1994 Ford Explorer Weird noises, trying to figure out what

AQHBARRELRACER

MEMBER
1994 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
126,000 MILES

I just purchased a 94 Explorer and drove it home fine. The second time I took it out I had to engage the 4x4, turn it off, different sounds started. When driving there was a sound as if something was dragging on the ground but nothing was. It was a steady sound, maybe metal to metal rubbing? Then it stopped after driving/reversing a few times at long distances. Then after a few miles a thumping sound started, then sounded as if something dropped, then the steady grinding started again. There is still a slight thumping sound occuring. Also, my brake light just turned on and I have to floor the brakes.
Now before I bought this the owner said the following needed to be replaced: sway bar bushings, rear leaf spring bracket, and rear brake shoes/pads.

Any ideas will be appreciated.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi:
I need you to have the front 4wd hubs checked. If they are still the orig auto locking, they sound bad. As far as the the items he mentioned, none of them would cause the brakes to go to the floor. Check for brake fluid leaks (rusted steel brake lines) rubber brake hoses on front wheels, and behind each wheel. If everything is dry, you most likely need a new master cylender. NOTE: The rear shackles (leaf spring bracket) are known to rust and break. GET THEM REPLACED! The rear axle is mounted to the leafsprings, the leafsprings are connected to the Shackles. If both front and rear ones break, you lose one side of the axle which will most likely break the other side. The only thing left holding the rear axle, the driveshaft and a few brake lines. Potentially VERY DANGEROUS.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe