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1999 Ford Explorer Repair Question


Topics covered: Noise, Brakes, Mechanic.
Mileage: 217,500 miles.

Asked on September 3, 2012

Clunk slowing down.

Hello, when driving I will accelerate to about 35 or 40 MPH. As Im slowing down, between 25 and 30 there is a clunk noise but it slows down just fine. The clunk is louder if you slam the brakes. The front end is in perfect shape and the brakes are just fine. Calipers are tight. Could it be a U-Joint? The U-Joint has never been replaced with 217500 miles.
Avatar Asked by rmoore09

Answer

Replied on September 3, 2012

There is a tool you might be able to borrow or rent from an auto parts store that borrows them called the "Chassis Ear". It is a set of six microphones, a switch box, and headphones. You clip the microphones to suspect points, then drive around while listening with the headphones. You can move the microphones around to zero in on the source of the noise. Be aware that many mechanics have never seen or even heard of this tool. Suspension and alignment mechanics use it to find rattles, squeaks, and other noises.

Tiny Answered by caradiodoc (expert)
17,654 answers provided
Replied on September 4, 2012

Thats pretty neat. If you had to guess what could be making the noise?

Tiny Response from rmoore09
75 questions asked
Replied on September 4, 2012

Exhaust pipe, broken leaf spring, axle control arm bushing, loose bowling ball, loose spare tire. I CAN say with 100 percent accuracy that guesses are always wrong and will send you on a wold goose chase.

Tiny Answered by caradiodoc (expert)
17,654 answers provided