Bad noise/abs problem 2002 Explorer Sport

[GaryR13G]

Hey guys, I just bought a 2002 Explorer Sport(4x4) about a week ago, and I'm having some issues. I don't know if these two are related and I was hoping you could help me. The ABS problem is at slow speed it pushes back against my foot, I read about the fixes for that. The other problem is intermittent. Sometimes I get a squealing noise from the front left wheel well area. At higher speeds it squeals, and at lower speeds it was making what can best be described as a "crunching/banging" noise, but it again is completely intermittent. When I was on the highway this morning I started hearing the squealing noise, and the ABS light came on. I was not using the brakes at the time the squealing started, and I was not using the brakes when it makes the crunching/banging noise. It seems that at slower speeds the noise may be affected by turning the steering wheel, but I am not sure.

Anyone had this problem before, and can help me out?

Thanks,
Gary

 

[GaryR13G]

Alright, backing up and turning the wheel to the right seems to really bind up what ever is failing.

Any ideas?

 

[my98nnj]

I would suggest jacking the truck up and getting that front wheel off to take a look. It could be a number of things. Axle, front diff. wheel bearing.
It does sound like you do have 2 different issues going on. One might be aggravating the other, most likely the louder crunch banging noise is a real problem.

 

[GaryR13G]

Happens in both 4wd and 2wd. I will be jacking it up in about an hour to see if I can determine anything. No tools at the moment though.

 

[96eb96]

Hey guys, I just bought a 2002 Explorer Sport(4x4) about a week ago, and I'm having some issues. I don't know if these two are related and I was hoping you could help me. The ABS problem is at slow speed it pushes back against my foot, I read about the fixes for that. The other problem is intermittent. Sometimes I get a squealing noise from the front left wheel well area. At higher speeds it squeals, and at lower speeds it was making what can best be described as a "crunching/banging" noise, but it again is completely intermittent. When I was on the highway this morning I started hearing the squealing noise, and the ABS light came on. I was not using the brakes at the time the squealing started, and I was not using the brakes when it makes the crunching/banging noise. It seems that at slower speeds the noise may be affected by turning the steering wheel, but I am not sure.

Anyone had this problem before, and can help me out?

Thanks,
Gary

The wheel bearing contains the ABS sensor and can be a source of noise. They also have a habit of failing. Like others said, jack the truck up and and spin the wheel, see if you have any binding or roughness. A bad ABS sensor or ring in the bearing will make the light go on/falsely trigger ABS.

 

[GaryR13G]

I can wiggle the wheel... I'm guessing it's the bearing. Is this a "hub bearing" or a "wheel bearing." What is the difference, between the two if someone could explain it to me?

Thanks,
Gary

 

[96eb96]

The hub is a unit that bolts onto the spindle. It contains the flange where you mount the wheel, bearings and ABS sensor equipment.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165429

and

http://www.autopartsdirecttoyou.info/?p=3

 

[GaryR13G]

Thanks, I was confused because you said wheel bearing, and on Rockauto they call it the Hub assembly. I guess the hub assembly contains the wheel bearing? We've had my buddy's 01x that far apart before, so it shouldn't be too bad. Thanks for the info.

 

[96eb96]

Thanks, I was confused because you said wheel bearing, and on Rockauto they call it the Hub assembly. I guess the hub assembly contains the wheel bearing? We've had my buddy's 01x that far apart before, so it shouldn't be too bad. Thanks for the info.

My bad - Yes, I used "wheel bearing" to refer to the entire hub assembly. It is a non serviceable assembly and you must replace the unit.

Good Luck!

 

[GaryR13G]

Looks like I may be able to get the car dealer to pay for the repair at Midas.

I'll take that option if it is available.

 

[GaryR13G]

Alright, I'm fixing it myself, and the dealer is going to pay me! Score for that. I got a Timken hub assembly. Are they good? It's just what my local parts store had in stock.

-Gary