Clunk!

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Feb 5, 2005 | 08:04 AM

mightypizu

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Clunk!

96 FE Sport, 4.0L, 4WD, 108,000miles

I know, u-joints or tranny, right? It only happens when I decelerate, right around 20 mph (or just below). Never while driving around or accelerating (downshifting in upper gears). It's a big "clunk"! It sounds like it's coming from the rear more than the front. Any ideas? Suggestions (besides take it to a mechanic

)? Thanks in advance.

Feb 5, 2005 | 09:34 AM

mrshorty

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From: UT

In addition to checking u-joints, it seems that the slip yoke on those driveshafts causes a significant amount of clunks. Pump some grease into it.

Feb 5, 2005 | 12:46 PM

texan2004

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From: Friendswood, Texas

Might want to check motor mounts as well thought I doubt that will be the cause but maybe. I agree, grease those splines.

Feb 7, 2005 | 12:21 PM

mightypizu

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Just had the mechanic look at it. He said the clunk was from the driveshaft (obviously) and the "splines" are worn. I guess he's talking about the splines on the slip yoke? Or perhaps on whatever receives the yoke? He said I should be able to drive it for awhile (eventually the driveshaft will need to be replaced). What would you do? Replace it? Ignore it? Replace just the slip yoke (if possible)? Buy used? Buy new? Thanks.

Last edited by mightypizu; Feb 7, 2005 at 12:23 PM.

Feb 7, 2005 | 01:56 PM

texan2004

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From: Friendswood, Texas

I can't believe it is worn out but I suppose I have seen stranger things. What you need to do is pull the drive shaft apart and apply a heavy coat a grease over the male and female splines then hook it back up. Use a good wheel gearing grease or something of similar consistency. Heavy grease. This ought to stop your clunk. I saw on this site where someone had put together a step by step by step set of instructions for doing this. I don't recall if it was on the Explorer Forum on on a different one here but it was very thourough and included pictures. Might want to do a search for it. Good Luck.

Feb 7, 2005 | 08:17 PM

Dialtone

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From: South Texas

Probably just slop in the rear end gears. It is a common problem on Fords as they get some mileage on them. It happens at slower speeds, when decelerating, and the transmission downshifts, but you may also notice it when accelerating lightly at low speeds and let off gas just as trans upshifts from 1-2. My 91 has been doing it for some years now, but no problems with rear end. Just keep up the normal maint. and live with it; no big deal.
Dialtone

Last edited by Dialtone; Feb 7, 2005 at 09:06 PM.