mysterious noise
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
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mysterious noise
my girlfriend has an 01 explorer sport. over the past two weeks, we have noticed a humming and vibrating noise that seems to be coming from underneath the vehicle. It does not come from the engine bc when you take your foot off the gas, it continues. when you slow down, the noise gets quieter and eventually stops when the vehicle stops. it seems to be coming from the tires, wheels or brakes. Had new michelins put on about three months ago and had brakes checked out at the same time. they were fine. does anyone have a clue as to what could be going on. i am sure it could be a number of things but any input would be appreciated. thanks!!!
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,491
Likes: 2,806
Find an alley or back of a bldg where you can drive up to 30 or so safely.
Open a the window next to the wall and accelerate slowly with all the radio, heater etc off. Listen for your noise. Have the GF do the passenger side, then swap sides. Both report what you hear:
What is the speed of the noise? Driveshaft noise gets up to speed quickly.
Tire speed is 1/3rd or so (depending on your diff) and since you can see the tire in the mirror (put a white mark on it) you will be able to see and hear and match any noise up with that rotation.
Does the noise clearly come more from one side or the other?
Chances are, you have the standard issue Exploder failed diff, like so many of us had or have.
$1200+ is what my brother in law was quoted. His still whines.
Open a the window next to the wall and accelerate slowly with all the radio, heater etc off. Listen for your noise. Have the GF do the passenger side, then swap sides. Both report what you hear:
What is the speed of the noise? Driveshaft noise gets up to speed quickly.
Tire speed is 1/3rd or so (depending on your diff) and since you can see the tire in the mirror (put a white mark on it) you will be able to see and hear and match any noise up with that rotation.
Does the noise clearly come more from one side or the other?
Chances are, you have the standard issue Exploder failed diff, like so many of us had or have.
$1200+ is what my brother in law was quoted. His still whines.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,491
Likes: 2,806
Sorry I wasn't clearer.
If it's a wheel bearing, the noise will be louder on that side.
It will also be a slower cycle than a driveshaft or differential noise.
If you can listen to how fast the noise cycles you might be able to find the problem.
If you still have a warranty, let the dealer figure it out. If you're paying, try to pin point it so you pay for a repair, not guesswork or hours of diagnosis....
If it's a wheel bearing, the noise will be louder on that side.
It will also be a slower cycle than a driveshaft or differential noise.
If you can listen to how fast the noise cycles you might be able to find the problem.
If you still have a warranty, let the dealer figure it out. If you're paying, try to pin point it so you pay for a repair, not guesswork or hours of diagnosis....
