98 explorer groaning
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98 explorer groaning
hey guys i noticed a slight groaning sound coming from my drivers side front tire area, since then it has gotten worse...here is what i know about it.....if you push down on that side, you can hear/slightly feel the groaning, i hear it when i am turning, ususally when turning left, but it sometimes happens when turning right also....any thoughts on what this could be - how to fix it - how much it would cost - thanks for the help
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Omaha USA
98 explorer groaning
Sound like an automatic hub going bad. I just changed mine on my 91 explorer to manual hubs. Mine did it more often turning to the left. My left one was the bad one also. Sounded like a grinding noise and if I stopped it would go away for awhile. I bought a set of Warn manual hubs and a conversion kit for $200 total. It was relatively easy to swap out if you are good with your hands.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
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From: BC, Canada
98 explorer groaning
A 1998 Exploder doesnt have locking hubs like an older one so it's not that.
I think you have a dry ball joint or tie rod end.
If you crawl underneath while someone pushes the vehicle up and down you should be able to hear and feel which joint is making the noise.
I'd bet it's your lower ball joint.
Last few weeks have been slow...I only replaced a couple sets of them
I think you have a dry ball joint or tie rod end.
If you crawl underneath while someone pushes the vehicle up and down you should be able to hear and feel which joint is making the noise.
I'd bet it's your lower ball joint.
Last few weeks have been slow...I only replaced a couple sets of them
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98 explorer groaning
If it is the lower ball joint or tie rod, how expensive is that to fix....also how safe is it to drive with this problem, I am gong to be driving back home ( from virginia to rhode island ) in about 5 days, is it ok for me to drive that long with this - i dont want my wheels to start flying off or anything, haha, thanks for the help
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98 explorer groaning
I'm gonna try to be more descriptive about this. When I turn the wheel while moving, the steering has kind of a tick. Also, when I hit the brakes to slow down, and the car pitches foreward, it kind of creeks. Does this help any?
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
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From: BC, Canada
98 explorer groaning
It sounds to me like a lower ball joint problem.
I think it would be a good idea to take it in and get it checked or check it yourself before you go on a long trip. Usually though when a ball joint or tie rod end makes a noise like that it is safe to drive...just annoying.
I'd still check it though before I went far.
I think it would be a good idea to take it in and get it checked or check it yourself before you go on a long trip. Usually though when a ball joint or tie rod end makes a noise like that it is safe to drive...just annoying.
I'd still check it though before I went far.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Colorado, U.S.A!
98 explorer groaning
That ticking when turning makes me think it might be a good idea to look at the CV joints.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Purmerend / The Netherlands
98 explorer groaning
Recently I had the same problem and installed new lower balljoints, mine had a vertical play of about 1/8 ". By itself it's not such a difficult job (thanks to this forum!) if you use common sense.
You only need a hydraulic press to swap the balljoint, or else replace the whole lower arm (triangle).
In The Netherlands I paid $34,- for each joint, in the US it will be cheaper.
If you decide to drive home first, no problem. Only take care not to overload the cargo area, this will lift the front end a little and might wobble in corners.
Succes, Tony
You only need a hydraulic press to swap the balljoint, or else replace the whole lower arm (triangle).
In The Netherlands I paid $34,- for each joint, in the US it will be cheaper.
If you decide to drive home first, no problem. Only take care not to overload the cargo area, this will lift the front end a little and might wobble in corners.
Succes, Tony
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Virginia Beach
98 explorer groaning
My 98 Explorer 4x4 developed a very load groan when I would turn at low speeds such at when parking- more stress on steering components then since the tires are not turning as much=more friction to overcome. It was a few years ago, but I do recall that Ford had a fixed for it by fitting some sort of brace somewhere along the steering mechanism. Can't remeber if it was an official recall or I had to pay for it, has been a while- but it worked. No more steering groan. If you think it may be steering related ask Ford about the possible fix.
Also, I occasionaly get a slight front end groan when the steering is turned almost to the limit either left or right and I go over a large bump. But I think this is just the rubber bushings/fittings/or-what-ever-you-call-them in the torsion bar/control arms coming under mega stress and complaining a bit. Just my opionion.
Jay
Also, I occasionaly get a slight front end groan when the steering is turned almost to the limit either left or right and I go over a large bump. But I think this is just the rubber bushings/fittings/or-what-ever-you-call-them in the torsion bar/control arms coming under mega stress and complaining a bit. Just my opionion.
Jay
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