It makes a clunk noise. It only happens when I put it into drive

NPHILLIPS81

MEMBER
1999 FORD EXPLORER
V8
AWD
AUTOMATIC
193,425 MILES

Whenever I put my explorer in gear and proceed to pull off, it makes a clunk noise. It only happens when I put it into drive, regardless of whether its from park or reverse. It only makes the noise once, when I first start moving never when idle or in motion. It doesnt sound like its internal but more like something in my front end. Im thinking bushings or something. What do you think? Im sorry I cant describe the noise better. The only thing I can compare it to is the sound of dropping a stone or a coin into a fountain or lake.

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

Can you tell if the noise is coming from the front or the rear of the vehicle?

It is possible that this is due to a worn U-joint. And excess play is what creates the clunking noise.

A good first step would be to do an inspection of the drive shaft. Look for excessive play in the shaft and inspect the U-joints. Typically worn U-Joints will allow you to twist the shaft to a certain amount.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-u-joints-work

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

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