Clunking and grinding noise

2005 FORD EXPLORER
260,000 MILES • 4.0L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
DESMONDC13
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
There's a loud clunking and grinding noise coming from inside the rear driver side tire area when I make a sharp right hand turn.
Sep 22, 2019 at 10:12 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
KASEKENNY
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi,

This could be a number of things. Is it possible to get a recording of the noise which will help get me on the same page as you?

Here is a guide that covers the basics of these types of noises but this sounds like a rear axle or even a rear end issue because making sharp turns really only effects the axles or rear end. Everything else operates about the same turning as it does driving straight. However, hearing it will help determine what type of noise it is which will help determine causes. Thanks

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/popping-noise
Sep 22, 2019 at 11:49 AM
Avatar
DESMONDC13
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Not something I want to recreate but your input was helpful.
Sep 22, 2019 at 4:42 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
KASEKENNY
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 18,907 POSTS
Understood. I didn't catch that this only happened one time. I thought it was something that has been happening when you make a sharp right turn.

If this was only one time, then there are ties that the drivetrain binds and puts stress on the system and the weakest link is the rear end or axle shaft. The gears will pop which is this stress relieving. Your instinct in correct that we don't want to continue to make this happen but just because it happens once, doesn't mean it will happen every time.

The best way I have gotten something to do that is when making sharp turns on uneven terrain.

Let me know if you need more info. Thanks
Sep 22, 2019 at 6:22 PM
Avatar
DESMONDC13
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
No, it happens when every time I take a quick turn but if I take it very slow, the noise isn't there.
Sep 22, 2019 at 6:57 PM
Avatar
KASEKENNY
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 18,907 POSTS
More than likely this is something in the rear end. It sounds like it is coming from the wheel area because it is probably transferring out the axle shaft.

I would nurse this as much as possible because if I am correct it will either need to be rebuilt or replaced. A replacement rear end assembly picture attached is about $1,200.00 to $1.400.00 (less $400.00 core so under $1,000.00 if you return the core) for just the part. I am sure you could find a used one but that is a risk because you never know what you are getting unless you rebuild it which makes no sense, because you can just rebuild yours.
Sep 22, 2019 at 7:06 PM