Have an 06 2WD Explorer with 80,000mi and when driving down highway there is a bit of growling noise when any pressure is applied to the steering wheel. When driving straight not moving steering wheel its quite but when going around corner or curve tends to make noise. Anyone know what I should be looking for? Brakes were replaced 10K miles ago. Ball joints or wheel bearings? Any help appreciated.

 

wheel bearings maybe? Normally bearing will make a constant whine when loaded and moving. Should hear it at a constant speed also. BAll joints dont "squeel", the "clunk" or wear out tire edges. Im wonderning if it makes a noise setting in the drive way when you crank the wheel ? Not a steering pump problem is it ?

 

Based on your post, it sounds to me like you may have a power steering pump issue, POSSIBLY.

Usually when the PS pump is on it's last legs, you'll experience times where the PS seems fine, then you'll lose the power assist, and the steering is much harder, then it returns to normal, goes out when turning full lock left to right, is back again. Sometimes, this is more prevelent in cold weather, and the steering "chatters / growls" until the system is warm.

If I was you, I'd immediately flush and change my power steering fluid. Sometimes this alone is all you need. Add the correct PS fluid (see your Ford owner's manual)

RED LINE oil makes an excellent PS fluid. Many race cars use this PS fluid right out of the bottle without coolers in road racing, it's so good, sans additional additives. It's the ONLY PS fluid I've personally seen quiet (not eliminate noise entirely) normal Ford power steering systems in various 80s 90s era Ford products, such as Mustangs, Tauruses, Tempos, Escapes, Explorers, Mountaineers, Contours, Aerostars, Ranger small trucks ect.

Bad wheel bearings and / or ball joints, you can test by jacking up the front end, removing all weight off of the suspension and front tires. Grasp the front tire first at the 12:00 and 6:00 position with you hands. See if there is any movement or "slop", up and down / side to side. Then do the same thing at the 9:00 and 3:00 position, holding your hands on. Any movement, indicates bad or wearing wheel bearings or ball joints. Turn the tire, sometimes you can even hear a 'growl' or 'whine' high pitched sound, if again, you have worn wheel bearings.

Worn bearings should immediately be replaced, repacked with fresh specified grease, and installed with factory procedures and specifications, Personally, I discard wheel bearings if originals, at 80,000 miles whether they still seem okay or not, using new grease, grease seals, races, ect. Cheap insurance against having one go bad on the road later on.

Always use the best synthetic grease you can find. Quality grease last longer, spin easier in sub-freezing winter temps, resist salt spray, and don't break down under hot summer temps and road conditions.

Ed

 

Steve and Ed. Thanks for the info. I will check it out either this weekend or during the Thanksgiving holiday. Will let you know what I find.