horrible grinding in back wheel

[jriceGMU06]

Hey everyone, its my first post here

Got an 02 explorer and last week, the rear driver side wheel started to make a grinding and clicking like sound. After a few days it started to get worse and grind constantly at all speeds. at first it was only noticable at low speeds. now you can here it all the time through the cab at all speeds. today i was pulling out of my driveway and when i when to stop at the end of it that wheel completely locked up. it would still move when i went faster but whatever stress is on that wheel is enough to make it lock up when going at very slow speeds <5 mph. anyone have a clue what this could be?

Thanks for any help,
Jason

 

[410Fortune]

stop driving it! It could be a few things but is most likely a brake issue, either disc or parking.

Have you taken the wheel off?

 

[jriceGMU06]

After that happened this morning, i definatly backed it right back up and there it sits. my dad is coming to get it tonight to take it to his house, next to our mechanic. I tried taking the wheel off today in my drive way but after i got all the lugs off i couldnt seem to get the wheel off. ive heard many suggestions on what it could be. wheel bearings, rotor, brakes. i have now clue. what really makes me mad is i just bought this thing 3 weeks ago. :fire:

 

[410Fortune]

I understand it makes you mad but owning a vehicle = repairs are part of the game

 

[Blee1099]

Did your rear end on the truck by chance howl before this happened? The 02 Explorer definately has some issues. This was the 1st year of the new body style design so I'm sure some things need to be re-worked. I suspect wheel bearing failure.

 

[jriceGMU06]

no it never really howled, just started as mild clicking or ticking sound of metal.

 

[Blee1099]

I suspec the rear hub/bearing assembly has failed then. They are very problematic on the 3rd gens.

 

[jriceGMU06]

Thats what i was told by some friends, that it may be the bearings. my dad has to drive it back to his house tonight, about 15 miles. hope its ok.

 

[410Fortune]

if the wheel is frozen, dont be surprised if it falls off in that 15 miles.

was 02 the first year of the Gen III?
I get confused.

 

[Blee1099]

Yup 2002 was the start of the 3rd generation Explorers. The 2 door sports are considered 2nd generation since the keep the same drivetrain as the 2nd gens.

 

[410Fortune]

as do the sport tracs

 

[jriceGMU06]

well, the wheel isnt completely frozen. just stopped when rolling at < 5mph. it still spins.

 

[410Fortune]

thats frozen man, If youa rew going 5 mph and the tire isnt turning, its froze. Driving on it like that for 1 mile will likely break metal and the trie comes off, let alone 15.

 

[jrford]

Had the same problem on a 10yr J--p, it had 4 Wheel disks too If not mistaken, the parking brake is setup like a drum brake inside the Disk brake Rotor. Since the rear parking brake was never really used it was rusted real good, i went to use it once it worked but never released. The pad material also separated from backing plate, wound up jamming itself between the other pad and drum. Wheel still turns but it get real hot, every see brakes catch fire from too much heat? I have, scary.
To get it off use a BFH and pbplaster, soak the wheel. You will have to get the rotor off eventually. May need bigger BFH. Sounds like you welded the wheel on??