Yet another hub/bearing question.

[erond]

Just bought a used '99 Explorer with SOHC, and auto-4WD.

Heard a "ruh-ruh-ruh" sound between 25-40Mph. Originally thought it was tire and/or U-joint noise. Tires were at 38psi (Big-O LT235/75) with decent tread, but a lot of weathering. I dropped them to 33psi and the noise changed, but was still there.

I brought it to a garage and was told it was the right/front hub/bearing. Given that there is only 72K miles on it, it seems kind of odd. I've searched through a lot of the other posts on bearing problems, and it seems like most are at 100K+.

We also just got a '98 Mountaineer for my wife and it is making a similar, but much quieter noise. It needs to go in, too.

Hopefully this will be covered by the 3rd-party warranty, but I'm wondering if I should be looking elsewhere for the noise. Also, in case the warranty claim is denied, is it "just" pulling the tire/caliber and then pulling and replacing the hub? Anything going to need a shop press or messing with the axle shaft?

On another note, I asked about doing a tire swap with my Suburban (LT235/75R15 A/T) and was told that Ford is now prohibiting LT tires and requiring P-series. Anybody heard the same? Any justification?

Thanks!

 

[mikecosta1]

My 97 Mountaineer had a noise that I struggled with for a long time. I replaced the ft right hub on the advice of a mechanic and it did not fix a thing. Turns out it was the tires. Any funny wear will make a noise. I purchased Michelin LTX's and rotate every 4,000 miles and the noise is gone. If you could swap tires or even rotate back to front and see if the noise level changes you might have your answer. Good luck...

 

[erond]

Forgot to mention:

Sound is related to speed, not RPM. Cruise, accelerate, and brake, and it stays the same.

Going to try to get the time to swap front/rear on the tires this weekend. If warranty OKs the repair, I will probably just do it anyway as a "it can't hurt" process.

 

[erond]

Well, problem was at least 99% tires. Put on a new set of Bridgestone Dueler A/Ts and all I hear/feel is road noise, now. Maybe just a hint of something else. There is no comparison to the rumble/vibration from before.

Of course, I had to pay for tires instead of warranty paying for the bearing, but... They can do that later.

 

[mikecosta1]

Glad you figured it out. Make sure you rotate every 4k miles when you have your oil changed to keep that wear pattern from forming again. These Ford trucks all need to have frequent rotations or they will ruin tires.....