High Pitched Oscillating noise, 1999 4x4 XLT.

[CT 1999]

Hi everyone,
1999, SOHC 4x4 XLT 109,000 miles, with Last few years there has been a high pitched oscilating noise from--I think the front end, but only occurs when moving greater than 5 MPH, so hard to tell. Worse in cold/wet wheather, usually worse when engine is cold, although has been present after long trips as well and when I lived Fresno (very hot weather). Not always present (but most of time), no clear trigger, worse at low speed, then becomes higher pitched w/faster oscillation with higher speed, can be very loud. Wind and engine noise limit ability to hear it at freeway speed, returns when going down the off ramp and is very loud in city driving.

I have heard the same noise from other explorers (4x4 XLT actually) driving down the street.

Took it to the dealer 3-4 times over the years this has been going on, with no resolution, no serious problem found, replaced serpentine belt no effect, replaced brakes with no effect.

I love my X, but would really like it more if it was a little quieter, as this is a little embarrasing when I have to drive past a long line at the movie theater, or parking garages.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Clean the IAC valve, and the intake manifold.

 

[Dopler174]

Turn your radio up REAL loud.


Seriously...does it churp, or is it constant "Skweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee"?

 

[brianjwilson]

Welcome to the forum! It's most likely the high pitched constant squeal of the outer CV joint dust seals (excluder seals). It's real common, worse when it's cold out. The rubber gets cold and brittle. The front driveline always turns, which is why the noise changes with speed. You don't hear it much when you're faster because it is turning so fast, and road/wind noise drowns it out.
The seals aren't too spendy ($35 iirc), but the labor is expensive. You can do it yourself though if you have some tools and patience, look at the write-up for replacing cv joints.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187964&highlight=cv+replacement

I believe the seal in question is pictured right here, where the CV joint goes into the steering knuckle. Try saturating the seal with silicone lubricant spray and see if the noise goes away (make sure whatever you use is okay on rubber). It won't fix the problem but will normally quiet it down temporarily. It will atleast help to diagnose it for sure.

Hope this helps you!

 

[CT 1999]

thank you all so much. I'll let you know which works (turning up the readio does work, just wasn't what I was looking for).