97 Xlt Front End Noise When Turning

I recently purchased a 1997 XLT SOHC V6. Recently every time I make any turn other than changing lanes I have two things happen. The steering wheel starts to stiffen up and it makes a and the front end makes a noise and then a huge thud and the car jerks. It sounds like the front end is engaging or disengaging. This happens at low and moderate speed on turns almost all of the time now.

Can anyone give me an idea of what I'm up against? Thanks!!

I recently purchased a 1997 XLT SOHC V6. Recently every time I make any turn other than changing lanes I have two things happen. The steering wheel starts to stiffen up and it makes a and the front end makes a noise and then a huge thud and the car jerks. It sounds like the front end is engaging or disengaging. This happens at low and moderate speed on turns almost all of the time now.

Can anyone give me an idea of what I'm up against? Thanks!!


I'm guessing you have the all time 4 wheel drive (control trac) and it is engaging the front wheels more than it should. It can vary front wheel engagement from about 10% up to 100%.

Much of the time it is a problem with the sensors that monitor the speed of the front and rear driveshafts. They get dirty, or a little tired and don't work well.

The General Electrical Module (GEM) monitors those sensors and varies the amount of front axle engagement based on the difference in driveshaft speeds. It uses a solenoid in the transfer case which engages / disengages some clutch plates.

So the solenoid may not be working right, or worst case is a transfer case rebuild.

You will want to get it fixed soon - the clunks are tension being released in the front axle assembly. If you ignore it damage to your front axle may occur.

I'm guessing you have the all time 4 wheel drive (control trac) and it is engaging the front wheels more than it should. It can vary front wheel engagement from about 10% up to 100%.

Much of the time it is a problem with the sensors that monitor the speed of the front and rear driveshafts. They get dirty, or a little tired and don't work well.

The General Electrical Module (GEM) monitors those sensors and varies the amount of front axle engagement based on the difference in driveshaft speeds. It uses a solenoid in the transfer case which engages / disengages some clutch plates.

So the solenoid may not be working right, or worst case is a transfer case rebuild.

You will want to get it fixed soon - the clunks are tension being released in the front axle assembly. If you ignore it damage to your front axle may occur.

Thanks for the advise, I guess the best place to have it checked out would be the dealer. The previous owners bought it new and had it serviced only at the local Ford Dealer. I figure I will take it back their.