When 4x4 HIGH is on and while driving on dry pavement (think going from snowy conditions to an underground parking lot), when turning, the drivetrain makes a very uncomfortable clunking noise, as though the left and right wheels are trying to turn at the same speed, but obviously they can't because you are turning. The outside wheels have to be able to turn faster than the inside wheels. I believe this to be a problem with many model years of the Explorer because I had an earlier model Explorer that did the same thing. My Mitsubishi RVR can be in full time 4x4 mode and does not do this.

I noticed one day, that when I would (going slowly) turn the wheels, this rubbing sound appeared. Eventually, it got worse and could be noticed when turning into my driveway. The rubbing sound seemed to come from the front wheels as if something was binding or trying to lock into 4-wheel drive. My Ford dealer diagnosed the problem as coming from the rear. They replaced the differential clutches and a rear tie rod (which they broke and replaced at their cost). I would have never believed the problem in the front came from the rear, but it did. After they repaired the problem, my Explorer ran really smooth. I felt good about the repair until I paid the bill. The bill was around $700.00

The other morning, my 2002 Ford Explorer (which has already had many problems) decides it wants to moan and groan in the front end. At first I thought it was due to a below freezing morning (for which I moan and groan too) but I soon found out my Explorer does like to make turns at low speeds. I'm pretty sure the 4x4 system is messed up and responsible because I have tires in the front that seem like they both want to turn at the same rate (not good in a turn) and a back tire that will spin upon acceleration. Of course, there is a big loud clunk which makes you feel like the whole front axle will be laying on the ground when you get out and look. Hmmm... this would be very shocking news to anyone except an Explorer owner. Just another day in the life of a Ford Explorer owner... always a new challenge in driving.

Anyway, I am unemployed a result of the domestic auto industry troubles and this is the last thing I need. Especially since it can not be driven in this condition and I'm trying to get to interviews and get back to work.

I have already spend thousands of dollars on repairs for this 2002 Explorer in the past. It appears to be time to call the junk yard and cash in the 401k money (paying taxes and penalties) to buy a Toyota or Honda. Being a Detroit native and loyal Ford buyer (never owned any other make and many family members work for Ford) I never thought I would say it but I have to come to grips with reality... Ford stinks!

Took the truck to the dealer because the front end was grinding and the truck was getting terrible gas mileage. Dealer soaked me on a brake and bearing job. Now that the front end is cleaned up the massive shaking from the rear differential is isolated. I don't have the cash to replace a rear end right now but have been assured that as long as the fluid is topped off, the differential clutch slipping is just an annoyance. I'll say. Every time I take a slow turn it feels like the truck is trying to buck me. I thought differentials were supposed to last the life of the vehicle; especially tow packages that have never been used to tow (We thought we would get a trailer someday but two more kids later and it's still a future plan.)

I'm sure in my case it was not the rear differential. My Explorer was making the roaring noise like bad tires do and also had a vibration feeling in the steering wheel when first accelerating or when backing up or turning. Ford closed their dealership downtown Chicago so I took it to a highly rated independent shop. Since I had a new transmission installed at around 50K miles, I suggested maybe the U joints were bad. The auto repair shop owner said it was definitely the rear end. Cost to repair $1900. When I picked up my truck, the bill had jumped to $2300 because while replacing the rear end, they found a broken spring which they took the liberty of replacing. I was advised that the rear end would settle down in 100 miles or so. On the drive home it was like nothing was done. Same noises, same vibrations only I'm $2300 poorer.

My daughter gave me a 2002 Explorer XLT. Since I got it, every single time I turn a corner the back end goes thump, thump, thump. It feels like it needs some kind of lubrication, but my husband has checked it and everything's full that should be. It wasn't until I read all the other comments that I considered the 'whining' a problem. I thought it was related to the type of tires I have on the car. My husband already changed the brakes, thinking that may be the problem. Next would be buying new tires, but I don't think, after reading everybody else's comments that that would solve my problem.

I am disturbed by the mention of the rear wheels suddenly locking up and causing an accident. I often drive my little grandson around and am horrified of anything happening to him. Has anybody found out exactly what the problem is; how to fix it short of taking out a second mortgage. My husband can do just about any repair, but there seems to be quite a few different diagnoses and I'd just as soon put my money into a solution, rather than another guess. Also, has anybody started any action against Ford, i.e. a class action law suit?