Vibration from front passenger wheel at all speeds

[TheNastyZ28]

How's it going guys? Long time member, first time poster here. Having a bit of trouble with my truck, hoping someone here can help.

Anyway, about a month ago I started getting this annoying vibration coming from my front passenger side wheel at all speeds. It becomes audible at around 15mph, is really loud at 45mph, and is even worse at 65+. Also if I'm turning right (taking the weight off the front passenger wheel) the vibration goes away. My first thought was the tire was out of balance, so I got it rebalanced, but that didn't do anything. Then I rotated my wheels to see if the vibration followed the wheel, but it didn't, it stayed on the front right. This led me to believe it was either horribly out of alignment or something in the hub assembly was going. Well today I just got an alignment done, and it didn't help at all.

I jacked the car up to see if there was any play in the wheel, thinking it was the bearing, but there was none. I suppose that doesn't exactly rule it out as the culprit, but before I order anything or bring it back to the shop I'd like to see if you guys have any suggestions as to what it might be. Also, I put on a new set of wheels and tires the other day too, so if the wheels weren't ruled out before they certainly are now. It's an '02 XLT if that helps. Thanks guys.

 

[hewie7383]

it is mostly likely a wheel bearing....my x did the same thing before and they replaced the front wheel bearing and all is good....best of luck with your issue bud

 

[TheNastyZ28]

Thanks Hewie, any idea on how much that cost you to fix?

 

[Adog]

Wheel bearing

I bought one on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at O'Reilly's Auto Parts for $144.96 counting tax. It's not Timkin, but it does have a 1-year warranty and it comes with the sensor cable and new bolts with lock tight already applied. Auto Zone said they would match the price, but they would have to call and verify. Auto Zone's price was 154.99 + tax. The Timkin (was priced for around 175 with a 1-year warranty. It takes two different size metric sockets, an 18mm for the hub bolts and a 15mm for the bracket that holds the brakeshoes, hope this helps.

 

[TheNastyZ28]

Okay so I switched out the hub assembly to a Timken unit, and that didn't solve the problem. What else could it be? I mean, what else is even left? It's definitely localized to the front passenger wheel, so the only thing else I can think of is the inner and outer CV joints and the axle shaft. Can the CV joints be purchased separately on these Explorers, or will I need to replace the whole shaft? It looks to me like it's one piece from this diagram:

(It would be the part labeled #2)

I've already spend around $400 on this, and the axle assembly is another $600, so I'm starting to get a little frustrated.

 

[jrford]

check the bearings where they go into the diff (3,4), also check the pinion bearing (15). . .half shafts come as a unit, there shouldn't be any play up/down side/side only in/out or slide in and out.

 

[TheNastyZ28]

check the bearings where they go into the diff (3,4), also check the pinion bearing (15). . .half shafts come as a unit, there shouldn't be any play up/down side/side only in/out or slide in and out.

Thanks, I think you may be on to something with the 3,4 bearing. I'll have to check the shaft for play sometime this weekend when I can get it back in the garage. Is this part of the sealed differential unit filled with fluid? How hard is it going to be to change this bearing, will I have to drop the differential or remove the hub assembly I just replaced?

 

[jrford]

Thanks, I think you may be on to something with the 3,4 bearing. I'll have to check the shaft for play sometime this weekend when I can get it back in the garage. Is this part of the sealed differential unit filled with fluid? How hard is it going to be to change this bearing, will I have to drop the differential or remove the hub assembly I just replaced?

honestly i have not done it, but i can tell the drain and fill is pia because it mounted to the frame there is only 1" of clearance for the cover. My guess you might get lucky but be prepared to drop the diff from the looks of it.

 

[LukeOmalley]

so whats the outcome??? i think that my front left is causing the vibration and grabbing while pulling in and out of parking spaces or doinf a K turn... Its worse after i've been traveling and things seem to be well heated. I feel the vibration through my feet while driving.. Any help would be appreciated

 

[jrford]

i think that my front left is causing the vibration and grabbing while pulling in and out of parking spaces or doinf a K turn

Okay so I switched out the hub assembly to a Timken unit

First thing is the wheel bearing, very short lived common failure. Sticky on replacment too.

Oh, on a side note, the cover is part of the diff mount, whole thing has to come out to remove the cover.

 

[cole50468]

Id also check your steering and track bars. My explorer vibrated pretty bad too until i took it in. He said it was a steering issue, got it fixed and hasnt buzzed since

 

[Jojo65]

Id also check your steering and track bars. My explorer vibrated pretty bad too until i took it in. He said it was a steering issue, got it fixed and hasnt buzzed since