2003 Explorer rear end swaying

[kbasham]

When I drive my Explorer, the rear end is swaying really bad. I jacked it up and felt some play in the rear wheel. My first though was the wheel bearing. It isn't making any noise at all. Is there anything else that could be causing this?

 

[xlt03]

Nope, it's the rear bearings. Dangerous to drive. Repair ASAP. Do both sides if bearings were never changed. Raise rear and see if you can move the wheels side to side. If yes, it's bearing(s).

 

[jakedrew]

doesnt that year have a issue with coil springs breaking.?

 

[gtyates]

I,too, believe the '02 and'03 had problems with rear coil springs breaking. Check your springs.

 

[kbasham]

thanks for all the help guys... I am going to start troubleshooting tomorrow.

 

[therealblinky]

mine was doing the same thing. my rear bearing was blown, but it wasn`t making a noise. got it replaced, and turnes out my rear toe links where shot too, so i still get some wheel play. get the rear bearing checked out because i can almost garuntee that`s your issue

 

[dorman68]

mine was doing the same thing. my rear bearing was blown, but it wasn`t making a noise. got it replaced, and turnes out my rear toe links where shot too, so i still get some wheel play. get the rear bearing checked out because i can almost garuntee that`s your issue

I agree with therealblinky, my neighbor had the same issue on his 03, his toe links were shot, we were only able to find them at the dealer.

 

[kbasham]

Ok get this. I got the explorer all jacked up and took the tire off. I rented a 35 MM socket at Autozone to take of the axle nut. Got the socket put on and was really expecting to have to really put a lot into it to get it off. It wasn't even tight!!!!!! I about had a heart attack. I tightened it back up and all the wheel play went away! So it wasn't the wheel bearing but really worried about how the axle nut became loose. I had had my 2003 Explorer since 2005 and I have never had to do any work on the rear hub so this really worries me. I am going tomorrow and getting a new axle nut to be on the safe side. YIKES!!!!

 

[xlt03]

Ok get this. I got the explorer all jacked up and took the tire off. I rented a 35 MM socket at Autozone to take of the axle nut. Got the socket put on and was really expecting to have to really put a lot into it to get it off. It wasn't even tight!!!!!! I about had a heart attack. I tightened it back up and all the wheel play went away! So it wasn't the wheel bearing but really worried about how the axle nut became loose. I had had my 2003 Explorer since 2005 and I have never had to do any work on the rear hub so this really worries me. I am going tomorrow and getting a new axle nut to be on the safe side. YIKES!!!!

Don't forget to torque the nut to specs. Jack up the vehicle to take the weigh off of the axle and hub. Also keep an eye and ear on that bearing. When the nut loosens like that the weight of the vehicle can ruin the bearing. The axle nut from the dealer has a glue on the threads that suppose to help retain the nut. If you use the old one use Loctite. I'm not sure which color.