2013 XLT Humming noise in front end

[DJJimS]

Hello,
I have a 2013 Explorer XLT. It has the 3.5 ltr V6 non turbo. I have a little over 48,000 miles on it. For about the past 6 - 8 months I have noticed a sort of dull "humming" noise (not sure how else to describe it) which seems to be coming from the front end. It is definitely related to wheel speed and not engine RPM as the noise changes in frequency the faster that you go. It starts at about 15 - 20 MPH and gets progressively louder up to about 65-70 and then seems to quiet down a bit, although it is still there. It almost sounds as if I am driving around on a set of monster mudder tires and at it's loudest it is almost impossible to hold a conversation without raising your voice a considerable amount. So, my first thought was tires. The tires were brand new at 30,000 miles and it definitely was not making this sound then. That was about a year and half ago. I swapped the tires around and the noise did not change at all. My next thought was wheel bearings / hubs. So, I put in new hubs (FoMoCo brand, not some chinese knock-offs), new rotors, and new brake pads. Still sounds exactly the same. I'm not sure where else I should be looking at but to be honest I'm not really familiar with the drive trains in this type of vehicle. I have always worked on more conventional 4 wheel drive systems with a full differentials, transfer case, etc. Any thoughts on where to look or help to point me in the right direction would sure be appreciated, this noise is driving me crazy!

 

[peterk9]

Hello,
I have a 2013 Explorer XLT. It has the 3.5 ltr V6 non turbo. I have a little over 48,000 miles on it. For about the past 6 - 8 months I have noticed a sort of dull "humming" noise (not sure how else to describe it) which seems to be coming from the front end. It is definitely related to wheel speed and not engine RPM as the noise changes in frequency the faster that you go. It starts at about 15 - 20 MPH and gets progressively louder up to about 65-70 and then seems to quiet down a bit, although it is still there. It almost sounds as if I am driving around on a set of monster mudder tires and at it's loudest it is almost impossible to hold a conversation without raising your voice a considerable amount. So, my first thought was tires. The tires were brand new at 30,000 miles and it definitely was not making this sound then. That was about a year and half ago. I swapped the tires around and the noise did not change at all. My next thought was wheel bearings / hubs. So, I put in new hubs (FoMoCo brand, not some chinese knock-offs), new rotors, and new brake pads. Still sounds exactly the same. I'm not sure where else I should be looking at but to be honest I'm not really familiar with the drive trains in this type of vehicle. I have always worked on more conventional 4 wheel drive systems with a full differentials, transfer case, etc. Any thoughts on where to look or help to point me in the right direction would sure be appreciated, this noise is driving me crazy!

Welcome to the Forum.
Chances are it could be that plastic cowl under the windshield. Try taping it down and see if the noise goes away.
There are several threads on that issue.
It could also be the 'A' pillar which has also caused issues.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/howling-noise.388152/#post-3178540

Peter

 

[Halford1]

Could be that your Explorer is so happy to carry you to any destination you are heading to.

 

[cdhoezee]

Hello,
I have a 2013 Explorer XLT. It has the 3.5 ltr V6 non turbo. I have a little over 48,000 miles on it. For about the past 6 - 8 months I have noticed a sort of dull "humming" noise (not sure how else to describe it) which seems to be coming from the front end. It is definitely related to wheel speed and not engine RPM as the noise changes in frequency the faster that you go. It starts at about 15 - 20 MPH and gets progressively louder up to about 65-70 and then seems to quiet down a bit, although it is still there. It almost sounds as if I am driving around on a set of monster mudder tires and at it's loudest it is almost impossible to hold a conversation without raising your voice a considerable amount. So, my first thought was tires. The tires were brand new at 30,000 miles and it definitely was not making this sound then. That was about a year and half ago. I swapped the tires around and the noise did not change at all. My next thought was wheel bearings / hubs. So, I put in new hubs (FoMoCo brand, not some chinese knock-offs), new rotors, and new brake pads. Still sounds exactly the same. I'm not sure where else I should be looking at but to be honest I'm not really familiar with the drive trains in this type of vehicle. I have always worked on more conventional 4 wheel drive systems with a full differentials, transfer case, etc. Any thoughts on where to look or help to point me in the right direction would sure be appreciated, this noise is driving me crazy!

I am having this same issue! Did you ever fins out what was wrong with it?

 

[peterk9]

I am having this same issue! Did you ever fins out what was wrong with it?

Welcome to the Forum.
The member you quoted was last seen here on September 18, 2017.
Have you checked the cowl that I mentioned in my post #2 ?

Peter

 

[cdhoezee]

Welcome to the Forum.
The member you quoted was last seen here on September 18, 2017.
Have you checked the cowl that I mentioned in my post #2 ?

Peter

Thanks Peter for your response. I think it might be the wheel bearings. It is definitely coming from the wheel area, as I mostly hear it when i accelerate or let off the gas.

 

[Digitalgp]

Did you just change your front wheel bearings or did you change the rears as well? I would put it up in the air and see if there is any play in them. It would be best if you were able to get it on a lift and have someone sitting inside to get the wheels up to speed and see if its coming from the drivetrain somewhere. That would also eliminate the possibility of it being the tires.