How is everybody doing. I am a new user here so bare with me. I just purchased my first Explorer. A 1995 2 wheel drive 4 door. The owner told me it had a roaring noise in the front end and sure enough it does. I replaced all of the front wheel bearings because the outer bearing on the driver side was pitted badly. I still have the noise though. It does not change with wheel speed, or side to side movement like a bearing, it just comes and goes, mostly at low speeds. Is this a common problem? Maybe it is just a design flaw? I do not think it is tires because the noise is more quiet at highway speeds. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

I assume you replaced the bearing races along with the bearings ? What condition are the tires in ? Have you checked the U joints on the driveshaft ? Do you feel any vibration in the vehicle or the steering wheel ?

 

Thanks for replying. I did replace all of the races. The tires are new B.F. Goodrich All Terrain. They were on the truck when I purchased it so I have no idea if this created the problem or not. The truck is two wheel drive and the noise is definately in the front. There is no vibration from the front end...just a low roaring noise. The sound is more pronounced at speeds below 20mph.At highway speed the noise comes and goes. Changes in pavement structure have no effect. I am at a loss here.

Thanks again!

 

Hey Vess, I did exactly the same thing on our 97 Explorer when we got it. The roaring changed with speed and came and went when you turned the wheels lt. or rt. Sounds EXACTLY like a worn out bearing...ended up being cupped tires, on the inside lip. Check those tires out good. Evedently, these Explorers are extremely hard on tires. I will be making a post soon pleading for ideas on shock and tire upgrades. Good Luck!

 

Thanks guys for all of the help I appreciate it greatly.

 

It may just be the tires , they have a fairly aggressive tread design that produces noises that other tires with a more car like tread design doesnt . I have those tires on my truck & I guess Im used to it . Those are great tires & you shouldnt have any trouble selling them if you wanted to purchase another set of tires . I notice all the new Explorers are coming from the factory with Michelin tires .