Funny noise from rear

[mustangmanny]

Hi guys! Im new to the site. Just had a tech question. Im hearing a rotating bearing noise I think from the drivers side rear alxe bearing or the rear itself. Do axle bearings go bad and are they servicable on a 98 explorer Eddie Bauer w/ 98K? Or is my rear starting to go? The only time I hear it is on light acceleration at 10mph and above. It doesnt seem to make the noise on decell. Any help would be great.
Thanks, Manny

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Welcome aboard.

Do you have a limited slip? You may need to change the rear differential fluid (make sure you put limited slip additive in it). Also, axle bearings do go out, but not that often. i would try and pinpoint the noise to either differential or axle ends. Worse comes to worse, replace the two axle bearings and if that doesn't fix it then change the bearings in your rear differential. You might, however, want to maybe change fluid. Another way to test a LSD is to take turns and see if he hear any noise. If so your LSD might be "cooked" or you may just need to change fluid.

-Drew

 

[mustangmanny]

Thanks for the info drew. I will check the fluid at least and check for noise on turns. I dont know if it is a limited slip. Would the dealer be able to tell me? I'll try and ask them.
Thanks again, Manny

 

[badgett]

if the axle code on the plate inside the drivers door has 2 numbers (such as 41) it's not LS. If it has a number and a letter (such as 4A) it is limited slip.

 

[mustangmanny]

It is a limited slip. The plate says D2. It also has a 4.0 SOHC. Shold I try changing the axle fluid first?

 

[ExplorerDMB]

It's a good inexpensive way to start. Just make sure you get the right fluid and to get LSD additive. If you get synthetic, then it'll already have it in there.

-Drew