2010 Front end noise

[89saleen]

First post.
I have read many of the threads about wheel bearing noise and it seems to match the symptoms of my 2010 with 75K miles on it. I attribute some of the noise to the original tires that will soon be replaced. I just can't believe that hubs/bearings would wear out so soon with normal driving. I have a '98 Astro AWD with 280K miles of Montana winters with the original hubs. It also seems like it doesn't coast as nicely as it did when newer. When I put it in 4WD on dry pavement it doesn't feel or sound much different (unless I try to make a turn). I also had a '91 XLT that was a fantastic vehicle. Unlocking the front hubs required driving in reverse a few feet. Here are my questions:

1) My first Explorer had front hubs that locked and unlocked. How does the 2010 accomplish this or are the front axles always engaged with the front diff? Do the front axles and drive shaft turn at the same speed whether 4WD is engaged or not? It seems like this is bad for fuel economy if that is normal operation.

2) Is replacing the hubs on a 2010 much different than the '06 and '07 models I have read about on other posts?

 

[Flag Gibby]

Replacement of the hubs is the same for the 06-10 model years. To answer your first question the 4th gen. 4WD type is a center differential with mechanical lock.
From Wiki: Ford Explorer (1995–2010) - automatic ControlTrac four-wheel drive with two-speed dual range BorgWarner transfer case and intelligent locking center multi-disc differential.

 

[TowingExplorer]

My 2006 needed a front wheel bearing at just 73k, but probably much longer. I didn't even notice because I don't drive it enough and just thought it was generally loud. When I had it in for some other service work, the dealer noticed and changed it out under the ESP.

 

[TourGuide]

I have seen it posted here that the hubs on these vehicles can and often do go out at ~ 75k miles. Mine went to about 100k. I replaced all 4 wheel bearings - the front hub parts are expensive, so shop those around and buy off the internet. I bought motorcraft hubs for about half of what the dealership wanted. The rear bearings are cheap but the labor is expensive.

 

[asull85]

It definitely sounds like your wheel bearing is bad. I had the driver side go bad around 80k and the passenger side went around 115k.