Explorer popping

Some 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles may exhibit a noise from the front wheel area when accelerating from a stop or when shifting between drive and reverse. The noise is usually described as a ting or pop type noise.

1. Separate the halfshaft from the wheel hub (refer to workshop manual section 205-04). Do not remove halfshafts from the transmission or power transfer unit.
2. Install one thrust washer, metal surface first, over the halfshaft splines until the metal ring is flat against the wheel bearing mating surface. The nylon surface should face outward toward the hub/splines.
3. Assemble the halfshaft to the wheel hub. NOTE: A new ball joint nut and wheel hub nut must be used.

Thrust washer………………P/N BB5Z-7G272-A

Wheel hub nut……………...P/N W712435-S439

Ball joint nut……….....…….P/N W714890-S440