1997 Ford Explorer Rear Axles

1997 FORD EXPLORER
252,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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TRELISURBAN
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I have a popping noise in a rear axle. Almost sounds like a lug nut lose in a hubcap. As you are driving slow >10mph, noise is excessively loud. Clunking noise is faster with tire rotation. If you let up off gas, the noise decreases.

It sounds like a CVC Joint Axle knock.

I initially thought the noise was in the front end so I changed out the ball joint and cvc axle in the front. This did not help the noise.

Should I put the car up on stands and run it securely to see if the noise is not there and if it only makes the noise on the ground, does this mean it is under torque? Could it be a pinion or axle bearing.

What are your thoughts?
Where should I begin looking to make repairs?
Apr 6, 2010 at 12:38 AM
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