Front end rumble

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 15, 2003 | 11:10 AM

mchild

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 407

Likes: 0

Front end rumble

I have an early `91 Explorer with an auto and 4 wheel drive. For some time now I have had a rumble coming from the front that I have thought was wheel bearings. The noise is load sensitive in that it will fade or get stronger as you turn the wheel left and right. It is stronger when turning to the right and the load is put on the left front. I have replaced the front wheel bearings and races multiple times with no success.

When that clearly was not the problem I thought it was the auto locking hubs not disengaging and had damaged the differential carrier bearings. To check for that I have removed the auto locking hubs but found the rumble still there. While the hubs were off I confirmed that the axles are NOT turning so it can not be the differential carrier bearings. Additionally, I have swapped rotors and hubs from one side to the other to see if that had any impact on the situation. No luck with that either. But, I don’t know what else it could be. Any and all thoughts are appreciated.

Many thanks,

Mark

Nov 16, 2003 | 09:15 AM

jim henderson

Postmaster

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 4,968

Likes: 3

From: So Cal

You have checked most of the mechaincal things I would look at. But maybe the tires are going bad?

Tires that are wearing unevenly can make a lot more noise than a tire in good condition. Also a tire that is over inflated could cause rough riding and noise. Tire balence may be off. Alignment is another thing I might check and maybe even look at shocks and joints for wear.

Once is a great while tires can be out of round or the inner cords may be separating which would cause noise and roughness. I had this hapen a couple years back, the inner cords separated and caused a high spot which made noise and vibration.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

Nov 16, 2003 | 11:18 AM

mchild

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 407

Likes: 0

Jim,

Thanks for your comments. I have the same tires on it since before the rumble started and I rotate them on a regular basis without any change in the noise level. There isn’t any uneven wear, cupping, or other sings that I can see that it could be the tires. Unfortunately, I don’t think that it is the tires. But, keep the thoughts coming.

Thanks,

Mark

Dec 8, 2003 | 11:32 PM

cpettymore7777

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 233

Likes: 0

are you sure that the noise is in the front? i have had vibrations and nosie travel from the rear to the front. i had a bent rear rim and it made my steering shake.

Dec 9, 2003 | 09:46 AM

mchild

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 407

Likes: 0

I posted this thread in the Explorer section too and was told to check the front spindles in that others had to have them replaced when they had the same symptoms as mine. My spindles did look bad with noticeable ridges where they were worn. I have had trouble finding used ones that are not as bad or even worse then mine. New ones are about $230 each. I have a machine shop looking at repairing mine. I hope to get this thing back on the road soon.

Thanks,

Mark