No answer yet... hope you guys can help

[Reggie Newton]

'99 AWD Explorer has a front end squeel at low speeds: from 10 to about 25 mph. Now, I figure that it also happens at higher speeds, but because it's rhythmic, it's probably hard to hear. The other mystifying thing about this problem is that it's not persistent - especially when we take it to our mechanic, it decides to go away - it's intermittent, and it also hasn't become any worse.

Two weekends ago I put the truck up on jackstands, took the front left wheel off and put it in gear to get an idea where the sound was coming from - it sounds like it's coming from the pumpkin, or possibly, the CV axle - the left side is the short axle side. Does anyone have an idea what I need to do to stop this annoying sound? Is this a fix that I can do or is it best left for a mechanic?

 

[jasonb]

there was a tsb on the dust seals for some years. sounds like this could be your problem to me, although i'm by no means a mechanic! mine does this as well, only in the cold though. from what i understand about it.. its not hurting anything.. just making noise. if your problem is the dust seals that is. i have to go slow in the nieghborhood (below 25) and it usually quits by the time i get to the main road (about 1 mile).

 

[Gonzo]

I had the exact same problem. I had both seals replaced, and the noise went away. I don't remember how much it cost. From what I understand, it won't cause any damage to leave them, but it will make that annoying squeal forever.

 

[Reggie Newton]

What's a tsb? Also, what seals do I need to replace? This truck is my wife's and until I fix it, she's not gonna give me a break... HELP!

BTW thanks to all of you fellow Explorer buffs out there, I think the X is one of the finest trucks I've ever owned - equal to my YJ (don't even start with me guys...), and I'm seriously thinking of buying a second V8 AWD for myself as a dd, and possibly a little 'serious explorations!' Time will tell....:exp:!

 

[jasonb]

tsb is "technical service bulletin" i beleive is the actual wording. its when ford knows a problem exists with their vehicles but decides they think we should have to pay for it even though its a widely acknowledged problem.
if your under warranty.. i think they cover the tsbs as normal.. but not if your out of warranty. that's why i haven't fixed mine.
do a search for dust seals and you'll get lots of info on this with prices people paid to get it fixed.

 

[Reggie Newton]

I'm baaaack!!

It's been a while on this subject, but I need some more advice:

Well, I tried to straighten out the problem myself by removing the steel bands that hold the dust shields in place, extended the boots and resealed them with an extremely strong tie wrap - not happenin'. So, now the squeal is still there, but now it CLUNKS when I'm turning the wheel and compress the spring (like while coming out of a driveway). Do you think that my fix did this, or do you think it's ready for new ball joints? The rig has 91K on it - mostly highway, do you think it's about due for ball joints? Where can I get the lubeable kind?

What advice, oh Explorer gurus of the internet.

 

[Ray Lobato]

Hi Reggie,
There is a grease shield with a bearing/seal between the grease shield and the CV. You can see it by looking at the CV going into the steering knuckle from the back. Sometimes these will make noises. I had replaced one of mine for squeeking before. I think they cost about 15 bucks from the dealer. The metal grease shield is lightly press in and if taken out will not be able to be reused. They cost about 5 bucks I think. Put it up on jack stands remove the tire, caliper, rotor and spindle nut and the hub assembly. Remove the steering knuckle and and replace the bearing/ seal. put it back together and you should not have that noise again.
Pay attention to how the bearing/shield comes out, so you can put the new one back in the same way.