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03 explorer


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tranman
Novice

Dec 25, 2007, 3:13 AM

Post #1 of 8 (3254 views)
03 explorer Sign In

I have an 03 Ford Explorer, 4x4 , V-6 with about 76k miles. The problem I am having is that I hear and feel a Vibration coming from what seems like the front drivers side wheel. The noise is loud and the vibration can be felt in the steering wheel. I have looked at the tires for signs of uneven wear and have checked tire pressure as well as the tightness of the lug nuts. It seems to get worse the faster I drive. any suggestions


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Dec 25, 2007, 4:46 AM

Post #2 of 8 (3251 views)
Re: 03 explorer Sign In

Spin that wheel while hoisted. I suspect a bad wheel bearing will be found with those symptoms,

T



tranman
Novice

Dec 25, 2007, 10:07 AM

Post #3 of 8 (3250 views)
Re: 03 explorer Sign In

thanks I will give it a shot and let you know what I find


tranman
Novice

Dec 25, 2007, 3:30 PM

Post #4 of 8 (3246 views)
Re: 03 explorer Sign In

I lifted it up and spun the tire and the only thing I noticed was it seemed the rotor might be slightly warped, because it seems to drag in one spot. I had a warped rotor on a different vehicle before and it shook every time I hit the brakes, but this one doesnt do that. Other than that the wheel spins freely, but also the brake pads seem a bit worn. Any way that I could determine if it is the bearing or something else in the front axel. Also the noise sounds like the tire is riding funny


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Dec 25, 2007, 5:41 PM

Post #5 of 8 (3242 views)
Re: 03 explorer Sign In

If rotor was warped/out of true it would express itself most with braking and not usually noisy about it. What you want to feel for with the wheel lifted is free-play and with a good spin by hand it may give you a busy sound. The brake will have a slight spot that you noticed but would usually quit that with a few good spins.

With no weight on the wheel the feel will be slight compared to driving it. Caliper could be dragging a bit but that doesn't usually cause a noise but more brake pull. A cv/u-joint could cause a vibration felt in wheel but that is usually when under load or turning under load. They can be tricky to nail down if they appear good at a glance with the boots intact,

T



tranman
Novice

Dec 28, 2007, 1:47 AM

Post #6 of 8 (3232 views)
Re: 03 explorer Sign In

I replaced the bearing and the noise and vibration are still there. Any thoughts on what else it could be?


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Dec 28, 2007, 2:26 AM

Post #7 of 8 (3227 views)
Re: 03 explorer Sign In

Did you find the old bearing bad when held in your hand? It could be the other side translating the noise and feel and fooling you.

Try checking it all. Turn wheels hard each way and engage so cv/u-joint have to work hard. Look hard at inside and outside of rotor surfaces for a spot that looks uneven. Retract disc brake enough to allow a nice free spin of the wheel. The half shaft joints (cv) could be doing this but are symptomatic and worse when turning or with load - usually. There's still more things that spin and can be problems. Hub that actuates 4wd - that should be worse or better engaged or not. This is a bit of a hunt and nothing can really be ruled out.

Are the brakes free and evenly worn? All items considered for this,

T



tranman
Novice

Dec 28, 2007, 11:27 AM

Post #8 of 8 (3223 views)
Re: 03 explorer Sign In

thank you very much for your help. It was the other side vibrating on to the other side. Bad bearing . Works like a champ now. Thanx Tom. Pedro






 
 
 






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