1995 Ford Explorer: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Aug 3, 2006 · Steering · 110,000 miles · CO

Dt*: the contact stated there was a clunking noise coming from the front end. The steering wheel shimmied at low speeds. There was a the federal safety agency recall, # 95v053000, regarding the steering: linkages: tie rod assembly. The dealership was not contacted. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.

Filed Jun 12, 2004 · Transmission · 61,000 miles · OK

I have had 3 transmission failures on my 1995 ford explorer. I bought it new. The first failure occured just out of warranty. It was rebuilt. The next failure occurred just out of the warranty for the first rebuild. I had a new transmission put in. The third failure is just beginning with the od light flashing and a hard clunk when the auto transmission downshifts into first gear.

Filed Jan 11, 2002 · Transmission · OH

On 12/20/01, I tried to go into 4 wheel drive. Auto 4wd light didn't come on. Driving it resulted in noise from underneath the vehicle: groans, loud clunks, severe vibrations, and difficulty steering the vehicle. Next both 4wd lights started blinking. On 12/24/01, I took car to dealer. Actuator was replaced, which they said was a problem in these cars. Charge was $441.77. I noticed same problem. Back to shop on 12/26/01. After 2 days work problem was identified as water getting into the transfer case, contaminating clutches, causing them to stick and grab. Fix was to drain and refill the case. Cost $205.45. He said there was a vent but this would not have allowed for this problem to occur. Problem is less but still present. Later, all the while still noticing the vibration, I noticed that both lights would begin to flash.the federal safety agency site provided several tsb's that seem to deal with the problems: sb# 97314, dated 02/97; sb# bc0206970201, dated 01/97; sb# bc1011297020, dated 01/97. All deal with the transfer case binding or shuddering. Also two tsb's recommending the use of a revised vent tube to prevent water getting into the transfer case: sb# bc0133970201, dated 01/97; and sb# bc1012797020, dated 01/97. Dealer was unaware of this procedure and did not suggest doing it on my vehicle.I still have problems with auto 4wd. The dealer has replaced a speed sensor, eliminating the flashing lights. Bill is now $700 and not fixed the problem, known since 1997. Nobody bothered to tell me to have my transfer case fluid checked or the vent tube changed. Dealer even told me that they normally would not check for this and that I should take it upon myself. Since this problem appears to be due to an inherent design flaw and has been known by ford since 1997, within my warranty period, I called ford customer service and asked for problem be fixed without cost to me. They knew of the problem and the repairs but refused to help since its out of warranty.

Filed Mar 9, 2000 · Suspension · ME

Premature wear of ball joints, causing vehicle to make a loud clunking noise when turning. Dealer has been contacted.

Filed Jan 3, 2000 · Steering · WA

While driving at 30mph into a curve and heard a clunk sound. Continued to drive vehicle to work and parked it. Drove vehicle home from work couple of hours later and parked it. While driving at a higher speed, vehicle swayed from side to side at around 40-45mph. Slowed down to 30mph to keep vehicle under control. Took vehicle to mechanic, and they determined it to be a broke tie rod.

Filed Dec 4, 1998 · Suspension · ME

Whenever turning vehicle to right, the sway bar would make clunking noise. Vehicle would sway back & forth. Took to dealer and had it road tested. Put on rack & notice problems with sway bar & had it repaired. *ak