I have a 2005 Explorer XLT with the 4.0L V6 and AdvanceTrac.


I've had a worsening growl in the front end that sounds like it's coming from the front left wheel. I can feel it in the steering wheel, and the sound goes away when I turn the wheel right of center. Center (going straight) or leftward steering, and the noise comes right back.


I changed the wheel bearing today, and there is absolutely no change in symptoms. Turning the CV shaft back and forth by hand, something feels kind of "grindy." It is the same at any point along the shaft, which has me worried that the bad bearing is in the front differential.


Have any of you had this kind of thing happen? Is it a straightforward fix for a driveway mechanic, or are we talking special tools or a professional shop?

 

work inside the pumpkin is not a "straight forward easy job".. I think I would look real close at the right wheel bearing. Bearing inside the pumpkin should not change pitch when you turn corners...........AS a last resort, don't forget the rear bearing / hub. Those would be the most common source or noise.. right front, then rear.

 

Might want to pull the pumpkin off and look at the spider gears. If they are worn, you'll feel it more on one side than the other. I thought I had bad bearings in the rear of my Astro, only to replace the bearings and discover that the noise was exactly the same..then I actually looked at the spiders and saw the wear. New spiders and the rear axle is as smooth as butter again.

 

Thanks guys.

I wouldn't think the differential bearings would change pitch on turns either, but that noise is still there and oddly loud at the LF wheel. I'll check the RF tomorrow after work...but I would be surprised if it was a rear bearing.

Spider gears and carrier bearings are my big worry. Not going to be cheap or an afternoon job if that's the way it goes.

Do these differentials have axle shaft bearings at the ends of the case? Or do the shafts just go into the carrier bearings?

 

here are a few photos of how the rear end is made with internal bearings and half shafts slide INTO them.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...e-rebuild.html

 

And now it also rumbles and vibrates in 4HI while going down the road...

 

4HI just locks in the front end.. Most of the items, driveshaft / pumpkin / transmission should have a constant bearing noise probably related to ground speed. The only thing that normally changes sound as you turn a corner is a wheel bearing.