1997 Ford Explorer Replaced CV Joints, but still clanking!

JKAAR04

MEMBER
1997 FORD EXPLORER
V8
AWD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

We just replaced the CV axle joints in our 97 Ford Explorer and it is still making a clicking clanking noise! My husband and his buddy who is a mechanic were 99% sure it was the CV axles, but obviously that is not the issue. It seems to be coming more from the front drivers side. My husband things it could be the gears in the "pumpkin"? It's kind of frustrating that we just spent our last $160 on these CV axles just to find that it was not the issue. What do you think is the problem here? Should we avoid driving it until we can afford to fix it? Is short trips ok? Or are we stuck? LOL

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

When do you hear the noise? Is it all of the time, when turning, stopping? Can you better describe the sound?

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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 AT 7:25 AM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

HI there,

with the new CV's fitted, one would be thinking that this type of noise is in the front diff, I would first drain the oil and check it with a magnet for anty evidence of a broken tooth, start here.

Mark (mhpautos)