Loud Humming noise at speed...

[2sonsexps]

I have a 2013 Explorer XLT with the 3.5L v6. Recently it has started to have a pretty loud humming noise that starts at about 35-40mph and gets louder the faster you go. I thought it was coming from the passenger front wheel bearing. I replaced the Passenger front wheel bearing/hub assembly and it did not change the hum at all. It is difficult to pinpoint where the noise is coming from...at times I think it may be coming from the Passenger rear wheel now...but there are times it sure sounds like it is coming from the engine/transmission area. It's tough to narrow down where it is coming from...

Anyone have a similar issue with a 5th gen Explorer?

Thanks!

Jeff

 

[peterk9]

Some humming noises have been attributed to the cowl and the 'A' pillar. Check to see if the cowl is loose. How many miles are on it?

Peter

 

[2sonsexps]

Some humming noises have been attributed to the cowl and the 'A' pillar. Check to see if the cowl is loose. How many miles are on it?

Peter

Peter,

137,000...I have replaced the A pillar trim once...

Also, usually when a wheel bearing is going bad, you can turn the wheel back and forth to sway the vehicle and if it is a wheel bearing it will get louder when the weight is off of the side that has the bad wheel bearing...when I sway my Explorer, there is no sound change...

 

[J_C]

I'd first try the simple test of rotating the tires to see if the noise follows the (potentially bad) wheel/tire. If it's something silly like loose lug nuts, you'd find that too.

While the tires are off, examine the brakes, and the other hubs if you've only checked the one you replaced.

Does it have 4WD and if so, have you ever changed the PTU fluid? Despite not being in the owner's manual (??) it is best to replace that fluid about every 30K mi +/- depending on severity of use.

The cowl noise can be caused by the upper flap lifting off the windshield, though it seems like that would be more of a rushing or whistling noise rather than humming unless it starts rapidly flapping up and down. Masking taping it to the windshield could temporarily test that.

 

[kevinkkc]

I have a 2013 Explorer XLT with the 3.5L v6. Recently it has started to have a pretty loud humming noise that starts at about 35-40mph and gets louder the faster you go. I thought it was coming from the passenger front wheel bearing. I replaced the Passenger front wheel bearing/hub assembly and it did not change the hum at all. It is difficult to pinpoint where the noise is coming from...at times I think it may be coming from the Passenger rear wheel now...but there are times it sure sounds like it is coming from the engine/transmission area. It's tough to narrow down where it is coming from...

Anyone have a similar issue with a 5th gen Explorer?

Thanks!

Jeff

I have the same issue. did you figure yours out? I've replaced 4 tires 4-wheel bearings an pass side axle shaft and the PTU

 

[peterk9]

I have the same issue. did you figure yours out? I've replaced 4 tires 4-wheel bearings an pass side axle shaft and the PTU

Welcome to the Forum.
Hopefully, the member is still following. He was last seen here on March 13th. Have you taken it to the dealer to have it checked out?

Peter

 

[tan56]

I have the same issue. did you figure yours out? I've replaced 4 tires 4-wheel bearings an pass side axle shaft and the PTU

I'm in the same boat, I've replaced all the same parts minus the axel shaft, but also done the drive shaft.
I'm still stumped as to where the noise is coming from.