Rumbling sound/feeling rolling from dead stop

JW · 12-18-2010, 10:41 PM

I can hear and feel what is best described as a rumbling when I leave a dead stop. I don't feel it in the steering column, but more in the floorboards. It doesn't sound like grinding (like a trashed bearing) and silences within a few feet. I have the classic rear end noise at speed (bearings were never replaced by the previous owner) so I'm thinking it could be one or more of the bearings getting ready to go. Any other ideas?

While I'm at it - what is the definitive fix for the rear end noise? Is it all new bearings? Do I have to tear into the differential housing?

xlt03 · 12-19-2010, 06:28 PM

Sounds like it's time for a complete rear end rebuild. My 03 was whining and rumbling. took it in for a rebuild and the bearings on the pinion was pitted and was sliding up and down the pinion shaft. End result all new bearings, new ring and pinion, rebuilt LS and silence once again. Cost? $1600.00 in Northern California. My guess for you in So. Calif probably $1200.00 Keep us posted on what you do. You could also buy a rebuilt unit from one of the vendors here (Eric if I recalled) and do it yourself if you are inclined.

radcliffe · 02-19-2011, 08:49 AM

Hello I'm having the same rumbling sound from my 02 explorer xlt, I've tried every thing possible it's not the wheel bearings. I changed my rear differential check all the short shaft it sounds like its coming from the front drivers side. please if anyone can help me that would greatly be appreciated
thanks all

xlt03 · 02-19-2011, 12:03 PM

How many miles? You may want to change the front bearing/hubs. To help isolate the noise, find a quite stretch of road with no traffic and when the vehicle gets up to speed (approx 30-35mph) shift into neutral and kill engine and listen for noise. REMEMBER THAT YOU ONLY HAVE 2-3 PUMPS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL! Restart engine and put trans in gear and head home to replace your offending parts.

radcliffe · 02-20-2011, 12:09 PM

Thank you I will definitely give that a try.
thank you

natlmatch · 02-28-2011, 09:06 AM

Rad,

So what did you find out, Sir? I'm curious becasue I think I'm in the same boat as you. I hear a grinding-like sound coming from my passenger rear wheel area. It's very noticeable even from up in the front seat. It goes up and down with road speed and is unaffected by engine revs and does not go away when the brakes are applied (except to decrease with the speed of the vehicle).....sounds like the Starship Enterprise getting up to warp speed(the old TV series sound, not the movies). I can best describe it as 1/3 part "whine" and part 2/3rds part gear grinding-noise.

Good Luck,

NM

12-18-2010, 10:41 PM	#1
JW Wannabe Elite Explorer Valencia, CA 2003 Limited 4x4 4.6L Join Date: Oct 2000 Posts: 206 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Rumbling sound/feeling rolling from dead stop I can hear and feel what is best described as a rumbling when I leave a dead stop. I don't feel it in the steering column, but more in the floorboards. It doesn't sound like grinding (like a trashed bearing) and silences within a few feet. I have the classic rear end noise at speed (bearings were never replaced by the previous owner) so I'm thinking it could be one or more of the bearings getting ready to go. Any other ideas? While I'm at it - what is the definitive fix for the rear end noise? Is it all new bearings? Do I have to tear into the differential housing? __________________ JW Ceramic White 2003 Explorer Limited 4x4 4.6L: JBA headers, Steeda underdrive pulleys, K&N FIPK, Cougar/Thunderbird electric fan/Flex-A-Lite Controller Medium Wedgewood Blue 2004 Explorer XLT 4x4 4.0L · Raven Black 1994 Ranger Supercab STX 4x2 4.0L

12-19-2010, 06:28 PM	#2
xlt03 Wannabe Elite Explorer Bay Point, CA 2003 XLT 4.6 4X4 Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 234 Vehicle Specs	Sounds like it's time for a complete rear end rebuild. My 03 was whining and rumbling. took it in for a rebuild and the bearings on the pinion was pitted and was sliding up and down the pinion shaft. End result all new bearings, new ring and pinion, rebuilt LS and silence once again. Cost? $1600.00 in Northern California. My guess for you in So. Calif probably $1200.00 Keep us posted on what you do. You could also buy a rebuilt unit from one of the vendors here (Eric if I recalled) and do it yourself if you are inclined.

02-19-2011, 08:49 AM	#3
radcliffe Wannabe Elite Explorer 2002 ford explorer xlt Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 3 Vehicle Specs	Hello I'm having the same rumbling sound from my 02 explorer xlt, I've tried every thing possible it's not the wheel bearings. I changed my rear differential check all the short shaft it sounds like its coming from the front drivers side. please if anyone can help me that would greatly be appreciated thanks all

02-19-2011, 12:03 PM	#4
xlt03 Wannabe Elite Explorer Bay Point, CA 2003 XLT 4.6 4X4 Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 234 Vehicle Specs	How many miles? You may want to change the front bearing/hubs. To help isolate the noise, find a quite stretch of road with no traffic and when the vehicle gets up to speed (approx 30-35mph) shift into neutral and kill engine and listen for noise. REMEMBER THAT YOU ONLY HAVE 2-3 PUMPS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL! Restart engine and put trans in gear and head home to replace your offending parts.

02-20-2011, 12:09 PM	#5
radcliffe Wannabe Elite Explorer 2002 ford explorer xlt Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 3 Vehicle Specs	Thank you I will definitely give that a try. thank you

02-28-2011, 09:06 AM	#6
natlmatch Wannabe Elite Explorer North houston 2005 XLT Explorer Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 13 Vehicle Specs	Rad, So what did you find out, Sir? I'm curious becasue I think I'm in the same boat as you. I hear a grinding-like sound coming from my passenger rear wheel area. It's very noticeable even from up in the front seat. It goes up and down with road speed and is unaffected by engine revs and does not go away when the brakes are applied (except to decrease with the speed of the vehicle).....sounds like the Starship Enterprise getting up to warp speed(the old TV series sound, not the movies). I can best describe it as 1/3 part "whine" and part 2/3rds part gear grinding-noise. Good Luck, NM