Vibration and Grinding Sound

[wolfman62]

Hey all my name is Warren , I have a 03 Ford Explorer - Eddie Bauer 4.6L 4x4 , the front right and left wheel bearing`s have been replaced , but I am getting a vibration when I drive and a bad grinding sound when turning left or right , could it be the differential.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I’d check the CV shafts. Make sure the boots aren’t torn. Check the front driveshaft joints as well.

 

[Number4]

Jack up the front end and check for wheel play. Look into what Mbrooks420 said while there.

Depending on the brand wheel bearings, and how long it’s been, they could be bad.

 

[Stynx]

Start by checking the wheel bearings then work your way inward to the CV joint. Diff is probably the last thing. Having a noise appear or disappear during turns indicates hubs IIRC.

Truth is, in a 20 year old vehicle you can safely assume almost everything is worn out, Hubs, CV, bushings, ball joints, struts, etc. The only things you can assume might be ok are solid metal pieces like control arms. Even then you need to inspect them particularly in rust belt states.

Just jack up whatever wheel the noise seems to be coming from and do your best to shake it. The wheel will wobble at the hub if the bearing is bad. Watch the bushings and ball joints too but they won't be the cause of the grinding.

You aren't running oversized tires by any chance?

 

[4892]

Hey all my name is Warren , I have a 03 Ford Explorer - Eddie Bauer 4.6L 4x4 , the front right and left wheel bearing`s have been replaced , but I am getting a vibration when I drive and a bad grinding sound when turning left or right , could it be the differential.

Vibration through the wheel might be the wheel bearings. Couple years ago I replaced mine and that problem cleared right up, but now they're vibrating, gentle occasional grind, while driving straight. I used cheap hub/bearings from RockAuto, which might be the problem.

The grinding when turning I also had, thought it might be the diff, but eventually it turned out my left front CV joint/shaft was bad and had it replaced, which basically got rid of the noise.

 

[wolfman62]

Vibration through the wheel might be the wheel bearings. Couple years ago I replaced mine and that problem cleared right up, but now they're vibrating, gentle occasional grind, while driving straight. I used cheap hub/bearings from RockAuto, which might be the problem.

The grinding when turning I also had, thought it might be the diff, but eventually it turned out my left front CV joint/shaft was bad and had it replaced, which basically got rid of the noise.

Got new cv axle today have appointment thursday morning, hope that gets rid of it all.

 

[wolfman62]

Start by checking the wheel bearings then work your way inward to the CV joint. Diff is probably the last thing. Having a noise appear or disappear during turns indicates hubs IIRC.

Truth is, in a 20 year old vehicle you can safely assume almost everything is worn out, Hubs, CV, bushings, ball joints, struts, etc. The only things you can assume might be ok are solid metal pieces like control arms. Even then you need to inspect them particularly in rust belt states.

Just jack up whatever wheel the noise seems to be coming from and do your best to shake it. The wheel will wobble at the hub if the bearing is bad. Watch the bushings and ball joints too but they won't be the cause of the grinding.

You aren't running oversized tires by any chance?

No over sized tires, bought new cv axle , got it today will be put in on thursday, had wheel bearing already replaced 2 weeks ago, so hopefully this does the trick.

 

[wolfman62]

I would like to thank everyone that gave there opinion, I followed that as well as my own thought on the subject and came to the same conclusion as every one else so thank you very much for all the help on this forum, I as well did not think it was the differential, Thank you all.

 

[wolfman62]

Is there any one else living in Stoon town. that i could converse with, Thanks.