Intermittent bucking when accelerating then at 50 mph there is a popping sound

Tiny
MEANIEE13
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 179,000 MILES
When driving everything is fine then if I slow down still fine but when I start to accelerate (not every time but lately more often) my vehicle starts to buck and jerk the whole vehicle it stops. When I get to 50 mph or faster but if I try to floor it to get to that speed it makes a popping noise. I know it's not the motor or transmission because when it happens I have put it into neutral to see if it was still happening and it does. I'm not sure If it's the wheel hub and bearing assembly or something else. I've replaced the shocks/struts, upper control arms, and new tires. It's definitely coming from the front of my vehicle. It sort of feels as tho one tire is dragging.
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 9:18 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

Based on your description, it sounds like a fuel pressure issue. If the pressure is low, it will cause the vehicle to act this way and can even cause a popping (backfire).

Has the check engine light stayed on when the engine is running? Or, has it ever come on when you experience this?

Let me know.
Joe
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 9:37 AM
Tiny
MEANIEE13
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No check engine light at all. When it's not doing that it drives great that's why I'm wondering if it could be the wheel hub assembly. I have had a scanner on it and no codes are being thrown.
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 1:55 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Is it possible for you to record it when it happens so I can hear it? The noise you hear does it sound metallic?
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Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 9:35 PM
Tiny
MEANIEE13
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
It's not as loud on the recording it sort of sounds like my tire is flat and I'm driving on it.
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Wednesday, May 27th, 2020 AT 8:23 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

I heard it. Does the sound speed up as you do? If it does, have you checked CV joint and the universal joints? Is the differential fluid clean and full?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-cv-axle-joint

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-u-joints-work

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/differential-gear-oil-fluid-check

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, May 28th, 2020 AT 8:27 PM

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