I have a 2000 Explorer with 4.0 SOHC engine and 4WD.

I have a thumping noise that is speed related (thumps speed up with speed) that appears to come from the front of the vehicle. It can be heard, but is felt in the front floorboards. It is most noticeable at ~40mph, however can be felt at any speed. Thottle position does not affect the noise, nor does putting the tranny in neutral.

I took it to the dealer, they replaced ALL 4 tires, and wheels with ones off of another explorer to elimanate tires or wheels. They also replaced both front hubs since they were still under warrenty. They pulled the front drive shaft and it still makes the noise (not sure what good that would do since the front axles still turn with the wheels and the transfer case still turns with the transmission).

I have also noticed that my gas mileage has dropped from an average of 18.5-19 mpg to 15.5-16 mpg.

Any ideas, I am going to take it to another dealer, because the one I did take it too GAVE UP! Never heard of a mechanic just throw in the towel, they atleast would charge you for bogus repairs.

Please note this is not a mild thumping, any passenger can feal it. Including my wife . It gives me a very unsure feeling while driving.

 

Well I took my truck to another dealer to check out the noise. That dealer stated that the only thing they found was a flat spot in one of the front tires.

The problem with that is, I just had the front tires replaced hoping that would solve the noise issue. I told them this and they say they can not find anything wrong.