Sounds like I have mud tires on!

[ezjam]

Hi,

I recently replaced front rotors on my 1994 explorer. Soon there after my wife started complaining about a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle when she drove it. So I took it for a spin and sure enough, it sounds like we're driving on mud tires once we hit about 25 miles per hour. I do not know for sure if the timing of the noise and the new rotors coincide, but it does look that way.

I've double checked my work and every things seems to be in place. I'm thinking it could be the bearings, but when I regreased them (and replaced the seals,) they visually looked ok. I have no other idea what the problem could be. We have a long trip (1200 miles round) in during the holidays and I want to make sure it is road worthy.

Any pointers?

 

[MrShorty]

A common mistake is to overtorque the wheel bearings. Everyone sees the 12-20 and assumes ft lbs when it's actually 12-20 in-lbs (about 1-2 ft lbs). The first thing I would suggest would be to check the wheel bearing torque.

Do you still have the stock auto hubs? They can make noises.

 

[ezjam]

A common mistake is to overtorque the wheel bearings. Everyone sees the 12-20 and assumes ft lbs when it's actually 12-20 in-lbs (about 1-2 ft lbs). The first thing I would suggest would be to check the wheel bearing torque.

Do you still have the stock auto hubs? They can make noises.

Rookie mistake. I'm sure that is the problem. I am tempted to check them tonight even though it is freezing out. I'll report back when done.

ez

 

[ezjam]

I just loosed the wheel bearings (and froze my nads.) No joy. As far as the stock hubs... Yep, still have them. But why would they start making noise now?

So I'm back to square one.

ez

 

[billz260]

It's the wheel bearings, pull them and you'll see them starting to change color due to friction/heat. I had the same noise, ended up only being one side but replaced and the noise is now gone.

 

[DeRocha]

Wheel bearings are highly suspect..
You indicate you replaced the rotors (which have new races on which the wheel bearings ride), but did you also get new wheel bearings? Over time wheel bearings and their races will develop a wear pattern. Therefore when using old bearings (that are worn) with new races you will definitely get various noise and vibrations from the wheels.. How did the old races look?

To eliminate hubs from being suspect did you try engaging 4x4? If the hubs were a problem then locking them would most likely change the noise and vibrations you're feeling. How much grease was in them and did they have any signs of wear?

 

[ezjam]

Yep, I replaced the rotors but not the wheel bearings. I'll try that next. Problem is, I do not have time to do it between now and the time we leave for our 600 mile ride. (I will have time to do it there though.) So the question to ask is: Is it safe for a 600 mile drive? If it is the bearings, I'm guessing it is.

Any thoughts?

ez

 

[DeRocha]

I wouldn't drive anywhere (especially highway speed) without 1st determining the problem. We have conjectored the wheel bearings are the most likely culprit, but this has not be proven yet. Having a wheel bearing go at highway speed is a recipe for potential disaster. You said you don't have time now, but how will you have time if the vehicle breaks down 200 miles into the trip? It would take much longer and cost a lot of $$ to get it fixed..

 

[TeckNine4]

Itl only take 15 minutes a piece both sides,, I have the Auto hubs and I took off the 2 plastic slides and keyway circlips and just greased the bearing lightly and it stopped that whoooing sound.

 

[ezjam]

Thanx to all who replied. I replaced all four bearing last night and the problem went away. The culprit turned out to be a bad (NEW) racer. About 1 square centimeter inside was pitted. This came with the brand new rotors, I just did not notice it when I replaced the rotor. (Long live China imports!)

 

[DeRocha]

Thanx to all who replied. I replaced all four bearing last night and the problem went away. The culprit turned out to be a bad (NEW) racer. About 1 square centimeter inside was pitted. This came with the brand new rotors, I just did not notice it when I replaced the rotor. (Long live China imports!)

Thanks for the update and glad to see you found the problem I'm betting you're glad you fixed it now instead of later..