1997 Ford Explorer: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Jul 27, 2004 · Engine · 60,000 miles · MI

1997 explorer 4.0 sohc purchased in 1999.made knocking noise went to dealership several times under warranty and was told my motor was pulled and tensioner (pulley, cam tensioner) was replaced.after recieving notification from ford of "in warranty" service bulletin,different dealer said it hadnt been replace or documented by previous service.so,it was supposedley replaced again (2 time).still making the noise after so long, and told several times "we cant find anything wrong" kept driving.now, I am in dealership for about 10th time and my tesnioners,possibly my timing chain,and possible other components (hopefully not motor)need to be replaced again(3time,more damage)??!!this time theres no warranty or reason why I shouldent "have to pay" so it is costing me $1600 so far...possibly more if there was more damage.this must be documented because I have tried in good faith and numerous,tiring efforts to repair this from day one!do not want to have to replace motor in near future like others.

Filed Sep 2, 2001 · Engine · TX

New engine needed. I have had ford replace the cam tensioners, only to have had it fail now for the 3rd time in 8 mos. I am going to request the engine be replaced at dealer cost, as it was a recalled part. The warranty was extended to 72k miles back in jan 0f '01. I now have 90k and the problem has reocurred. The problem was never really corrected, so its my opinion that ford is obligated to correct this. Was told engine needs replacement. Have had a constant 'ticking' since purchased. Now very loud clattering and 'rapping' noises in timing chain area. I was told there are 6 chains on this engine and they only replaced the front, saying if the back ones are bad, the engine needs to be replaced...and that that is the problem since the first 2 replacements have gone bad again.

Filed Aug 31, 2001 · Engine, Lights · NJ

When vehicle is sitting or moving there is a ticking noise coming from engine. Vehicle was at repair shop, and mechanic told consumer that vehicle needed a cam chain guide. Dealership was aware of problem.*ak dealer replaced the timing chanin, also the brake light was inoperative.

Filed Nov 28, 2000 · Tires · FL

Consumer felt a knocking noise on front passenger's side while driving at 70 MPH. Then, pulled over and noticed a hump on tires. Took vehicle to dealer where technician said that tread was separating on three tires. P235/75r15, dot w2hl1py406.*ak the consumer had asked firestone to include the failed wilderness at tires in the recall list since they are similar with ones on recall.

Filed Nov 8, 2000 · NC

Ticking noise in engine since purchase. Had the SUV in a ford service center several times for recalls etc. Had only 21,000 mile at purchase. Went to another ford service center with engine service light on at 36,200. Told I needed the timing chain replaced at my cost. According to your web posting a service bul. Has gone out on this problem long ago. Ford should have had a recall . If not fixed in other engines this will couse major engine failure and major expense to others. Ford should have covered this! According to your web customer complaints I am not the only one that has had this problem. Ford needs to be pushed on this problem before major engine failure happes to others with possible injuries etc.

Filed Oct 30, 2000 · Tires · SC

Tire was knocking, took SUV in to firestone dealer, they told me the tread had separated. (it had not yet departed the tire).*ak (dot number: w2hlipy157 tiresize: p235/75r15)

Filed Sep 4, 2000 · Engine · FL

Engine making ticking noise where time chain is. After disassembly by mechanic found tensioner with timing chain was defective. New tensioner and timing chain installed( dot number: )

Filed Mar 8, 2000 · Engine · MI

My '97 explorer sport makes a diesely noise. I have seen many complaints on the ford enthusiasts message boards. I have had several repairs done and it hasn't fixed the problem. I've heard belt tensioner, cat converter, heat sheild, lifters , bearings, arm rockers, and even rod knock. Ive also heard there was a batch of '96- early '98 explores made typically the sohc. I want some answers. I am fed up with having unnecessay repairs done to my truck. Please contact me.

Filed Nov 16, 1999 · Engine, Fuel system · VA

Engine- vehicle began making knocking/ticking noise from engine at 30000 miles, took into dealer to report it, and they said no problems. Noise was at start ups and after vehicle had set for brief time. Noise became louder and longer in duration, took back into dealer at 35000 miles, again, they said no problems-normal noise. At 41900 miles, vehicle became undriveable, noise was extremely loud and metallic in nature. Took to different dealer who stated that they had numerous problems with 1997/98 explorers with 4.0sohc engine timing chain tensioner failures. Most were under warranty and they sent entire engine back to manufacturer to repair. Now my vehicle was out of warranty and the reapai cost me $700.00. The vehicle went back 3 days later with same problem, another $300.00. I feel that I reported my problem while the vehicle was still in warranty and that ford should cover the repairs. I also think thatford is fully aware of a widespread problem with these 4.0 sohc engines and the timing chain/tensioner defects. I have talked with many dealers and individual owners who have stated the defect is not isolated. Had my family and I been traveling at high speed when this thing went bad and the engine quit,there could have been an accident. There needs to be a formal investigation into this issue, it is too widespread and ford certainly is aware of the problem, but unwilling to address it and compensate consumers who are suffering with this. Fuel system- there is also a hesitation/stalling that occurs on same vehicle that has been into teh dealer on several occasions to fix, but can not be diagnosed or repaired. This is very dangerous especially when pulling into intersections or turning at traffice lights. My wife has had several near misses due to this. Again, this appears to be widespread with this 4.0 sohc engine. Please let's have something done about this before someone is hurt. Ford's army of engineers surely are aware this exists. Mark ditto

Filed Apr 22, 1998 · Airbags, Brakes · FL · crash

Started applying brakes after going 30mph. Vehicle did not slow down or stop. Rearended several vehicles. Upon impact, airbags did not deploy. Left front wheel came off. Prior to impact, cv joint made knocking noise when turning. Took to dealer twice for knocking noise.