03 Explorer sport growling noise when driving

[dakotanut]

My daughters Explorer is Maki g a growling noise when I am driving it. Thought it was the tires but they check out good. Was told that the wheel bearings could be the culprit. Any ideas on this? I was told it is a common problem on Explorers. Thanks for any and all input.

 

[ccm2001]

Jack the front end up and spin the wheels bye hand and listen, also see if there is any play rock the tire 1-6

 

[ccm2001]

Hub assembly are pretty easy to change , just use pb blaster on the bolts . and if ur hub is stuck a good tip is to leave thos 3 bolts threaded in a little bit and smack them nice with a hammer, will help loose it from the knuckle

 

[C420sailor]

Hub assemblies tend to make more noise when turning one direction, and almost go silent when turning in the other. Try making some fairly aggressive lane changes at speed and see if the noise is better/worse in one direction.

You can also jack the trucklet and with one hand at the top of the tire and the other at the bottom, give it a shake---pulling out with one hand and pushing in with the other. There should be virtually zero play. If you're unsure, compare with the other side.

The job is pretty easy---an afternoon's work. How many miles on these hubs?

 

[dakotanut]

It doesn't have hubs. It has bearings in the rotors. I replaced them and the races. Seems to be better for now but not sure. Still waiting. The upper ball joints are bad also. So I'm waiting on control arms to arrive. I don't know the torque specs on the bolts that hold them in. Does anyone have a list of those specs?

 

[swshawaii]

Front Suspension — 4x2 - Specifications
https://www.scribd.com/doc/273765798/Front-Suspension-8212-4x2-Specifications

Front Suspension — 4x4 - Specifications
https://www.scribd.com/doc/273765812/Front-Suspension-8212-4x4-Specifications