whirring front noise

[Chickenfryer]

Hi all,
I have a whirring front noise on my 95' Explorer Expedition(it is in fact an Explorer Expedition, so don't ask) It has 172.000 km on it (107.000 miles). It is 4 wheel drive.
The noise is there always while driving down the road, but is extreme around 60km/h. The noise is there in 4wheeel drive and in 2wheel drive. When turning to the right the noise is disappearing.

I took it to Midas (the undercar SPECIALISTS)in Stratford on Thursday, they said I need a new transfer case and a left front hub/bearing. cost: for the bearing $575 to $600,incl labour, Tax not included. for the transfer case, which they don't do, but I can count on at least $2000.


Next stop, Highbury Ford in London Ontario.
They found: 1 right hub/bearing, 2x lower ball joints, brakepads, rotors to be resurfaced, front alignment
Total including labour, but no taxes: $1178.45

I think I'm getting taken for a ride here, does someone know what the problem could be or is?
Any information on the problem would be apreciated,

Thanxs alot

 

[DeagleDave]

i had a similar problem and from the sounds of it i would replace bearings and ball joints. the brakes and rotors and alignment shouldn't have anything to do with a rubbing noise. does that noise only come on when you step on the brakes or is it constant? and if the noise disappears when you turn right then it is your right from bearing. this is because weight of vehicle shifts to the left when you turn right, thus taking the pressure off the right side.

 

[JDraper]

The possible problems related to the whirring noise you are hearing for the front can include the front hub/bearing assembly going bad, and it can also include the brakes. If you happen to get a brake caliper hung up or if the pads have wear monitors on them, they can make noise. Dirt and gravel embedded in the pads can make noise too (Been there, had that happen). If you have no vibration when braking, and the rotors are still smooth (no grooves), they probably don't need to be surfaced.

The ball joints won't cause the whirring problem, but if they're original, I wouldn't be surprised that they have gone bad considering your mileage. The alignment won't cause a whirring noise either.

As far as your transfer case, I doubt it needs to be replaced. More like someone at your Midas shop doesn't know what they are looking at.

The prices quoted are quite high (even for $CDN), although I'm not sure what the price of the hub is. I'd be looking at other places for quotes real fast.

 

[Chickenfryer]

Thank you very much guys for the quick answers!

The hubs at Highbury are $342.78 CDN each + Tax.

I don't think that the balljoints have anything to do with it ether. They are just worn with the mileage I have on it.

I did some calling around today and Sloppy Tire has the hubs for $233 CDN.
Here's what I'll do:
First I will replace the pads in the front to see if that will do any good. If that does not werx I will go for the hubs and with it replace the lower ball joints.

Another question, when replacing the hubs and balljoints do I NEED an alignment?

Again, Thanx a lot for the help.

 

[X-1]

whirring sound

I would inspect front brakes, if they are not to bad I would replace bearings, both sides they are not that expensive, these usually come with new races, if its a constant sound at any speed with or with out brakes applied that is probably your culprit.

 

[Fischer]

I had a similar problem on my 1995 XLT when I first got it about 9 mos. ago. Here is what happened (do a search to find my writeup).. Here is a link..Dead Link Removed

I have had no problems as of yet and I decided it was just tire noise. They had thought it was the Input bearing in the t-case. But everything works just fine.

I luckily recieved a refund on the bearing/hub as it did not fix the problem, Avenger is really cool even if they usually work only on Jeeps...haha! Still makes the noise...

Just be cautious as these "artist's" are slick with telling you what you NEED, right my ass.

Here are some more links to old threads that kind of walk you through my experiences with this "whirring noise"

Dead Link Removed Dead Link Removed

Dead Link Removed

As you will see I was freaked out for a long time and thouhgt something was going to happen, I have probably driven 9K miles since..

Knock on wood and good luck!