Grinding and pulling coming from front end

[John LaClair]

I have a 2004 Ford Explorer XLT with the 4.0 V6, non flex-fuel. When I got it, it had bad upper ball joints and tie rod ends. There was a vibration in the front end, so I replaced those. The vibration didn't go away. When I let off the gas and was coasting, the Explorer would feel like it was braking off and on and pull to the left (this is in 4x4Auto, which didn't engage on its own due to the ABS issue). If I shifted into 4x4Hi it would have a constant dull vibration when driving. I found that the left front speed sensor was bad and when I unhooked it, the problem went away. I replaced both hub assemblies with speed sensors, and in the process of doing the driver side I damaged the threads on the CV Axle with a misplaced hammer strike. I replaced the CV Axle on that side. Now all of my dash warning lights are off, my scanner doesn't pick up any issues on the OBDII, and it still feels like it is braking off and on and pulling to the left when coasting, particularly when slowing from speeds of 45mph or above. Now when the 4x4Auto engages (since I fixed the ABS) on a slippery surface and I get onto paved roads, the Explorer moves all over the road until the 4x4 disengages again. If I engage 4x4Hi it constantly makes a squeaky grinding sound when moving, vibrates, and the engine has to work a lot harder to move, which didn't happen before all of the repairs.

I assume that the problem disappears when I unhook the speed sensor because that disables the ABS, which in turn disables the 4x4Auto. Am I correct in assuming that?

I can say for sure that it does have one mismatched tire of the same size and it needs an alignment. I'd never done a CV Axle before this one, but seemed pretty straightforward and seems to be seated in there well. This was also an issue before I replaced that so I don't see it as a likely culprit. So any ideas besides the mismatched tire?

 

[John LaClair]

I have a 2004 Ford Explorer XLT with the 4.0 V6, non flex-fuel. When I got it, it had bad upper ball joints and tie rod ends. There was a vibration in the front end, so I replaced those. The vibration didn't go away. When I let off the gas and was coasting, the Explorer would feel like it was braking off and on and pull to the left (this is in 4x4Auto, which didn't engage on its own due to the ABS issue). If I shifted into 4x4Hi it would have a constant dull vibration when driving. I found that the left front speed sensor was bad and when I unhooked it, the problem went away. I replaced both hub assemblies with speed sensors, and in the process of doing the driver side I damaged the threads on the CV Axle with a misplaced hammer strike. I replaced the CV Axle on that side. Now all of my dash warning lights are off, my scanner doesn't pick up any issues on the OBDII, and it still feels like it is braking off and on and pulling to the left when coasting, particularly when slowing from speeds of 45mph or above. Now when the 4x4Auto engages (since I fixed the ABS) on a slippery surface and I get onto paved roads, the Explorer moves all over the road until the 4x4 disengages again. If I engage 4x4Hi it constantly makes a squeaky grinding sound when moving, vibrates, and the engine has to work a lot harder to move, which didn't happen before all of the repairs.

I assume that the problem disappears when I unhook the speed sensor because that disables the ABS, which in turn disables the 4x4Auto. Am I correct in assuming that?

I can say for sure that it does have one mismatched tire of the same size and it needs an alignment. I'd never done a CV Axle before this one, but seemed pretty straightforward and seems to be seated in there well. This was also an issue before I replaced that so I don't see it as a likely culprit. So any ideas besides the mismatched tire?

Also has 155000 miles if that matters.

 

[John LaClair]

3 of the tires are Michelin Radial X P235/70R16

1 tire is a Mastercraft Courser HSX 235/70R16

 

[Donystoy]

For starters I would at a bare minimum move the odd tire to the rear and see if it changes anything. Very important to have matching tires on a 4wd vehicle. Also make certain that the brake caliper is not hanging up and is operating properly.