Ok guys, I've been researching this forum for about a month now and haven't found anyone with the exact same issues that I'm experiencing so I've decisded to post my issues in hopes that someone, or many of you, can offer me some guidance...

I recently purchased a 2004 V10 4x4 Eddie Bauer that has 105,000 mile on it. It has the auto hubs and is running what appears to be stock everything (except rubber, currently has Cooper Discoverer S/T's in 265/75/16). I am experiencing what sounds like a rotational in nature vibration and whinning / howling noise. I first started with dismounting and remounting of the tires with spin balancing (rotated at the same time) and that didn't seem to cure anything. A couple of the tires did take about 5 oz's to balance though. I then went and replaced both front hub assemblies (cha-ching)only to still have the same vibration / howling noise.

The vibration is mainly felt in the floor board and I can see the passenger seat vibrating while going down the road at all speeds... regardless of me being on the gas or not.

The howling was thought to be the tires themselves but I'm not convinced that it is as I can hear the tire noise and it's independant of the "howling".

Here are a few things that I have found on here that may be my culprit... please chime in.... If I'm missing something please re-direct me. I really can't afford to keep throwing good money and good parts.

Possibilities????
1 - U-Joints in the rear drive shaft
2 - Drive shaft out of balance
3 - Rear axle bearings
4 - Sagging leaf springs (only 3/4 inch gap between spring and bump stops) causing drive line binding
5 - ??????

When I changed the front hub assemblies I did not see any play in the ball joints or in the tie-rod ends and both front shafts turn freely in 2 wheel drive.

I sincerely hope some of you guys will chime in and give me your thoughts. I absolutly love this vehicle and want to make things right... I ust don't know where to drop the pocket of money..

Thanks for reading, George.... aka "newbie in Michigan"

 

How about body mounts?

 

Not sure what to look for. Never thought about a body mount causing my vibration or howling.... Where do I look and what am I looking for?

 

If you have a way, I would make sure it is not tire related first. If you can, swap your tires/wheels with a friend/relative/enemy and see if it any different. That's where I'd start.

 

I agree with fordboy...tires/wheels are suspect first since it the noise/vibration is present at all speeds.

There are tons of possibilities. You might check to make sure the front axles are free spining from the hubs. If the hubs don't disengage, the front driveline will spin and can cause some noise/vibration issues. This can also lead to the double card u-joint wearing out on the rear of the front driveshaft.

Just thoughts....

 

Wow... a couple years back I too had a weird "rotational sound' with a bit of vibration... When I switched out my stock (OEM 16's) winter wheels/tires with my "fair weather" OEM 20's the sound and vibration went away.

This past winter after a couple years of rotating the winter wheels/tires the sound came back (not as bad though). When I put the OEM 20's on the noise disappeared.

Guess what tires I run in the winter.

Cooper Discoverer S/T

I'd do what fordboy67 says... Find a buddy with a superduty and switch out the wheels/tires for a bit to see if it is indeed the tires.

Good luck!!






MY MODS

 

Thanks for the thoughts guys. I did pick up some new greasable u-joints for the rear drive shaft just cuz I wanted to spend some money I guess. It makes good sense about switching out the tires... just having some trouble finding anyone with a superduty to do it. I have a good friend that has a 3/4 ton chevy truck that's 8 lug.... I'm going to see if they fit and if they do then do all 4 and go for a ride. I did verify the the front shafts are free so that shouldn't be the culprit. I'lll report back after the tire swap.... hopfully with good news.

thanks guys.

 

gtmgooser - Where are you located? There is always someone on here willing to help.

I have the same problem and am pulling my hair out trying to figure it out. I have:

-replaced wheels and tires
-replaced u-joints
-had driveshaft tested/inspected
-front wheel bearings
-front hubs
-front leaf springs
-new shocks
-RAS Suspension in back

I only have the expensive parts left. I still have the vibration. One of my vibrations was fixed with new u-joints, but the howling (that you can feel in your ears, seat) is still there. My next options are a cracked flywheel, torque converter, transfer case (could be bad because I drove from Whichita, KS to MN with a bad U-Joint), rear wheel bearings, and rear carrier (Diff) bearings.

If it were wheels/tires, the vibration would move around if you were to rotate them. Fist and foremost, check fluid levels and replace as necessary (I replaced all mine with AMSOIL).

Good Luck, I have been throwing money at this since I bought the thing about 10 months ago.

 

I'm in Muskegon,Michigan.... right on Lake Michigan. I'm going to try the tire swap next and then change the fluids regardless as I've only had this vehicle for 2 months and it has 100K on it. I'll keep checking back here and posting updates.... I just have to keep reminding myself why I bought this thing in the first place..... BECAUSE I LOVE IT.