99 Explorer clunking on acceleration

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 26, 2009 | 01:31 PM

corky43

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

99 Explorer clunking on acceleration

I am getting an intermittent clunking noise when I accelerate from about 5 MPH through almost 50 MPH. It happens at different speeds. I did notice it stops if I have it in 4 WD.

Any Ideas?

Mar 26, 2009 | 03:26 PM

99Xplr

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 335

Likes: 0

From: NJ

Mine does the same thing. It has to do with the 'auto 4x4'. Since the front axle is always live, and you accelerate at anything more then say granny speed, it will start engaging the front to prevent any wheel slip. I've lived with it for 85K miles (since I bought it with 40K on it). Locking it in 4x4 will lock the transfer case, and split power 50/50 thus eliminating the clunking you are hearing. Now, I'm not saying that my ignoring this has or has not caused any damage... so take it for what it's worth.

Mar 26, 2009 | 03:58 PM

corky43

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

I had a similar problem last year. The dealer told me it was the transfer case and I had it replaced. 300 miles out of warranty and this starts. Now they want to go into the transfer case again. This time, I was at an oil change shop and they hoisted it on a rack and engaged the 4WD. The clunking stopped. The guy at the sho said it sounded like the DC motor was engaging and disengaging or partially engaged.

I told the dealer this but they just blew me off without even looking into it, so I pulled the truck from the service department (After a lengthy arguement with the service manager about warranty mileage)