Low growling noise coming from rear

[Tyler92]

Hello all. I have a 2002 Explorer with 62,000 miles and have a low pitch growling coming from what I believe is the right rear. It seems to get worse the further you drive which leads me to believe as it heats up it gets worse. I do know it's not a tire as I just replaced all four tires today. I was convinced that the tires were the problem but it is still there. Could it be a wheel bearing or maybe a u joint?

 

[Rar]

Growling??

Sounds like a wheel bearing to me. The 02's are becoming well known for their wheel bearing issues.

 

[Pensa]

Most likely a wheel bearing, U joints usually are more of a squealing sound than a rumble.

If you don't have a locked rear end you should be able to jack up one side at a time (setting blocks for safety) and determine which side is bad. Just let it idle in gear and see which side is making the noise.

 

[Tyler92]

Thanks guys. I'll jack it up and give a listen although without any weight it may not make any noise. I'll keep you posted.

 

[Pensa]

Usually with no weight on it it will still make a noise and you will be able to tell the difference from one side to the other.

I should add if you hear the rumble on both sides you could have bad bearings on both sides (unlikely) or you could have a bad bearing in the differential its self.