1997 Ford Explorer Loud Banging Noise

HMSTANG67

MEMBER
1997 FORD EXPLORER

Drive Train Axles Bearings problem
1997 Ford Explorer 6 cyl All Wheel Drive Automatic 150K miles

I have a loud "BANG noise when I start off and it usally will make this noise 1 to 2 times and its LOUD. After the bangs it runs good. Sometimes if you take off slow or not alot of load you will not hear this BANG. Also when the noise happens you will be moving at least 10 to 15 miles per hours. I have rebuilt the T-case a few years ago so I have ruled out the chain slapping the case. I beleive it is the diff. Limited slip but I have never ran accross this noise happening when and how it does. Thank you for your thoughts on this issue.

3 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Have you checked the tranny and engine mounts?

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Saturday, September 26th, 2009 AT 10:45 AM

HMSTANG67

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I beleive the the spider gears are going or the ring and pinion is going do to chip teeth. It is getting worst by the day and I don;t want to tear it apart if I don't have to. Your thoughts?

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Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 AT 8:02 AM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

My thought is if it has chipped teeth, it's too late. Rear ends dont normally start making a banging sound, the whine and growl. Any rear end fluid leaks at axles, or pinion seal? Of course you could jack the rear end off the ground and see if it makes the noise with no load. Have a friend do the gas and brake while you watch for anything snapping back and fourth, NO faster than 35 MPH on the speedo! If the noise is worse going around corners, replace the rear end oil and add limited slip friction modifiers to the rear end with the new oil. You may have a limited slip(posi) rear end?

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Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 AT 12:39 PM