My practially new 1996 Explorer, 4wd, 4.0 with only 162,000 miles has developed what sounds like tires with agressive tread roar. The tires are Goodyear Wrangler RT/S with maybe 20,000 miles on them. I have had tie rods, upper and lower, shocks.The CV boots are like new. Front end was aligned when front end work was done. Tire wear pattern is normal. Tires rotated last week (I hoped that would stop the roar, no affect). Transfer case and front diff. show no signs of lube leak. I am at the end of my wits as to what can cause the roar. At 30 MPH I have to turn up the volume on the radio to hear, at 60 the roar fades.
A slight turn to the right on the steering wheel and the noise stops.
Any suggestions will be greatfully appreciated!!!

 

wheel bearing.

sometimes they don't goof up your treadwear, but when you said it goes away when turning one direction ...... telltale sound a bad wheel bearing assembly makes.

to figgure out which one, put the back up on stands-wheels off the ground. then put it in 4wd and lift one wheel in the front and idle in gear.

you will be able to easily tell which one by doing this.

just BE CAREFUL!!!

 

If turning to the right makes it go away, it's the right side bearing. It's probably a good idea to do both sides, though, since they are non-servicable and should have about the same mileage on them.

 

Thanks for the input it confirmed my suspicions, since everything is apart anyway, I'm going to do rotors and pads. All the parts are only $566.00 at Autozone. To replace the Explorer would be $12,000 or more. so it sounds like a good deal to me...