My Engine light has been coming on for a while now when I drive up hills or accelerate quickly. I am also getting a rattling sound in the engine at the same time and the acceleration up hills is sluggish. I am not sure what it is but remember the rattling in the engine on the old family cars when they got old growing up.

Anyway I had the tranny replace a while back and asked the dealer to check - they didn't and I was so frustrated after waiting 3 weeks for my rebuilt transmission to be installed that I had to go without them checking out this problem. I was also set back $3000 Cdn and could not take any more expensive news.

Now I have another problem - the front right bearings is shot and making a racket (or a tie rod?) but I think it is the auto bearing. I use it in 4 wheel drive every weekend up north so I think it is shot. I hope that is all.


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Stoney


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The rattle might well be the timing chain - check the tensioner. You might also check the wheel bearing has not dried out - re-packing with grease might help. Shot bearings produce a 'rumble' noise (also, after a run, compare the temperature of the hub with the bearing on the other side to see if it's hotter).

Chris

Cheer up, Stoney. The Explorer front wheel bearings are sort of notorious. They are also dirt cheap and very easy to replace. I changed my front right inner(coincidence?) about 3 yrs ago. I think it set me back about ten bucks (US). Throw in another dollar for the seal. Heck, throw in another buck or two for a can of good bearing grease. Add in about 2 hrs time and your back in business. Hope its a bearing. I need to clarify- two hours of your own time. Don't give it to a shop. You'll regret it.

Sink,

Thanks for the info. I do not know where to start as far as getting the parts - do you know any resources on line?

these wheel bearings should be readily available at any FLAPS..... just ask them, get a set and check the other side as well, repack it, tighten the nut and voila!! you're set for another 15-20k miles = 20/30k kilometers.......

good luck!
shoot if you still have questions.