Explorer rear end hum

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Nov 14, 2006 | 11:57 PM

#76

Mountaineerfixer

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Joined: Nov 2006

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It is the rear end.

Have had my 2002 rear end 3.73 LS replaced twice. Just because it comes out of the crate still gives you a 50/50 chance it will last. Never towed or off-roaded. There is a tsb. Do not let the dealer talk you into an additive instead of replacement. It will become worse.

If your truck is a 2 wheel drive it could be the drive shaft also. That also has a tsb. It has to be a LS/clutches for it to be the rear end. Could also be your tires if you have Goodrich's.

Good Luck.

Nov 15, 2006 | 04:32 PM

#77

jmdetermann

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I have a 2001 Sport Trac 4x4 w/ 65k

I have a rear end noise. Although I can hear it at any speed it is most noticable when keeping a steady speed @ about 30 mph.

I only hear the noise when I am applying pressure to the gas pedal. When I let off it goes away. It is for sure comming from the rear end and not the tires.

Could this possibly be that the Gear isnt set where it needs to be?

Please, any info would be great.

-Jon

Dec 16, 2006 | 02:50 PM

#78

Dr.D

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Joined: Dec 2006

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Just joined this site in hopes of finding a solution to my VERY LOUD rear end. It's the usual. 55-65 mph hum/grind while on the accelerator. Disappears mostly when you back off. Vehicle now has about 98,000 miles on it. No other issues, just the noise. The rear-end was replaced at about 40,000 miles due to the same noise. Well maintained and babied generally so why does this happen? I've read about bad gears, bad bearings, bad axles, clutch packs.... I'm sure all of these things can eventually fail once the first thing goes but has Ford or anyone else figured out what the real problem is that triggers all of this. I've got no warranty so I'm not thrilled about shelling out over a grand for some stop gap fix of a problem that will return in another month or maybe hold off for a year or so. Obviously just putting in a new version of the same old problem doesn't consistently work. This vehicle is a V-6 with two-wheel drive and the 3.73 limited slip rear and a trailer towing package (which has never been tested). I realize that Ford doesn't want a class-action on their hands so may not acknowledge a design flaw but one of you guys must have some firm suggestions around how to remedy this. It's going to be on my dime it appears so I want it right. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

Dec 16, 2006 | 05:32 PM

#79

RA81222

Tuned

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 339

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My '02 has the same whine and have just learned to deal with it.Can't afford to have it replaced.And it seesm it can't be fixed vfrom reading these posts.

Dec 16, 2006 | 05:58 PM

#80

mbritt

Freshman User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 40

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Speaking from experience you will have to replace it because it will eventually go out and could cause other problems. So it's not just an annoying whine that will go away, mine shattered.

Jul 5, 2007 | 11:18 PM

#81

prezmach5

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Joined: Jul 2007

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Quote:

Originally Posted by twisted limb

My '02 has the same whine and have just learned to deal with it.Can't afford to have it replaced.And it seesm it can't be fixed vfrom reading these posts.

Twisted Limb... How is that going for you? I have an '02 Explorer that seems to have the rear diff whine. Don't have the money to get it fixed (unless it's a necessity). Can easily live with it, and if you've had no problems, I sha'nt worry either.

Thanks!

Jul 6, 2007 | 05:58 AM

#82

tvulcan

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Joined: May 2004

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Mine has been singing for 2 or 3 years now. Can't tell that it has gotten any worse. I think it's just a noise and not anything more serious.

Jul 6, 2007 | 07:16 AM

#83

RA81222

Tuned

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 339

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I just had the Exploder in the dealer for a rear wheel bearing and they did not say anything about the rear end so it must be alright or they would of tried to sell me a new rearend rebuild.Joe

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Jul 6, 2007 | 10:44 AM

#84

prezmach5

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Joined: Jul 2007

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Quote:

Originally Posted by twisted limb

I just had the Exploder in the dealer for a rear wheel bearing and they did not say anything about the rear end so it must be alright or they would of tried to sell me a new rearend rebuild.Joe

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvulcan

Mine has been singing for 2 or 3 years now. Can't tell that it has gotten any worse. I think it's just a noise and not anything more serious.

Twisted Limb and tvulcan... Thank a bunch for the feedback. The rear-end is a vehicle part I've never had to work on or worry about, so my knowledge about it is minimal. I will just keep an eye on the seal leak it has and put the noise in the "don't worry about it" bucket. If anything horrible happens, I will let you know.

Jul 10, 2007 | 05:09 PM

#85

concreteman0

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Joined: Nov 2005

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my wifes 02 Explorer has the hum but its not broke any thing yet so turn up the radio and hammer down

Jul 20, 2007 | 01:16 PM

#86

andypinto

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Joined: Jul 2007

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Hello everyone:
I'm new in the community, and happy to join the enthusiasts of Ford Trucks.
I have a 02 4x4 Explorer with 100.000 miles on it, and also have the damn hum in the rear axle. It appears only at 50 to 65 mph and on acceleration. Dissapears in coast and below and over those speeds.
According to RRL's post, apparently is a manufacturing or design defect in all Ford differentials installed in Explorers, so the problem will not dissapear even if the dealer replace the whole part.
Somebody knows if is possible to get a differential for the Explorer made by a third party manufacturer?
Thanks in advance and happy rides.

Andy.

Jun 16, 2008 | 12:02 PM

#87

Skyview

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Joined: May 2008

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Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulMD

So, I may have a similar problem to what many have reported here ... '03 Explorer w/ 73K miles. I noticed for the first time yesterday on new pavement that when I took my foot off the accelerator at 65 mph that the car would start "thumping" as though I were traveling over expansion joints or frost heaves (evenly spaced). The problem disappeared when I depressed the accelerator again. I tried shifting into Neutral but the sound was still there.

I've always noticed variouis sounds from the rear of the vehicle, but assumed they were normal ... tires, diff, etc. I've also noticed what I described above in the past, but attributed it to road surface conditions.

Any exprience the thumping sound?

I have an '03 XLT 4.0V6 and have experienced the thump noise you've described too, along with the whine on accel. I have the ESP (Extended Service Plan) and have had all four wheel bearing assemblies replaced this past spring. I have 54,000 miles on this vehicle. The rearend noise is annoying and the thumping is just plain wierd and not right. I am going to be taking it in to the dealers in a few weeks and see what they say.

Jun 16, 2008 | 10:26 PM

#88

dotskip

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Joined: Aug 2007

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Tsb

Quote:

Originally Posted by srercrcr

What's the TSB number?

Make : FORD Model : EXPLORER Year : 2002
Service Bulletin Num : 16898 Date of Bulletin: JUN 01, 2003
NHTSA Item Number: 10002609
Component: POWER TRAIN
Summary:
A WHINE NOISE ON TIP-IN AT SPEEDS OF 45 TO 65 MPH. THIS MAY BE DUE TO DRIVELINE STACK-UP TOLERANCE WITH THE DRIVESHAFT AND REAR AXLE. *TT

Make : FORD Model : EXPLORER Year : 2002
Service Bulletin Num : 17054 Date of Bulletin: AUG 01, 2003
NHTSA Item Number: 10003164
Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
Summary:
AXLE WHINE AT CRUISE OR DURING ACCELERATION/ DECELERATION.

Make : FORD Model : EXPLORER Year : 2002
Service Bulletin Num : 16754 Date of Bulletin: APR 01, 2003
NHTSA Item Number: 10002652
Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
Summary:
EXCESSIVE WHINE NOISE FROM THE REAR AXLE AT CRUISE, OR ON ACCELERATION AND/OR DECELERATION. *TT