2000 Explorer Front End Rattle

2000 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
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TNTJACQUES
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  • 2 POSTS
I have a clunking/rattling going on sometimes when I go over bumps. It seems like it happens more when going over bumps side to side, not as much as the wheels go up and down. It has 75,000 miles on it and I have brought it to 2 mechanics who say the front end is tight as a drum. Good upper and lower ball joints and new shocks. The latest mechanic said it could be my inner tie rods. any ideas?
Feb 13, 2006 at 7:19 AM
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LOVESCARS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 359 POSTS
shock bushings? maybe something in the cooling area that's not tight. vehicle ever been smashed?
Feb 14, 2006 at 10:22 AM
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TNTJACQUES
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  • 2 POSTS
no it hasn't
Feb 14, 2006 at 11:15 PM
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LOVESCARS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 359 POSTS
the inner tie-rods are easy enough to have checked. have an alignment done by a good repair facility that specializes in FEA's.
you may also want to check your brake calipers for tightness a loose brake pad may cause a noise in the front end or worn cailper mounting hardware.
worn body mounts can cause the sort of noise you describe.
To check the tie-rods jack the front wheel off the ground 1 at a time and be sure to jack under the lower control arm
(be sure it's heavy duty enough to support the weight of the vehicle) then grab the tire hands at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock and try to move the tire in and out to check tie-rods.
Feb 15, 2006 at 9:32 AM
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MADDISON
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 28 POSTS
There are 3 explorers in my family ranging from 95 to 99 and they all had a clunking noise with a tight front end.New stabilizer bushings cured all three trucks.
Feb 20, 2006 at 4:56 AM
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Suggested Repair

Check and replace worn stabilizer bushings, which cured the same clunk on similar Explorers with a tight front end. Also inspect inner tie rods (jack under the lower control arm and rock the tire at 3 and 9 o'clock), have a front-end alignment specialist check them, and inspect brake caliper hardware and pads, shock bushings, and body mounts.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2000 Explorer with 75,000 miles reports a clunk or rattle over bumps, more noticeable side to side than when the wheels move up and down. Two mechanics found the front end tight, with good ball joints and new shocks; one suggested inner tie rods. The vehicle had not been in a collision. Experts suggested checking shock bushings, cooling-area fasteners, brake caliper hardware and pads, body mounts, and inner tie rods, plus a specialist alignment. Another expert said new stabilizer bushings cured the same noise on three similar Explorers.

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