annoying noise

[h-bomb]

I have a 98 Explorer EB. I purchased it in February, and haven't had any problems with it yet. Within the past 6 months or so, I've noticed a very annoying hum when I am driving. The engine is a 4.0 SOHC btw. The sound seems to be coming from the back tires/axel area. It's a medium pitched hum that occurs when I let go of the gas while driving or when I barely press on it. It fades away the more I press down on the pedal. the noise is VERY noticable when the music is off. I don't believe it is the tires due to the fact that the noise occurs when I press gently on the gas pedal or barely let off of it. If anyone has this problem or know what it could be, please let me know.

Thanks,
Justin

 

[mdrut]

How many miles, is it a metel hum or eletrical??
My guess is the fuel pump...

 

[Stephen]

Ditto, sounds like the fuel pump. You positive that is hasnt always been there? The Explorer's pump is pretty loud normally.

 

[h-bomb]

its a metal hum. I drove around a lot today, and really payed attention to it. It really doesn't make the noise when i let go of the gas pedal...only when i press down slightly or moderately. When i press it down almost all the way down, i guess i hear the engine over the noise. the noise seems to be coming from the middle or back area underneath the car (thats why i think it has to do with the axel or something).

oh yea...it has 120,000 miles.

thanks again,
Justin

 

[Stephen]

Really does sound like the fuel pump to me then.

 

[tbomb]

98 explorer with 120,000 miles?!?! damn! anyways, could be the fuel pump, like some people have mentioned, ever think of it possibly being a small exhaust leak?