Growling Noise When Turning

[97xltsohc]

Hey, Ive been getting a low toned growling noise when turning. It does it when i turn the wheels both ways when parked and when at speeds up to 5 mph. There is no noise at all when turning at higher speeds. Ive done some searching but couldn't find anything that fit my exact situation. Its a 97 4.0, 4wd. Is it possible that its air in the power steering system?

 

[jodogg]

I have a 1996 AWD Explorer and this sounds exactly what I am experiencing. Any update on what this could be? Slow turns left or right produce this sound as soon as I turn the wheel. Get going 10-15 mph and it is not there as far as I can tell. I flushed thhe power steering because nI thought it might be part of the issue, and the fluid was dirty. Now it steers much smoother but the sound is still the same.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[Lube]

Could be the steering pump is dying.

 

[my98nnj]

I've had that growl for years, doesn't bother me and the power steering works just fine. Makes the noise when you pull into or out of a parking spot at slow speed.

My conclusion - If it ain't broken, don't fix it.

 

[drbenz]

If the p/s is full try having someone turn the steering wheel while you listen next to the front wheels (stopped of course) to see if it might be a noisey tie rod end or ball joint.

 

[LMG]

Tsb 97-21-15

Your Explorer may be stuck in 4WD. I had a similar problem with my 1997 Explorer. TSB 97-21-15 will tell your Ford dealer how to recalibrate the Generic Electronic Module so that the transfer case can slip a little more. I had this applied (about $35) and also changed the transfer case oil to be sure (About $75). This completely cured the problem that had bothered me for six years. It was like having a new vehicle and the problem has not returned after 3 years. I can not be certain this will fix it, but it may be worth a try.

 

[jodogg]

tsb's and AWD vs. 4x4

I'm guessing that the nature of the AWD is that it is basically "stuck in 4x4 mode" beacause it is full time 4x4, right? I'm not positive I understand that.

Curious about TSB's, looking at the history of them from now back to 1996 there quite a bunch of them. Can anyone take a vehicle to a dealership and say "check my vehicle for all of those items"? Is there some sort of time line that prohibits one to just roll up and have these items check for, or repaired for free? Does change in vehicle ownership change anything here also?

Thanks,
Joe

 

[jplinville]

The most you'll get for free from the dealerships is this...they'll check your VIN, and perform all recall work. Anything over and above the recall work, you'll be charged for.

However, they may be able to check your VIN and see if some of the TSB work has been done.

 

[LMG]

Jodogg, In 1997, the 4.0 L engine came with control-Trac which had three driver settings. When mine was set to Auto, 96% of the torque should have been sent to the rear axle. In my case, too much power was sent to the front axle, which did not allow the front tires to slip on dry pavement. The 5.0 L engine came with AWD, where normally 65% of the power goes to the rear. It is not clear whether the TSB refers to the AWD system, but the dealer could tell you.

Article No. TSB
97-21-15

10/13/97

^ SHUDDER OR BINDING SENSATION - IN TIGHT
TURNS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN 4X4 AUTO MODE -
VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH APRIL 1997

^ TRANSFER CASE - SHUDDER/BINDING SENSATION
IN TIGHT TURNS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN 4X4 AUTO
MODE - VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH APRIL 1997

LIGHT TRUCK:
1995-97 EXPLORER
ISSUE:
A shudder or binding sensation in tight turns while in 4X4 Auto Mode may be experienced on some vehicles. The shudder is due to a high torque output from the clutch in some transfer cases.
ACTION:
Recalibrate the existing Generic Electronic Module (GEM) if the GEM is identified with engineering part number F77B-14B205-BB. The revised calibration commands a lower torque which allows the transfer case clutch to engage smoother so shudder or binding should not result. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Using Service Bay Diagnostic System (SBDS) machine, use the latest software release to recalibrate the GEM to command a lower minimum torque level from the transfer case. Follow the instructions below:

1. Select "Body, Chassis, Electrical" from the SBDS Main Menu.
2. Enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle being serviced and continue to the "Body, Chassis, Electrical" menu.
3. Select "Module Reprogramming" under the "Category" scroll box, and "Module Reprogramming" under the "Tool" scroll box.
4. Follow all on-screen instructions, continue to "Module Reprogramming Procedure" screen and select "GEM Module, Shudder in 4X4 Auto Fix, 4X4 Auto Fix."
5. Again, continue and follow all on-screen instructions until the GEM module has been reprogrammed.
6. A copy of the log can now be printed to document what has been done to the vehicle.

If the new calibration does not satisfactorily resolve the concern, refer to TSB 97-3-14 for additional corrective actions.