Transmisson Noise

[DoubleJ]

Hey Everyone. Have a 2001 Explorer Sport that has over 77K on it. Up til now it's been running great. Just changed the front pads and cleaned up the rotors.

Just this last week or so, my wife complained about a noise or sort of like a hum that you normally get from aggressive tires. We have stock Michelins on it. I drove it around a bit the other day and confirmed it isn't driving like it normally does. But I think it sounds more transmission related.

It seems like their is no change when you select or de-select overdrive. Thing is I don't have a manual for it, most I've seen only go up to 1999. Any idea where I might round one up? I can't tell you what trans I have cause I have no idea.

I check the fluid level and it appears normal, color is good and don't smell burnt. I haven't serviced it yet.

If you can help, I would be most appreciative.

Thanks. :exp:

 

[IZwack]

welcome to the message board DoubleJ.

This hum can really be quite a few things but, if you have 4 wheel drive, my first take on this is a front wheel bearing. One method of checking if its the front wheel bearing is by getting the tire up (jack, jack stands), and laterally moving the tire with your hands from side to side checking for any play.

If the problem is a 4WD front wheel bearing, then you will need to get a new hub assembly. Sadly on the 2nd gen Explorer, Ford integrated the wheel bearing into the hub assembly unit. So you can't just replace the bearing, but you must replace the entire hub assembly - which costs more - usually around $160-$200 at local shops (not the dealer).

When I had to replace the hub assembly, the old bearings ran "dry" after the old hub unit was submerged under water for a few seconds running at about 20mph. This was enough to get the water in the bearings.

 

[matt97]

Does it hum only when driving or also sitting still with the engine idling?

 

[IZwack]

OOOOOF! good question matt - i assumed that the X hummed when it was rolling - but now I see that he didnt mention that part at all.

 

[DoubleJ]

It hums while driving around 40-45. Almost like it wants another shift. It is not apparent while driving 20-25. I will check the bearings and report back. Thanks guys!

 

[IZwack]

Does the hum get louder as you go faster?

 

[DoubleJ]

welcome to the message board DoubleJ.

This hum can really be quite a few things but, if you have 4 wheel drive, my first take on this is a front wheel bearing. One method of checking if its the front wheel bearing is by getting the tire up (jack, jack stands), and laterally moving the tire with your hands from side to side checking for any play.

If the problem is a 4WD front wheel bearing, then you will need to get a new hub assembly. Sadly on the 2nd gen Explorer, Ford integrated the wheel bearing into the hub assembly unit. So you can't just replace the bearing, but you must replace the entire hub assembly - which costs more - usually around $160-$200 at local shops (not the dealer).

When I had to replace the hub assembly, the old bearings ran "dry" after the old hub unit was submerged under water for a few seconds running at about 20mph. This was enough to get the water in the bearings.

IZ et al..

I did as suggested and found the left front bearing assy to have excessive play both vertically and laterally. I will have to go get another one. I seen what you mean.

Again, appreciate everyone's input. My wife loves her Explorer. As much as I love my F150 Scab 4x4..

Take care, and Happy Holidays...

 

[95Xsport]

Ive had the same problem for about a year but I finally got sick of it. I found out the front wheel bearing was worn so I bought a new one for $200. I hope the humming goes away now because I can hear an additional noise that sounds like a worn assembly rather than a really loud humming.
BTW, could my humming be a wheel bearing if I can only hear it when I put my foot on the gas? No matter what RPM, if i take my foot off the gas, the humming goes away. The sound peaks out at around 65mph then gets quieter again as I speed faster. Thanks for any suggestions

 

[DoubleJ]

Ive had the same problem for about a year but I finally got sick of it. I found out the front wheel bearing was worn so I bought a new one for $200. I hope the humming goes away now because I can hear an additional noise that sounds like a worn assembly rather than a really loud humming.
BTW, could my humming be a wheel bearing if I can only hear it when I put my foot on the gas? No matter what RPM, if i take my foot off the gas, the humming goes away. The sound peaks out at around 65mph then gets quieter again as I speed faster. Thanks for any suggestions

Could be yours is really bad. Mine is only noticable above 40mph. If you lightly swerve to the left it clears for a moment. The load is off the bearing. I'd do a quick wiggle test on both and if yours is loose, then replace it. It should clear up the noise.

Good luck.

:exp:

 

[DoubleJ]

Does the hum get louder as you go faster?

Yes it increases but not really loud. Kinda sounds like my Scab with the GY MTR Mudders. It is localized in the left front. The transmission is smooth and shifts fine.

:exp: