2002 explorer random steering vibration/shudder when turning from stop

[johnsonsmith1234]

When turning from a stop, my 2002 explorer has an occasional vibration / shudder that I can "feel". It does not affect handling and I only notice it from a stop and not while driving. I am not noticing any abnormal tire wear on the front tires. My dealer and my regular mechanic have not been able to find any problems. It is very slight and only lasts for a few seconds until the wheels are straightened out.
Any help?

[XLT03]

Does your Explore have 4X4? If yes, that's probably what you are feeling and that is normal. When going very slow and you're turning the steering wheel, the tires do not turn at the same rate and the "computer" thinks that the tires are slipping and will engage the 4X4. Normal for a "Auto 4X4".

[clutch492]

Just saw your message and have been working on one of these myself.

I have found that if you pull the connectors on the module for the 4X4, the jerking goes away. And, yes, your issue could be just normal operation, but only if it is not severe. I have read other posts and issues written and have found that the module itself might be the problem. A Ford dealer has recommended the replacement of the module. It is located behind the glove box and is the module that is to the left side (drivers' side) of the heater blower motor. The connectors are easy to disconnect from under the dash on the passenger side behind the left side of the glove box.

Try disconnecting the connectors and see if the jerking (at slow speeds and turning sharp) goes away.

Now, if it goes away, we now know that the module is sending power to the electromechanical clutch.

Now, we must think about what is happening when the module is connected. The module is turning on the electromechanical clutch which is inside the transfer case. Why is it turning it on? It may be a bad speed sensor on the transfer case. The module is "looking" at the speed sensor of the transfer case (front differential) and the rear wheels (rear differential) and if the module is getting signals, that do not match, from these sensors, it will apply the electromechanical clutch to cause the front wheels to "drive". If your speedometer is working well, then the rear speed sensor is good. I would then suspect that the transfer case speed sensor/sensors are bad or dirty. They are a magnetic sensor and microscopic metal filings can build up on the end of the sensor and cause a weak signal.

Hope this helps.