Help w/ 02' noise (rear end?)

[red96camaro]

My girlfriend has a 02' Explorer and the rear end is screaming. I'm not sure really how to describe the sound but the thing sounds like a airplane going down the runway. I know it's sometimes hard to tell where noises are coming from but I'm 99% sure that this is coming from the rear end. It does get louder the faster the truck goes but it will make the noise regardless if I am on the gas or not, it will still make it even if the truck is coasting. Is there a common problem like this that anyone can tell me about? I am slightly mechanically inclined but not enough to start ripping things off the rear axle and try to find what is going on so I appreciate any help you can lend.

 

[JDraper]

I believe there's a TSB on that problem. Alldata lists it as 05-12-6 JUN 05 Drivetrain - Drive Axle Whine/Hum on Accel/Decel/Cruise

 

[red96camaro]

TSB? does that mean recall?

 

[JDraper]

No, a TSB is a Technical Service Bulletin. It means it's a problem that Ford is aware of and has a fix in place for. Under warranty it's free, but you might have to fight to get it covered out of warranty.

 

[Mike02]

Might check your rear wheel bearings. I have an o2 with 60K and had them replaced due to noise comming from the rear. Also had rear rebuilt under waranty at the same time. Happy to say not much noise now.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

More than likely it's the bearings in the rear end.

-Drew