Hi, I've got a 97 Ford Explorer, Automatic, 4.0L V6, 4x4. I've recently began hearing two noises that seem to be coming from the front end. I don't know if there related or independant of each other. They didn't start at the same time and don't happen at the same time so I'm guessing their individual problems.
The first sound is a thumping sound when driving down the road. It's hard to say which side it is coming from. I checked the tires and I don't see any knots or visual sign of damage to the tires. They are the original tires on the truck and still have a lot of tread. The paperwork in the glove box when I got the truck showed the tires were balanced when they were put on. This Explorer has had new shocks, inner & outer tie rods, upper control arms w/ball joints, lower ball joints, and new sway bar bushings and end links with bushings put on within the last 6 months. The majority of the front end parts have been replaced so I'm not sure what is causing this thump sound. It only occurs when moving. Something important also is that I don't really "feel" the thump in the steering wheel. It could just be so minor that I don't notice it on road surfaces that aren't perfect and most SUV's don't ride like a car does.
Is it possible it could be wheel bearings?? Could a tire have gotten out of balance already? I thought the bearings made the grinding, squeeling, or whirling sound. I never had one cause a thump before. I've checked the new parts that have been put on recently and all still seems well.
The other sound is a rattle noise. It occurs mostly when I hit bumps, but it does happen when sitting still at an idle also if the endine has a moment it doesn't run at a perfect idle all the time. It is a metal sound. I was thinking the exhaust because I recently had a new muffler put on, but upon visual inspection I can not see any loose parts. The metal sound also sounds like it is a really thin piece of steel, kind of like a dust shield for brakes. I checked that out and they weren't loose so I don't know.
I apologise for the long post, but I want to be as thorough as possible. Any thoughts on this thumping sound when moving?
The first sound is a thumping sound when driving down the road. It's hard to say which side it is coming from. I checked the tires and I don't see any knots or visual sign of damage to the tires. They are the original tires on the truck and still have a lot of tread. The paperwork in the glove box when I got the truck showed the tires were balanced when they were put on. This Explorer has had new shocks, inner & outer tie rods, upper control arms w/ball joints, lower ball joints, and new sway bar bushings and end links with bushings put on within the last 6 months. The majority of the front end parts have been replaced so I'm not sure what is causing this thump sound. It only occurs when moving. Something important also is that I don't really "feel" the thump in the steering wheel. It could just be so minor that I don't notice it on road surfaces that aren't perfect and most SUV's don't ride like a car does.
Is it possible it could be wheel bearings?? Could a tire have gotten out of balance already? I thought the bearings made the grinding, squeeling, or whirling sound. I never had one cause a thump before. I've checked the new parts that have been put on recently and all still seems well.
The other sound is a rattle noise. It occurs mostly when I hit bumps, but it does happen when sitting still at an idle also if the endine has a moment it doesn't run at a perfect idle all the time. It is a metal sound. I was thinking the exhaust because I recently had a new muffler put on, but upon visual inspection I can not see any loose parts. The metal sound also sounds like it is a really thin piece of steel, kind of like a dust shield for brakes. I checked that out and they weren't loose so I don't know.
I apologise for the long post, but I want to be as thorough as possible. Any thoughts on this thumping sound when moving?
May 2, 2010 at 3:39 PM