1997 Ford Explorer AWD Logo
Posted on Dec 27, 2008

Transmission or transfer case noise

My 1997 explorer is making a grinding noise when i let off of the throttle it is 4+4 with an automatic trans. it also makes this noise sometimes in reverse and it willnot move

  • nothinglikea Mar 05, 2009

    same problem...4x4 4 door 1997 single over head cam with auto transmission...does not matter if i am in 4x4 or not...in reverse 1/2 the time it will make a thump noise and kick out of reverse and just make a grindig/winding noise...only way for me to stop that noise is to drop it in neutral or forward gears...same noise as reverse but this time when i slow down from 100kmh or so...seems like the engine rpm drops and the transmission does not keep up...starts grinding/winding like reverse but now i have to hit the gas and raise the rpm for it to stop making the noise....will do it at differnet speeds but mostly around 100kmh.

    i want to fix it but i don't know where to start...could this be the transfercase or i hope its just the torque converter if thats possible...i know that usually 2nd gear and reverse are cnneceted somehow but i don't know transmissions.

    if i drop from drive to 2nd and i think 1st, it will do the same noise...only when i am driving of course....

    hope someone can help...thanks

  • Anonymous Mar 25, 2009

    i have the same problem at 60mph! what the heck is that noise

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  • Posted on Feb 22, 2011
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I have the same problem with my 94 explorer with a manual transmission, Just replaced the trans a month ago because of gear failure and now It's slipping out of gear when the engine isn't under load aka Coasting, was Told By a Really good Trans Guy that this is a failure in the Linkage in the transfer case am about to tear into mine tho It's way over my technical ability but will repost here after I get it torn apart with potential prices for worn parts for the do it yourselfer, And Has to be the issue I hope because the gears in the transmission are in pristine condition the other reason for suspecting the transfer case is that when my trans is slipping and making that weird Rattle Clatter sound coming from the trans if I put it in 4x4 low it drives great even tho the front wheels aren't pulling since I have the front drive shaft off at the moment,, Well Here goes Nothing Wish me luck on this teardown gonna need it..

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