1997 Ford Explorer Making Noise - Drive Train & Driveline

Question: My 1997 Explorer V8 AWD (88, 000 miles) is making very strange creaking/snapping/popping sound at vey low (creeping) speeds. It happens forward or reverse, but stops if you put the transmission in Neutral while still moving. At first I thought it was a front wheel bearing but it sounds like it's coming from the transmission/transfer case...no one can seem to pinpoint. Any ideas?

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Technican: Hello, Has anyone addressed the lubrication of the drive shafts (front and rear) splined slip joints that permit the drive shaft to change length as terrain and power changes occur? Please advise.

Technican: Hello, This is, the Diagnostics Just wondering whether you released this question in error as you missed the opportunity to reply to 's reply. Please let me know here or via email... Owner: As far as I know, yes. I was told the u oints and CV joints are OK; One mechanic seems to think its coming from the trnsfer case/or transmission; the ford dealer said front wheel bearing, but it only makes the noise when its under any load (ie in gear); if its coasting it doen't make the noise. I can't afford to replace wheel bearings at $350 ea if I'm not sure that's the problem.

Technican: Man! If a Ford Dealer told me that a wheel bearing would fix it and it didn't, I'd want to tell them to put the original back on and charge me nothing because I'm back in square one with NO improvement effecting a repair. I do not play the "lets try this" game. If you are firm at the outset, you can have an agreement with the service manager before your vehicle is worked on and make him take the risk. Its tough business but it is good business. OK, no noise on coast...noise present at low speeds in gear...what about in reverse? I'm going to look in the Mitchell 1 Auto Repair Data Base for service bulletins and repair notes that may help us here. Back tomorrow,

Owner: Hi The noise is odd...it happens in drive and reverse...if moving at say walking speed and shift to neutral it stops immediately...seems like something to do with a having a load on it...could it be internal in transmission or transfer case? could that "CV looking" joint between the transfer case and the driveshaft for the front axle be the culprit? it doesn't look like a regular U joint and doesn't seem to have any lube points on it

Technican: That "CV looking" joint on the front drive shaft is the splined joint that allows for a change in length of the shaft due to terrain or power changes. Were you to disconnect the flange from the transfer case and remove one or both bands that hold the boot in place you can slip the two pieces apart easily. Use a chalk line or equivelent to index the orientation of these parts before you seperate them to ensure getting them back on in the same place. My 1999 4WD Ranger gets to making a "clunk" when driving away from a stop and it is this splined joint on the rear drive shaft that causes it. I clean and lube it every year using CV joint grease. Ford had a technical service bulletin (TSB) calling for replacing the drive shaft assembly. A $400 part at wholesale jobber's price! My truck is out of warranty, so I lube the joint that isn't on the maintenance schedule as an expected task and re-band the boot in place with zip ties. Your's is an AWD vehicle. Have you had it's four wheels off the ground at the same time and checked to see if the noise persists on a lift or jack stands? Do you have a mechanic's stethescope? They are a $10 tool at auto parts stores. Yes, the noise can be internal but something must lead Ford to believe it is not, i.e. wheel bearing. I'd want to listen with a mechanic's stethescope and try to zero-in on the source.

Technican: Today I sifted through 297 technical service bulletins applicable to the 1997 Explorer. The only TSB relevant to your description of the complaint had to do with how to measure the u-joint to find the correct replacement should an owner prefer u-joints that can be lubed through a zerk fitting. One bulletin addressed a hissing noise at idle in drive or reverse coming from the transmission "control area". An orifice is undersized in a valve plate (two hours to fix) deep in the trans. Calls for a different plate. Have you had any sucess hearing the noise with all the wheels off the ground at the same time?

Technican: Still need help here?

Owner: I solved the problem by accident. I had the fluid in the transfer case changed (I don't know if was ever done in 88, 000 miles) while the transmission was being serviced; BINGO, the noises were gone!! The only explanation I can think of is the old dirty fluid was making the clutches in the TC creak and groan. in any event, the noises are gone. Thanks for your help; maybe this will help in the future Casey

Technican: Casey, What then, would you like to do concerning this question? Please advise.

Technican: Casey, Did you receive my last message? What would you like to do with this question, please? Thank you,

Technican: Hi, I'm checking in with you. Any news here?

Owner: I managed to solve the problem on my own; as I mentioned I changed the fluid in the transfer case and that stopped the noise. the only explanation I have (a guess on my part) is that the clutches in the case were sticking since the fluid was old and dirty (90, 000 miles) the new fluid seemd to take care of the problem; I also drove it about 1000 miles and changed it again, using Mobil 1 synthetic. so far so good. Where do we fgo fromm here? do I withdraw the question or what? casey

Technican: Write to, Site Administrator, .com and request a refund. Just let him know the reason for your request. You'll find him to be a fair and reasonable man.