Intermittent drivetrain noise
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Intermittent drivetrain noise
I'm hoping this meeting of great minds can help me out. I have a '95 Aerostar XLT with E4WD and a mysterious drivetrain noise. The noise occurs only at freeway speeds, and only after 15+ min of driving. From the driver's seat, it sounds as if the noise is coming from the right front wheel area; however, back seat passengers have told me it seems to be coming more from the center of the vehicle. Maybe the center differential? When the noise occurs, the van pulls slightly left, as if the RF wheel is dragging a bit. The noise is a sort of pulsing growl that last 3-4 seconds, and is more frequent on downhill stretches, or when coasting.
I took it to a mechanic and it was diagnosed as bad front brakes. The front brakes (rotors, calipers, the works) were replaced, but the noise persists.
Any ideas?
I took it to a mechanic and it was diagnosed as bad front brakes. The front brakes (rotors, calipers, the works) were replaced, but the noise persists.
Any ideas?
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Its been my experience that drivetrain noise can be transmitted over a wide area and therefore hard to pinpoint. From your description, I would be inclined to think a worn or damaged bearing hub may at fault. Such a problem may give no initial noise or evidence but worsen as the hub warms up after 15 minutes of driving. This could also produce a characteristic low growling noise common to bearing wear. It would be easy enough to check by raising the front tire and checking for play. Have you run into any curbs, large potholes, etc recenty? The pulsating noise during downhill/coasting episodes makes me wonder if this may be more of a universal joint concern.
Last edited by aerocolorado; Jan 11, 2006 at 03:06 PM.
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Thanks for the reply. I will check the free play as you describe.
Would a worn bearing complain intermittently like that? I've experienced a worn wheel bearing before, and it seems like it growled continuously and at all speeds. Or could it be alternately binding and freeing up?
Would a worn bearing complain intermittently like that? I've experienced a worn wheel bearing before, and it seems like it growled continuously and at all speeds. Or could it be alternately binding and freeing up?
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From: Mitchell, SD
Welcome! 
Would a worn bearing complain intermittently like that?
Yes a bearing on the verge of going can do that. If you drive it long enough it will start doing it continuously. Remember that the Aero is full frame and alot more stiffer than your average uni-body car so sounds are more easily transmited.
Would a worn bearing complain intermittently like that?
Yes a bearing on the verge of going can do that. If you drive it long enough it will start doing it continuously. Remember that the Aero is full frame and alot more stiffer than your average uni-body car so sounds are more easily transmited.
Last edited by 93nighthawk; Jan 11, 2006 at 03:55 PM.
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How hard is it to replace a wheel bearing? Keep in mind I will probably be working in the dark, pouring rain (as it has for the last 23 or so days) and with the "assistance" of a 1.5 and a 5-year old...
I'd just take it in, but replacing the brakes has already eaten up my maintenance budget for some time.
I'd just take it in, but replacing the brakes has already eaten up my maintenance budget for some time.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Washington state
noise while coasting is tell tale sign
if not a front wheel bearing, then>
feel for excessive heating (only warm to touch) front and rear drive shaft u joints and shake for any looseness....after freeway drive..
check transaxle fluid for level and color...must be Mercon red/pink with no brown discoloration or strong oxidation odor....how old is fluid?
check front differential fluid...same as transaxle fluid...hypoid specialists on forum recommend changing to a synthetic 75w90 hypoid oil for long gear and bearing life...poor cooling of diff.
check for transaxle and front diff. only warm to touch after freeway drive.
if not a front wheel bearing, then>
feel for excessive heating (only warm to touch) front and rear drive shaft u joints and shake for any looseness....after freeway drive..
check transaxle fluid for level and color...must be Mercon red/pink with no brown discoloration or strong oxidation odor....how old is fluid?
check front differential fluid...same as transaxle fluid...hypoid specialists on forum recommend changing to a synthetic 75w90 hypoid oil for long gear and bearing life...poor cooling of diff.
check for transaxle and front diff. only warm to touch after freeway drive.
Postmaster
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Originally Posted by 96_4wdr
check for transaxle and front diff. only warm to touch after freeway drive.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Washington state
putting ED Amsoil 75w90 syn...not expensive since only <2 quarts in my AWD front diff.... dropped the temps subtantially, even towing now in August, I can put my hand on front diff without burn
I forget some live in sun Paradise, I came home last weekend dragging ice and snow underneath...have fun seeing all the Yota's and short wheel base SUV's with no weight in rear slide off into the ditch in deep snow and my old green toad just goes cruisin by up the mountain...chug...chug...chug
can be a problem steering around them when they get really thick
I forget some live in sun Paradise, I came home last weekend dragging ice and snow underneath...have fun seeing all the Yota's and short wheel base SUV's with no weight in rear slide off into the ditch in deep snow and my old green toad just goes cruisin by up the mountain...chug...chug...chug
can be a problem steering around them when they get really thick
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Southern California
Originally Posted by 96_4wdr
putting ED Amsoil 75w90 syn...not expensive since only <2 quarts in my AWD front diff.... dropped the temps subtantially, even towing now in August, I can put my hand on front diff without burn
I forget some live in sun Paradise, I came home last weekend dragging ice and snow underneath...have fun seeing all the Yota's and short wheel base SUV's with no weight in rear slide off into the ditch in deep snow and my old green toad just goes cruisin by up the mountain...chug...chug...chug
can be a problem steering around them when they get really thick
I forget some live in sun Paradise, I came home last weekend dragging ice and snow underneath...have fun seeing all the Yota's and short wheel base SUV's with no weight in rear slide off into the ditch in deep snow and my old green toad just goes cruisin by up the mountain...chug...chug...chug
can be a problem steering around them when they get really thick
Could the snow and ice have helped keep your front differential cool
Aerocolorado is probably also knee-deep in snow now (or may be not!), not exactly in Sun Paradise. 
It's sunny and warm today (in the 60's and 70's) in Souther California. Ahhh.... such is a good life, if only I can get rid of the other 29,999,999 people
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
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From: Washington state
and all the taxes, new state programs and the Criminalnator driving his Harley unlicensed and uninsured....only in Surf City...what they smokin down there now...must realllllly be gooood stuff
wait till all that snow in the Sierra Nevadas melts in one week in March....Ca. won't slide off into the Pacific....will float over to Commie China
wait till all that snow in the Sierra Nevadas melts in one week in March....Ca. won't slide off into the Pacific....will float over to Commie China
Last edited by 96_4wdr; Jan 11, 2006 at 08:44 PM.