Growling noise front driver side

[jbrown123]

I have a 1998 Ford Explorer that I have been trying to find out what is causing this noise. Everytime I turn I get this growling rubbing noise in the front driver side, and it only does it when I turn right. I have had the power steering pump, rack n pinion, and rotars changed, but I still have the noise. The mechanic checked the wheel bearings, cv joints, ball joints well pretty much everything. We cannot figure out what is causing this. I did notice that the driver side tire in front is cupped a little on the inside of the tire, but that is about all I have found. Can you please help me with this? I have been dealing with this for 3 months now.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

if it goes away when turning left - then I would suspect wheel bearing. Drive down a straight-away and turn in a S-type pattern down the road and see if it comes and goes on paticular turns. If it goes away always when turning left, then your right wheel bearing is pretty well toast.

-Drew

 

[jbrown123]

growling noise when turning right

I have taken it down a straight road and turned to the left and right and the noise is only on the right. I really notice the noise when I am pulling into a parking spot or turning into my driveway. The mechanic said he looked at the wheel bearings when he changed my rotars and he said they looked fine, but who knows he changed a lot of parts hoping the noise would go away.
Thanks for the info.

 

[ststock23]

I've got the exact same issue with my 99 Mountaineer. If I'm not mistaken, the wheel bearing is included with the hub assembly? I'm hoping that's the issue and not cv joints. Anyone have an answer?

 

[explrths]

Probably the wheel hub assembly. Easy to fix. I have had to do both of mine. I could take the wheel off, grab the hub, turn it by hand and feel that it wasnt very smooth. To replace, take wheel off, remove dust sheild, remove caliper, remove three bolts from behind the hub. It will fall out after that. Takes about an hour.

 

[jbrown123]

growling noise when turning right

I have taken my Explorer to Ford and they said there is a TSB on the 1998 Explorers and 1999 Mountainers. The problem is caused by exhaust system vibration when the engine firing frequency lines up with a resonant frequency of the exhaust system. And they modified the pressure power steering hose. You have to isolate the metal lines on the steering assembly by installing the new rubber hose.

 

[ststock23]

Replaced wheel hub assembly with a $50 junk yard part. Solved the grinding noise. Also a noticable difference in movement of the truck.

 

[explrths]

Told ya I have replaced 3 so far. Can do it in 25 min now........easy way to check em. Jack up the truck. if you can move the wheel (wooble it) hub is probably bad. If you want to really test it, pull off the wheel and caliper, turn the hub if it isnt smooth, its shot...Glad you got it taken care of

 

[Steeda90GT]

I believe I may have this same problem, where did you guys get this kit from and how much?? Does anyone have a pic of it? Can I purchase it at a Pep Boys type of place? Thanks.

 

[Homerexplorer]

They run ~$170 + tax at Autozone. Not sure about Pep boys.

 

[explrths]

Got mine from advanced:173$.....Looks like.........WEll, pull off the tire, brake caliper dust shield and rotor, basically the hub is left. There are three bolts thru the back and it ussaully falls out.