking is much cheaper and they are more reliable and stronger.

Hi:
The ball joints are going to cost the most, aprox. 250 installed. The shocks and repack should be around 300.

Joe