Rotational Noise: Characteristic?

[develguy]

I just purchased an '05 Explorer w/ 17k miles from Carmax.

I started hearing a faint rhythmic rotational noise coming from the front end. It happens in gear, in neutral and w/ the engine shut off coasting in neutral.

The sound does not change at all when I turn or hit the brake. It's rhythm slows down relative to a slower mph.

It's definitely metal/"tin-ie" and has high spot in the rhythm.... like a train: CH ch ch ch CH ch ch ch

My problem? This is still under factory warranty and the dealer that is looking at it, is now telling me that it is just a "normal" characteristic of the Explorer and that they can not fix it!!!!

What sort of BS is that???

Can anyone verify this "normal" characteristic?

I'm ticked!

 

[GregV8]

I won't be able to tell you what the problem is (my bet is on uneven brake rotors or a loose plastic in the wheel well) but I tell you this:
I had a Chevy Trailblazer with an intermittent problem and dealers refused to help saying it's normal. I even had the local GM office in the loop and even they refused. BUT then I simply wrote a letter to GM customer service in the US and explained how warranty works (along the lines of "I have a problem" - "you fix it")
To my suprise, after some time they came back to me and offered to remedy my situation - one way or another. Too bad by this time I had sold the truck.

 

[IZwack]

My suggestion would be to take it to another (reputable) shop for diagnosis (and maybe a cost estimate). You can then use the info you gained from the shop when you go back to Carmax.

 

[trucku]

yeah dealers say stupid crap like that. Mine said oh "its a truck your engine is supposed to shake like that". 6 plugs later no shaky.

Try someplace else.

you can also jack her front up and turn the wheels by hand and see if you have any noise. maybe you have bad wheel bearings.

 

[develguy]

Thanks!

Carmax wouldn't touch it b/c it's still under factory warranty so they sent it to a Ford dealer. I picked it up yesterday for the second time - the first time they had it, they changed the front left wheel bearing, test drove it and claimed they didn't hear anything. I took it back and drove the mechanic around and what do you know? It was back -or- more likely it never was fixed!

Their notes from yesterday's work mentions that they checked tires for same circumference/tire pressure, brakes and components, backing plates all OK. Installed chassis ear and isolated noise coming from the transfer case. Checked fluid level and condition and all OK. "Noise is considered normal for Advanced Trac system and is nor prominent enough to be addressed".

NORMAL? If it were a "normal" noise don't you think they would have told me that instead of wasting their time on it?

I called three other shops and none of them could confirm this "normal" noise.

I also called Fords corporate customer service and they are supposed to be calling me back w/in 48 hours.

Sounds like this is probably not a "normal" noise and this dealership is blowing me off big-time. I heard through the grapevine that the shops don't get paid as much for doing warranty work. Makes sense that they would rather do non-warranty work instead!

 

[JustJeff]

2004 XLT Same Problem

I just purchased a 2004 XLT from Carmax and hear/feel that same sound. I think you described it best by "rotational".

It almost feels like the left front brake is dragging, or the bearings are out.

Let me know how it turns out.

 

[develguy]

Just to wrap this topic up...

I called Ford Corporate and they contacted another dealer who isolated the noise coming from the the transfer case assembly. Upon inspection they could not find anything abnormal but called Ford who told them to replace it anyway. Problem solved!

Ford arranged to have the dealer set me up in a loaner while they fixed it.

Props to Ford for taking care of this for me... No props to the lazy/cheap a$$ dealer I took it to first.