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2003 Ford Explorer jerking when take foot off accelerator

Tiny
KATHERINEB
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 110,000 MILES
After my car is warm, whether in Drive or 3rd gear (doesn't seem to happen in 1st or 2nd), when I take my foot off the accelerator, there is a jerking and thumping. More noticeable after changing spark plugs at last checkup but has been happening for 1-2 yrs, much more now. Passenger noticed jerking too. Counted 20 thumps in 10 secs going 60 mph and noticed 10 thumps in 10 sec going 30 mph in 3rd gear (going down hill).
Mechanics couldn't find anything the first time.
Thanks
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Sunday, April 11th, 2010 AT 5:12 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Has the check engine light or OD light come on?
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 5:37 AM
Tiny
KATHERINEB
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
No. It runs perfectly until I run on compression. The brakes have nothing to do with it either
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 7:35 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Without the check engine light, it becomes a guessing game. I hate to say it, but I feel it is transmission related. Have you every had it checked? It sounds like the torque converter isn't unlocking.
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 9:09 AM
Tiny
KATHERINEB
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I went on a test ride with the Dealers' mechanic. He felt the jerking and thumping and had me put it into neutral - going 60 mph on the fwy. It still thumped and jerked, so he thinks it's in the rear differential bearings. Would that make sense since when I put on the accelerator the jerking/thumping goes away? Thanks so much.
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 3:09 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Yes, it could be. Did he also check the u-joints?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 7:32 PM
Tiny
KATHERINEB
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I believe he did. He seems to think that replacing the rear differential bearings (some kind of kit) will take care of it. I hope so - $1400! Thanks for all of your help - I hate relying on one person alone (especially the Dealer).
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 7:39 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
I understand. However, they should be able to tell if a bearing is the probem before doing the work. Tell them to be sure. If they are not sure, get another opinion. I don't want them to do the work, charge you that much, and it not fix the vehicle.

Let me know how it goes.

Joe
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 8:27 PM
Tiny
KATHERINEB
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
So they found many bearings in the rear differential were worn or damaged. Don't know how that happens - I do drive it off road over rocks and uneven surfaces, would that do it? Anyway, the U joints were fine and they're going to replace the bearings. Hopefully that will fix it. Thanks so much again for your help.
KatherineB
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Tuesday, April 13th, 2010 AT 8:26 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Well, I'm glad they confirmed what the problem was before fixing it. Many shops guess, fix something that is fine, and charge the customer. As a result, the problem doesn't go away and they are left moneyless to repair the actual problem.

I was hoping it was something as simple as a u-joint, but no such luck.

As far as where you drive it, yes, that could cause it to wear a little faster, but honestly, it's the nature of the beast. Nothing in this world last forever. They all wear out at some point.

I'll leave you with this. Thank you for using 2carpros. Com and if you have questions in the future, please don't hesitate to contact us again.

Thanks for your business,

Joe

PS: If you have further questions regarding the repairs, let me know.
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Tuesday, April 13th, 2010 AT 9:12 PM
Tiny
MRICHARD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have had the same problem with my truck and couldn't figure it out. Glad I found this information.
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2010 AT 8:29 AM

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