Can anyone give me a hint as to what a slight rotational noise is on the slowdown if your purchasing dealer has replaced the Hub, and half the front end parts and you still have it? It's not brake related unless the rotor has warped??? The only thing I can think of is the U'joints. They did about $1200 worth of work including replacing the "Hubs" (and maybe you can tell me what ehey mean by that) and it still makes noise at slow speeds before stops...

 

As I understand it, there is no hub or locking unit on the 4x4. Your front differential is always engaged (front wheels turn the half shafts from the diff) and is made 4x4 at the diff. The half shafts as I call them are about 500 each if I remember right. But why would they replace them if your noise is at the wheel? Can you post more details as to the noise and problem?

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 15-Jun-02 AT 07:36 AM (EST)]The noise is speed related and I hear it at very slow speed such as just before you stop at a stop sign. It sounds like a "rotational rubbing" noise and you have to listen very closely as it's not very loud. It's not affected by applying the brakes and I don't think it's affected by going into 4 wheel drive (I'll have to check it again). It does sound like it is coming from the front end. Thanks for any info

 

Based on my limited experience it would most likely be your rotors (most likely) or your u joints (not as likely). Brakes can make noise without the pedal being pushed. Another thing to think about is that you say it sounds like it's coming from the front. That doesn't always mean it's coming from the front and you may have a pad dragging in the rear. The fact that it makes the noise irregardless of brake use really throws me.

 

I agree that it may not be coming from the front end yet sound like it. I've been curious about the u-joints? Not sure it's not one of those. I also agree and let the service dept know it could be the brakes. I didn't specifically say the back as it sounds like the front however if they're charging for all this diagnostic time you'd think they would be able to figure it out. I guess if it goes on the warranty I purchased they don't really care what they charge for.

 

Forgot to mention that rotors are something I've been thinking about...who knows...

 

The hub they are referring to is the wheel bearing assembly, its one unit and is non-serviceable. I'd rotate your tires and see if the noise goes away, tire noise on the front is fairly common

 

Well I doubt it is your U-joints......for those of us who have had those go bad, you know it...feels like the back of the truck is about to fall apart.
I know the Explorers have had problems with the dust seal on the back of the bearing making a "sqeaky" noise while moving...especially when driving slow. I know this because I have replaced three sets on 1996 and 1997 Explorers at the Honda dealership I work at.

Jake

1997 Eddie Bauer Expedition, 5.4L, 4x4, Gibson 3" Cat-back, K&N intake, Diablosport performance chip, 16x8 Centerline "Corona" wheels, and a list that gets longer by the day. :-)