strange noise, is this normal?

[DanEB]

Hi All:

I just picked up a 1997 Limited, V8, AWD, 57K miles. I have noticed a noise from the front of the vehicle. Its a whirring/moaning noise that seems to appear when the vehicle is slowing, getting louder as you get slower. It starts around 20-25 MPH until just before the vehicle stops. It is present at most other speeds but barely noticeable. I noticed what I believe was the same noise on a similar 96 vehicle I had driven. It does not appear to be transmission related as I have put the transmission in neutral, slowed, and experienced the same noise.

Anyone have any ideas or experienced a similar noise?

The vehicle is very clean, no fluid leaks, etc.

I am going to have the dealer check it out but any insight would be helpful. Thanks!

-Dan

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1998 Ford F150
2002 VW Passat
1997 Ford Explorer, Limited, V8, AWD

 

[X24]

If its AWD then I would say its from that. Its the low gearing at those speeds that makes the sound.

 

[DanEB]

V8 AWD noise?

Any input from V8 AWD owners? Thanks very much!

-Dan

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1998 Ford F150
2002 VW Passat
1997 Ford Explorer, Limited, V8, AWD

 

[taxx]

Are your feet on or off the brakes when this happens? Also is there any vibration?

 

[DanEB]

Hello:

Yes, feet are off the brakes and I can have the trans in neutral or Drive with the same noise. There is a small vibration along with the noise, but more like a deep bass note than an actual vibration. Brakes are new all around. It also does not seem to make a difference if I am going straight or turning. Thanks.

-Dan

 

[taxx]

I am not familiar, do you have the option of 4 hi or just AWD? If you have 4 hi does it make it worse when the 4 hi is engaged? Has it gotten worse over time or stayed the same? It may just be inherent in your X.

 

[Robert]

His '97 V8 AWD has no High or Low range options. His is permanent AWD.

 

[X24]

Its probably just the gearing. I hear it in mine when I'm slowing down. I have auto 4x4 and I always feel it in the wheel and hear it.

 

[taxx]

Originally posted by Robert
His '97 V8 AWD has no High or Low range options. His is permanent AWD.

That is what I thought, but it was worth a shot. Almost sounds like a less severe case of what I dropped my X off for today. Same symptoms only worse and have been increasing over time.

 

[jobunn]

It could be the axle seals. From what I can tell many later model explorers (AWD or 4x4) have defective seals and they squeal at low speeds. My '99 Sport 4x4 makes the sound exactly as you are describing. The only thing that does not match up is the vibration.

 

[X24]

jobunn... are you talking about a high pitched squeal? Mine does that at low speeds. I think DanEB is talking about a low tone noise.

 

[jobunn]

Ya, I'd call it a high pitched squeal too but when DanEB called it a whirring/moaning noise I thought it could be the same.

 

[Lemondrop]

Tires got any chop to them ?

If not, could be a wheel bearing .

 

[liquidx9]

i hear a low whirring in mine... i wouldnt even begin to call it high pitched... so i dont know, its probably just the AWD, dont worry too much about it

 

[DanEB]

Hi All:

Thanks for all the feedback. Its definitely a low moaning noise, or a deep sounding bass hum. Its definitely related to speed as the sound seems to change. Becomes more noticeable at around 25mph, and gets loudest at around 10mph and then tapers off. Not sure what is referenced by 'chop' when referring to the tires. They are Dunlop RV Radial Rover tires with not many miles, maybe 8-10k miles. They are LT tires rated up to 50psi and have a pretty aggressive tread. I'm going to have the dealer check it out. I just wanted to be sure it was not a know issue/sound so when they say there is nothing wrong(they often do that) I would have some other ideas. Thanks.

-Dan

 

[liquidx9]

it shouldnt even be an issue, but please tell us what the dealer says, id be interested to know, thanks.. good luck

 

[Lescanec1]

I have the same noise in my 99 Mountaineer, so I took it to the dealer and they diagnosed the problem as blown hub seal or wheel bearing. They said they have to replace the whole hub assembly since it is AWD. Anyone got suggestions on how difficult it would be to make this repair myself?

 

[liquidx9]

oh sh*t, thats not good... welcome to the site BTW... try starting your own thread, more people will see it

 

[taxx]

Originally posted by Lescanec1
I have the same noise in my 99 Mountaineer, so I took it to the dealer and they diagnosed the problem as blown hub seal or wheel bearing. They said they have to replace the whole hub assembly since it is AWD. Anyone got suggestions on how difficult it would be to make this repair myself?

It is quite easy to replace yourself. however very pricy no matter who does it. The 2nd generation Explorers, are all like this. It is one sealed unit, Hub and bearing. The part will cost anywhere from $120 - $200 call around. All you have to do to replace it is take the wheel off, take the calipers off, remove the rotor, take off that nut you see that is about 1 1/8" to 1 1/4" then the three bolts on the back side of the spindle. It also takes a wheel puller to pull the hub out. That's pretty much it.

 

[taxx]

Just heard from the shop....
My strange noise is the axle bearings or the carrier bearings, wont know till the diff is apart. Lucky for me it is in the front diff so it only take 1.5 hours just to drop it! (did you sense the sarcasm there?). I am going to take the X home and do it myself since I can do it in 1.5 hours and it would take them longer (I have done it several times), then Monday I will take them the diff for repairs, then I get it back and put it back in! Even they recomended since I can do it that I drop the diff to save myself a significant amount of $$$$.