Hello Everyone,

Thanks ahead of time for any help.

I have a 97 Explorer with the 5.0 and AWD. I have had it for almost a year now, and over the course of the last year a hum emanating from the front of the vehicle has been getting ever louder. I have read a lot of posts on the site about different front end noise and I have basically arrived at the conclusion that this is one of two possible problems.

I think the problem is either: Wheen Bearing or Gears. Here is some more info on the issue:

The hum sounds like it is coming from the drivers side, but I'm not absolutely positive that this is the case.
The hum is always (above 5mph) audible
The hum is loudest at about 40mph
The hum dissipates during a sweeping right hand turn(like freeway onramps or taking a corner)

Other facts:

The front end differential cover has been removed at some point(Permatex can be seen around the cover)

So, am I on the right track? What would you check first? Due to the fact that the hum goes away during a right hand turn, I am going to do the wheel bearings first(Yay! Luckily, I have access to an industrial press...), but because the differential cover has been removed, I am kinda nervous about something else being wrong in the gears.

Any ideas would be helpful; I plan on digging into the project this weekend.

Thanks!
DanO

 

I'm experiencing the same problem with a 2000 AWD 5.0.At first I thought it was tire noise.Started getting louder aroud 35mph.When i drove it on snow, i still have the same sound,So i'm thinking it's not tires.I would be interested in what you find out.Your problem sounds like possible bearings because of the sound lessening during a turn.I think that would change the pressure on the wheel hub.Good luck and i hope it's a cheap fix.

 

This has been my problem as well. Dealer thought it was bearings in front axle-didn't fix the problem. Mine sounds and feels like very badly cupped tires. Dealer now thinks its coming from the transfer case. Check out this thread:https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...2B%25252Bnoise Sure would like to get this fixed. It can't be normal in a vehicle that cost over $30,000 new.

 

So...after spending $382 on two front wheel bearings at Advance Auto Parts, everything is fixed. The noise is completely gone and it is almost like riding in a brand new car. Before they go changing your transfer case, I would check the wheel bearings. It was my drivers side bearing, the noise would go away during right-hand turns. I would venture to say that if the passenger side bearing is going bad, the noise would go away while turning to the left.

Thanks and Good Luck

Dan

 

Glad you solved your problem.My truck goes in the shop on monday to try to determine where the noise is comming from.
I did notice today that a left turn lessens the sound,so maybe
i'll be lucky and only have a wheel bearing problem instead of a
transfer case problem.I bet that can be very expensive.Thanks for keeping us informed.

 

$382??? Did you replace the hubs too? Bearings should be about $15 + the grease seals....

 

Yes, $382. I know, I had sticker shock too. AutoZone has the hubs for $176, Advance has them for $198. Autozone here in Cleveland didn't have any in stock, so thank god Advance does price matching.

On the 4wd you can't replace just the bearings, you have to do the whole hub. The labor itself wasn't too bad either, just had to remove the caliper, rotor and dust shield. Three 15mm(I think) bolts hold the hub on the knuckle.

 

Ouch. On my 94, I can just replace the bearings....