2002 Explorer Sport front end whistle

[headusher]

Two months ago a very high pitch whistle started in the front end. The pitch and sound level remained the same no matter how fast or slow the vehicle was driven, whether in 4 or 2wd and whether brakes were applied or not or whether coasting out of gear. The whistle started at 10 mph and stopped when the vehicle stopped. The nioise went away as mysteriously as it appeared. However it was intermittent for the next few weeks. My mechanic couldn't duplicate the noise but said my front brakes were shot so he replaced pads & rotors. Didn't hear the whistle for over a month. THEN it started again. After some forum searching, discussions with various mechanics the concensus was that the hub assemblies needed replacement. Several hundred dollars later the noise started up once again after just one mile from the shop with brand new hub assemblies.

This time it's more of a chirping whistle that varies in pitch. Starts at 10 mph and doesn't go away until the vehicle stops. Had the rotor dust shields checked for clearance, spray lubed the dust shields behind the hub assemblies. Still have the whistle. Truck is currently back in the shop with two mechanics scratching their heads.

Need this mystery solved!!

 

[Mutineer]

This time it's more of a chirping whistle that varies in pitch. Starts at 10 mph and doesn't go away until the vehicle stops. Had the rotor dust shields checked for clearance, spray lubed the dust shields behind the hub assemblies. Still have the whistle. Truck is currently back in the shop with two mechanics scratching their heads.

Need this mystery solved!!

Take a look at your half-shafts (front axle assemblies)

sounds to me like a constant velocity (CV) joint is dry (lack of grease)or has gotten water in it (rust on the bearings, breakdown of grease), possibly worn out.

Been there done it too many times

Also check the U-joints on the driveshaft or the CV(birdfield?) joint at the rear of the FT driveshaft.

Daniel

 

[hitman17mk]

if it sound sliek sparrows under the front
its most likely a u-joint with no grease left

 

[headusher]

I looked around under the vehicle and saw that the U-joint on the front of the drive shaft was very rusty. I sprayed it pretty good with WD-40 and also sprayed the dust shields behind each hub assmbly. So far the noise has not occurred since the spraying on Saturday. I'm assuming it was the U-joint. I have to make a quick trip tp PA (about 500 miles RT) and don't have time to replace it before I leave. The U-joint seemed pretty tight when I tried to move it by hand. Do any of you see this as being a potential problem if I don't replace it before I go?

 

[Mutineer]

I looked around under the vehicle and saw that the U-joint on the front of the drive shaft was very rusty. I sprayed it pretty good with WD-40 and also sprayed the dust shields behind each hub assmbly. So far the noise has not occurred since the spraying on Saturday. I'm assuming it was the U-joint. I have to make a quick trip tp PA (about 500 miles RT) and don't have time to replace it before I leave. The U-joint seemed pretty tight when I tried to move it by hand. Do any of you see this as being a potential problem if I don't replace it before I go?

Good deal!

Id bet on the rusty U-joint.

As long as you dont feel any slack when you shift into gear (or from Fwd to RVSE) and the hand test passed, you should be OK, But replace it ASAP, so it doesnt try to sieze up on you.

This trip should be the last one for that joint

Daniel

 

[schmidlkofer]

i would use grease not wd-40. i just greased the whole front end of my explorer.

 

[hitman17mk]

unless is a good aftermarket ujoint it wont have grease fittings

 

[headusher]

I checked last night - no grease fittings. I was a little off. It's the short, front driveshaft not the long (rear driveshaft). Since I'm not a mechanic I assume this is for the 4wd. I double checked again and it appears very tight with no play so I'm going to take a chance & drive to PA. No noise yet so I guess this is a good sign.

Wish me luck.

 

[Mutineer]

I checked last night - no grease fittings. I was a little off. It's the short, front driveshaft not the long (rear driveshaft). Since I'm not a mechanic I assume this is for the 4wd. I double checked again and it appears very tight with no play so I'm going to take a chance & drive to PA. No noise yet so I guess this is a good sign.

Wish me luck.

Thats about what I thought...

Yes the ft driveshaft is for the 4WD. unless you have an AWD, it wont really be a factor in your driving. When my CV joint on my ft driveshaft went, I just removed it(the driveshaft). Only problem is on an AWD, there are different mechanics to the t-case, and it will slowly roll down a hill if parked there without the brake on...SCARY So dont do that

You can take the Ujoint apart and grease it that way, But if its rusted Id replace it with a Spicer Stock replacement.

From what youre saying (not seeing or touching it myself) Id say you'll be alright, but replace it ASAP when you get back.

Daniel

 

[headusher]

Thank you everyone. I wish I had found this site earlier. Probably would have save me some $$. Although the first "high" pitch whistle may have been a hub assembly from what I've reading. The second (U-Jt) noise was more of the chirping sound.

Again thanks. Have a great holiday weekend and I'll let you know how my drive to PA works out.

Remember the 'backyard mechanics' motto:

You only need two tools:
WD-40 and Duct Tape.
If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40.
If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.

Ralph

 

[Mutineer]

Remember the 'backyard mechanics' motto:

You only need two tools:
WD-40 and Duct Tape.
If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40.
If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.

Ralph[/COLOR]

Daniel