My rear brakes making a "wooshing sound". | Ford Explorer Forums

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My rear brakes making a "wooshing sound".

rking

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2003 Ford Explorer XLT
Hello Everyone -
So I bought a 2003 Explorer XLT. I really do love it. I have a small issue...

When coasting and I am off the accelerator, I can hear a wooshing sound coming from the rear end. Brake pads look to be newer motor craft but are making a squealing like the indicators make when you need to change the pads.

Anyone have any ideas of what this could be... I was told brakes... obviously, but could bearings make this noise?

I have heard that the e-brake cable could still be engaged ?

Please post what you think. I appreciate any and all feed back!
 



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Thats not much info to diagnose with. My first thought is a window that isn't closed.

But, thats because windows make a whooshing sound to me. Brakes and bearings don't whoosh. To me.

First, does the sound change with road speed? Is it there all time, only when above certain speeds, or between speed x and y? You say you only hear it when you're off-throttle. What happens if you put the tranny in neutral while coasting?

Second, is the sound something new, has always been there, or has been there but now getting worse?

Lets try to isolate the sound to a specific area of the vehicle. Under-body sounds are notoriously difficult to pinpoint from the drivers seat. You'll need a friend to bounce around in the back while you drive. Do it with windows up, then windows down. Try to find a smooth wall to drive beside so the sound will reflect off the wall. Easier to hear that way, sometimes.
 






Windows are up all the way. When I purchased the car, I could hear it and had my buddy jump in the back. It is definitely coming from the back end drivers side. I have not tried to put it into neutral and coast. I will try that this afternoon.

I wouldn't say that it is getting worse. Just annoying.

If I am cruising on the highway you cant hear it, when I let off the gas you can hear it. its like a rubbing sound. I had read on this site that the e-brake cable can stick, slightly engaging the brakes... What's your thought on that?
 






Welcome to this forum! Go to a service station, and put it on a lift. Turn on the engine then shift into drive, and have somebody listen to it while it's on the lift. Apply the brakes lightly to see if the sound changes. The brake pads should have an anti rattle compound applied before they are installed into the calipers.
 






Welcome to this forum! Go to a service station, and put it on a lift. Turn on the engine then shift into drive, and have somebody listen to it while it's on the lift. Apply the brakes lightly to see if the sound changes. The brake pads should have an anti rattle compound applied before they are installed into the calipers.

In your opinion, without that rattle compound. Would that cause this noise ?
 






The compound is supposed to dampen excessive vibrations from the brake pads. Low quality pads squeak too, so it won't matter if there is anti rattle compound in there. Did you check to see if there are anti rattle clips installed?
 






I have not. I will put her on a lift on Sunday morning and see what I can discover. I appreciate the feedback.

Do you think that it is possible that the e-brake cable is engaging the brakes a little ?
 






My guess, the rear center section. The 8.8 is notorious for whining.
 


















Yes, or carrier bearings.
 






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