1998 Ford Explorer

1998 FORD EXPLORER
180,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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GENNYTOE
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  • 6 POSTS
metal grinding&scraping very loudly,sounds like its coming thru floorboards.NOT the brakes,all new,installed correctly.noise sounds like coming from mid-left of undercarraige.i have no idea what is under there,so i don't know what to look for.
Aug 5, 2010 at 9:03 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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The transmission and transfer case are in the middle. Let me ask you a question. Does it make the sound all the time? Does the sound ever change. For example, when you make turns or accellerate?
Aug 7, 2010 at 11:46 PM
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GENNYTOE
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  • 6 POSTS
the sound gets louder when accellerating,sounds like metal crunching
Aug 8, 2010 at 2:43 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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First, I'm sorry for all the questions. If I could actually hear it, it would make things much easier. However, I'm most likely a thousand miles from you.

Based on your description, I need you to check a few things. Start with the universal joints. Also, check to see if there is any play in the pinion bearing (rear of the driveshaft where it connects to the differential).

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Aug 9, 2010 at 12:51 AM
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GENNYTOE
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  • 6 POSTS
everything visible seems to be tight with no play
Aug 9, 2010 at 4:27 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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When checking, was the vehicle in neutral so there was no tension on the drive shaft? If it was, then you either have a pinion bearing or axle bearing going bad. The only way to check is if there is excessive play in there rear wheels (when jacked up) or take the differential cover off and check for excessive play.
Aug 10, 2010 at 11:04 PM
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GENNYTOE
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  • 6 POSTS
Thank you all!!! It turned out the rear end was gone..........
Aug 29, 2010 at 5:50 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
I had a feeling that was the problem, but hoped it was something cheaper.

Let us know if you have questions in the future.

Joe
Aug 30, 2010 at 8:49 PM
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