Ford Repair: ford explorer, wheel bearing, reputable repair shop

Question
i have a 1994 ford explorer thats front end makes a noise like the tire is rubbing, then there is a clunk and noise will stop and vehicle will run fine for 3-4 weeks. also at times it will do this when turning wheel sharply and clunking is more pronounced.  thought it might be a cv joint but mechanic said truck has u joints and that would only make noise when in 4 wheel drive. vehicle doesn't make noise in 4 wheel drive. also told pack bearings and check ball joints. just would rather not get wrong part fixed.  vehicle doesn't make noise when mechanic test drives it, as usual
any info would be great thank you gryls@webtv.net

Answer
Gerry,

First of all, it sounds like you have a bad U-joint in the front axel. I would raise the front end of the vehicle up off the ground and check all U-joints. It sounds like you have 1 of the 3 U joints gone bad in the front end of your vehicle. I would also check the tie rods and drag link, which is all part of your steering system. It could also be a wheel bearing that is going bad, as you have both an inner and an outer wheel bearing in this particular vehicle. My strongest recommendation is to take your vehicle to a REPUTABLE repair shop and have them check these things out for you. Sorry it took so long to respond but I had computer failure. Hope that this helps and if you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Good luck.


Ken