97 Explorer Clunking Noise

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Apr 26, 2004 | 12:59 PM

cherring

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Joined: Jul 2003

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97 Explorer Clunking Noise

My 97 Explorer with 123,000 miles has developed a thumping/clunking sound from the front suspension. No prior maintenance on suspension. Can anyone give me some ideas on parts likely to need replacement?

Apr 26, 2004 | 03:11 PM

marragtop

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Joined: May 2002

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From: Baltimore

Sounds like it could be the radius arm bushings. Farily common when you get over 100K on them. Do a search on this forum for 'radius arm bushings'.

Mike

Apr 27, 2004 | 07:30 AM

mason

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I don't believe '97s have radius arm bushings. Ford stop using them in the 1995 models. I would check out the ball joints.

Mason

Apr 27, 2004 | 04:53 PM

Bashman

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Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Cold Lake, AB

As mason stated, only first gen X's had radius arms (91-94). Besides the ball joints, it could also be shocks.

Apr 27, 2004 | 06:00 PM

98xlt

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Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 190

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From: Las Vegas, NV

Both my Dad and I had 98xlts that developed a clunk in the front end. It turned out in both cases to be the inner tie rods where they join the rack and pinion. If this is the case, hopefully it is just the tie rod end and not the rack itself. Also, if you do end up replacing the inner tie rods, I recommend going ahead and replace the outer tie rods with new ball joints that have zerc fittings instead of the lame sealed ones at the same time. I believe there is a TSB on this problem for your year if not 96.