gearhead1970

Have an '02 Explorer XLS 4x4 with 5spd manual. Strange rotational rattle noise coming from right below gearshift boot. Somewhat quiet when everything is cold, then gets louder. The noise is obviously tied to drivetrain, because it gets faster as you drive faster. Kind of sounds like (in the good ole days) when a speedometer cable would go bad.

Synchros on way out? Any help would be appreciated!

Bert

Does it do it in neutral? If it only does it driving, check the u-joints? You could also raise it on stands and run it to see if you can pinpoint the location. The synchros usually only cause grinding when you shift gears.

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Bert

gearhead1970

Thank you for replying!

Yes, does it in neutral with clutch in, clutch out, while coasting. Only makes the noise while driving/rolling should I say. Other than this, it drives and shifts just fine. No vibrations....just this annoying noise under the shifter boot.

Good idea to put up on stands to simulate driving and try to pinpoint noise. I'll try that.

Since it's 4x4, do you think this noise could be transfer case related? It's also that "Auto 4WD" too.....would that have anything to do with it? Reason I ask is because one time (just once when I was testing the 4WD) when I put it in 1st there was a strange fluid burping type noise which came from same location.

Thanks again!

Bert

That could ve in the transfer case, raising it and running it should help. Check the fluids in the driveline while you're under there.

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Bert