strange noise

[AA7KN]

I have a beautiful 1996 XLT and it is in perfect condition. I live and drive in Abu Dhabi, about 45 min. south of Dubai. I was very lucky to find this Explorer here. I have done so much to it to make it perfect. BUT, I have a strange symptom I am hoping someone can help steer me in the right direction towards correcting this problem. When I got the Explorer, it made a terrible noise in the front end sounded like the Wheel Bearing hubs were bad, so I changed them, didn't help, I changed the tie rod ends, upper control arms and ball joint, lower ball joints, CV axles, nothing helped. The last thing I changed was the tires, man, when I changed the tires it was so quiet the only thing I could here was the wind. so I was very happy. well after about 6 to 8 months, the noise came back, knowing the tires were almost new and didn't show any signs of wear, I changed the wheel bearing hubs again at the advise of my mechanic. still had the noise. I changed the tires again and the noise went away. this time I got a computer alignment and balance, and everything was great until last month when the tires were 8 months old and guess what ? Yep, the noise is back. sounds just like a rough rolling bearing. I have since changed the steering rack and power steering pump, thinking that the tires were wearing funny causing the noise over time. nothing helps. the only thing I have not done is rebuild the front diff. if the bearings in the Diff were bad, why would new tires hide the noise untill they wear down a little than make the noise noticable ? is that possible ? has anyone had this before ? realy making me crazy and this is my 3rd set of tires in 3 years...can't keep doing that. so Please, any Ideas would be great and Thank you in advance for taking the time to help me out.

Mike

 

[donalds]

Go get a wheel alignment
Imo
And yes I've been there
Look up tire cupping

 

[donalds]

You may need a cam bolt set
The camber is most likely off

 

[Gary Crist]

Can you post the specs that the alignment shop is setting you car to?

Can you do EchoLink?
DE KI6FG

 

[AA7KN]

Can you post the specs that the alignment shop is setting you car to?

Can you do EchoLink?
DE KI6FG

well I have been to several alignment and balance shops, but I do not remember any of them checking caster or camber. they put on some reflective things on my wheels and set things up with the computer. I would think that if the caster or camber were off the outside or inside of my tires would show it. but thanks for the advice, I will take it to like michilin or some good place and have it checked and I will ask them to check thise settings. here in the UAE we are sort of limited to good seport like we get back in the states, its like they hire anyone who can read a book and learn a computer software to operate these alignment machines. I will look for a front end specialist...if something like that is over here. thanks again

 

[donalds]

First find a better shop
The only thing that could cause noisy tires is
Abnormal tire wear

 

[Gary Crist]

I disagree with some of that video! The cupping is from worn or ineffective shock absorbers
as well as some out of balance from the uneven wear. Too much negative camber and the tires
are under inflated. If those tires had a soft compound they would not have that much
tread on them!!

Most notable in video LACK OF MAINTENANCE.

Can you take some pics of the tires. Some close ups showing the whole tread area.

When you take it to have it aligned again have the old tires on vehicle

@donalds
Please don't take me wrong.....