02 Explorer Bearing Noise? Help! - Ford Forums

babypumpkinhea · 03-29-2007, 19:42

Ok guys, I am pretty handy aroun d the garage, but I'm looking for some knowledge from the ford gurus.

I have an 02 Explorer XLT 4x4 V-6. I have a humming moise coming from the front and rear. I think the rear maybe just tire noise as it doesn't change with throttle position. But......The moise in the front has progressivly gotten worse and has turned into a hum and vibration most noticable from 30-55MPH, and gets worse when cornering right.

I'm leaning toward hub bearings, but just wondering if anyone else has had similar issues and what the result was. I just don't want to spend hundreds on hub bearings if there's a chance I might have axle bearings or CV joints also going bad.

Any thoughts?

NCVinVT · 03-30-2007, 19:56

I had the same sounds with my 2002 XLT V-8 at 61,444 miles. Dealer replaced two rear wheel bearings and left front bearing. Expensive.

Johnny Mullet · 04-04-2007, 19:02

Explorers have a common issue with front and rear wheel bearings. The noise can be diagnosed with a well-trained ear or a stethoscope while the vehicle is in gear on a rack.

NCVinVT · 04-05-2007, 18:01

Further to my post of earlier - guess what? Changing out winter tires today, my mechanic confirmed (with stethescope) that my other front wheel bearing is on the way out - at 99,500 miles. That makes the fourth one to need replacement.