Just purchased 2003 Explorer

[89blackvette]

I just purchased a 2003 Explorer 4.0 V6, 2 wheel drive. I have a very slight whinning noise in the rear of the car at 60 tp 65 MPH. It makes noise when pulling and noise goes away when coasting. Any suggestions,it has 88000 miles on it. What tires are best as I need a set now. Thanks for your time.
Mike

 

[imp]

Gear Noise?

It seems to be commonly mentioned here that this gen. of Explorers often experience rear gear whine. Why this would be is not clear to me, as the rear "pumpkin" is pretty stout-looking, big as a regular 8.8" axle, which it may have been adapted from, though it is of aluminum alloy instead of cast iron, as the 8.8s are.

One thought which comes to mind, however, is that with a "live" axle, the center section is well-insulated from the frame & body of the vehicle, thusly requiring that gear noise transmitted to the frame must travel through the length of the axle tubes before passing through the springs and suspension to the frame. The 2002-2005 Explorer has it's center section mounted to the frame directly (though there may be insulating material, I'm sure), which could account for more noticeable whine pickup.

On the other hand, 'Vettes also have their center frame mounted; I wonder if gear noise is common with them? imp

 

[mainsource]

Had the exact same issue on my 03 V8 AWD when I bought it. I've read various diagnosis on these threads about the cause.

In my case, I replaced both rear wheel hubs and the noise went away.

 

[89blackvette]

Thanks for your answers. No Vettes do not have an issue with reaer gears. I will try to determine if it is louder on one side, that will point to hub going bad. Is the rear hub a hard job for shade tree mechanic, guess I will have to get a shop manual. Any other common issues that I should look at? Again thanks.
Mike

 

[dannym52fire]

The whining sound is the Explorer crying because it's not a 4x4. I would cry with it if I were you.

 

[89blackvette]

I would cry, but 4 wheel drive is just more stuff to break and wear out. I have no need for 4 wheel drive as I will be on paved roads all the time.
Mike

 

[thepotroast]

The whining sound is the Explorer crying because it's not a 4x4. I would cry with it if I were you.

 

[dannym52fire]

Couldn't resist. Sounded good at the time

 

[coled43]

Try changing out the fluid. I suggest Royal Purple Max Gear. If it is limited slip, use the Ford additive. It helped the whine in my 02. It's still there at 130k, but I feel better anyway.

 

[LoKo498]

How do you change the gear oil?