Wheel bearing/ Starting Issue

bracyder · 04-29-2011, 11:30 AM

Hi all,

Recently my brother began looking for a used vehicle and wanted an Explorer. We looked at quite a few so far some nice some rough. Recently we looked at a 2004 that was a very nice clean car at a Ford dealer, which leads me to my next questions. Upon trying to start the car the engine turned over but would not fire we tried three time and finally on the fourth time it did fire. I found this very odd being and have done some research on why it didn't fire only to fond it could have something to do with the throttle body and a hole. Has anyone seen an issue similar to this?

Next, while test driving the car there was a hum in the left rear that sounded like a large tread tire hum. I am familiar with noises cars make and fairly mechanically inclined but this seemed to stump me as it really didn't sound like a wheel bearing going out. However, after reading some post and talking to some others familiar with the explorer wheel bearings sound like they are a typical problem.

In closing the vehicle is a 2004 Eddie Bauer AWD with 100K miles. Anyone with advice and knowledge is appreciated.

guilateen · 04-29-2011, 03:24 PM

ford dealer should know better definitely hubs , dont get the 6cyl underpowed,not as reliable, and not more efficient as the 8. as for firing up no clue bet it was a 4.0 though. make sure cd player works, rear springs not cracked mainly an 02 problem. pay close attention to tranny shift points any hesitation run away . the rear ends r known for making a whine or howl noise there r a few threads on it

jakedrew · 04-29-2011, 11:17 PM

is it all wheel drive or automatic 4x4? i personally would stay away from the "awd" one as I heard from a few here about issues.

As to tell if it is a rear end issue, get it warmed up( like 5+miles) get up to 55 ish, let off the gas, get on the gas slightly and if the noise comes and goes it is a ring and pinion issue.

Wheel bearings- them make noise all the time. I have a 04 xlt v8 and had the rear end done at 55k miles ( now howling a little again at 73k but I dont care) had 3 wheel bearings done ( 1 front and both rears). I did the front and the rears I took to ford as I dont want to mess with that. I have all the tools/ shop space but rather pay to have them done.

also the blend door actuator is a known issue. ford wants 600- 1000$ to fix, there are directions here to fix it for under 75$.

This is the best place to be. you will find any info you are looking here.

04-29-2011, 11:30 AM	#1
bracyder Wannabe Elite Explorer Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 1 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Wheel bearing/ Starting Issue Hi all, Recently my brother began looking for a used vehicle and wanted an Explorer. We looked at quite a few so far some nice some rough. Recently we looked at a 2004 that was a very nice clean car at a Ford dealer, which leads me to my next questions. Upon trying to start the car the engine turned over but would not fire we tried three time and finally on the fourth time it did fire. I found this very odd being and have done some research on why it didn't fire only to fond it could have something to do with the throttle body and a hole. Has anyone seen an issue similar to this? Next, while test driving the car there was a hum in the left rear that sounded like a large tread tire hum. I am familiar with noises cars make and fairly mechanically inclined but this seemed to stump me as it really didn't sound like a wheel bearing going out. However, after reading some post and talking to some others familiar with the explorer wheel bearings sound like they are a typical problem. In closing the vehicle is a 2004 Eddie Bauer AWD with 100K miles. Anyone with advice and knowledge is appreciated.

04-29-2011, 03:24 PM	#2
guilateen Wannabe Elite Explorer RI 02 mounty awd 4.6 Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 252 Vehicle Specs	ford dealer should know better definitely hubs , dont get the 6cyl underpowed,not as reliable, and not more efficient as the 8. as for firing up no clue bet it was a 4.0 though. make sure cd player works, rear springs not cracked mainly an 02 problem. pay close attention to tranny shift points any hesitation run away . the rear ends r known for making a whine or howl noise there r a few threads on it

04-29-2011, 11:17 PM	#3
jakedrew Wannabe Elite Explorer wisconsin 04 xlt Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 512 Vehicle Specs	is it all wheel drive or automatic 4x4? i personally would stay away from the "awd" one as I heard from a few here about issues. As to tell if it is a rear end issue, get it warmed up( like 5+miles) get up to 55 ish, let off the gas, get on the gas slightly and if the noise comes and goes it is a ring and pinion issue. Wheel bearings- them make noise all the time. I have a 04 xlt v8 and had the rear end done at 55k miles ( now howling a little again at 73k but I dont care) had 3 wheel bearings done ( 1 front and both rears). I did the front and the rears I took to ford as I dont want to mess with that. I have all the tools/ shop space but rather pay to have them done. also the blend door actuator is a known issue. ford wants 600- 1000$ to fix, there are directions here to fix it for under 75$. This is the best place to be. you will find any info you are looking here.