I've been reading through other posts and have found a few items that are somewhat similar but I would appreciate any suggestions you might have on this one...

I've got a 99 Mountaineer V8 AWD with 68k. About a month ago I started noticing a slight "grinding" noise when turning at low speeds. I almost immediately thought it sounded like my old 92 Explorer when I had the 4x4 engaged. Since then, I also developed the infamous EGR valve/DPFE sensor problem (replacing the DPFE sensor solved it, by the way)--so for about 2-3 weeks it was driving horrible. In the middle of that fiasco, the grinding noise seemed to have gotten more constant and can be detected when speeding up or slowing down. And now, the ABS Light is on full-time. I also noticing a squeeling of tires sometimes when I'm making a tight turn in forward or reverse.

My question... Is the power distribution in the AWD somehow managed by the brake speed sensors? I've read quite a few posts that the ABS light often indicates that one of these sensors is bad. I removed the rear speed sensor to try to test (I got no reading on the resistance test). However, logically if that sensor was bad then shouldn't my speedometer also be malfunctioning?

Please let me know if there is anyone who's been through a similar experience. Thanks for any help you may have!