Explorer Wheel Hub Issue
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 119
Likes: 3
Explorer Wheel Hub Issue
My wifes 99 Explorer Limited has some issues to say the least.
It was expressing a whirling humming type noise from the front when going 5 to 15 mph. It was quite loud but only at those speeds and quieted out at other speeds. No difference turning left or right.
The time came that it needed new front brakes so I figured I would change the hubs also to see it thats where the hum was coming from.
Completed the job and it was a bit quieter. When I drove it, I could feel it dragging and assumed that it was just because of the new brakes but it was pulling more to the right. After driving it for a month or more, it is still dagging and seems to be getting worse. The hum has returned and is getting louder. Now it cant even be driven over 40 because of the drag and a little vibration.
I bought Timkin hubs from RockAuto. I am wondering if they sold me bad ones or what?
I am about to take this completely apart again to see if I can see anything. What should I look for? Could it be binding?
It was expressing a whirling humming type noise from the front when going 5 to 15 mph. It was quite loud but only at those speeds and quieted out at other speeds. No difference turning left or right.
The time came that it needed new front brakes so I figured I would change the hubs also to see it thats where the hum was coming from.
Completed the job and it was a bit quieter. When I drove it, I could feel it dragging and assumed that it was just because of the new brakes but it was pulling more to the right. After driving it for a month or more, it is still dagging and seems to be getting worse. The hum has returned and is getting louder. Now it cant even be driven over 40 because of the drag and a little vibration.
I bought Timkin hubs from RockAuto. I am wondering if they sold me bad ones or what?
I am about to take this completely apart again to see if I can see anything. What should I look for? Could it be binding?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,819
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
I agree with Pete, your description sounds more like a dragging brake than a wheel bearing issue. After driving for several miles have you walked around the vehicle and checked for one wheel that is hotter than the others, indicating a dragging brake? Be careful though, dragging brakes can cause the wheels to get VERY hot. Before condemning the brake caliper though, try to compress the caliper. If it doesn't want to compress freely, then try opening the bleeder screw and compressing. If it compresses easier with the bleeder screw open, that would suggest you likely have a faulty brake hose. Brake hoses tend to fail from the inside out, and if a brake caliper is not appropriately supported when removed, it can damage the hoses and cause them to act like 1-way valves.
If the caliper compresses easily even with the bleeder screw closed, then make sure that, once compressed, the caliper is able to slide on the slide pins. If not, the caliper will not freely self-center once the brake pedal is released and will cause one pad to continue to rub against the rotor causing drag and excess heat.
-Rod
If the caliper compresses easily even with the bleeder screw closed, then make sure that, once compressed, the caliper is able to slide on the slide pins. If not, the caliper will not freely self-center once the brake pedal is released and will cause one pad to continue to rub against the rotor causing drag and excess heat.
-Rod
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 119
Likes: 3
Thanx for your replies.
I forgot to mention 2 of those things already.
Off the ground both front wheel spin by hand.
The wheels are a little hot after driving but not scorching.
The brake calipers are new but not the hoses. That could be part of the problem but I wast sure since the wheels spin fine.
I forgot to mention 2 of those things already.
Off the ground both front wheel spin by hand.
The wheels are a little hot after driving but not scorching.
The brake calipers are new but not the hoses. That could be part of the problem but I wast sure since the wheels spin fine.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 119
Likes: 3
This issue is still not resolved.
I am starting to lean towards it being the cv axle because everything else has been replaced.
Any ideas?
I am starting to lean towards it being the cv axle because everything else has been replaced.
Any ideas?
Trending Topics
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 432
Likes: 112
I remember years ago there was some tsb about a dust shield or shell that made noise. I know it contacted the CV axle and bearing.
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