1997 Ford Explorer Rear wheels making noise

LORI_FDZ

MEMBER
1997 FORD EXPLORER
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
15,000 MILES

Hello,
The rear wheels on my Ford Explorer make a cracking/crackling noise when I turn the car off after having driven it around. The sound is something similar to the crackling noise an old hot engine makes when its cooling off. The noise is definitely coming from the rear wheels, because I got close to them and could hear the noise. I also pushed on one of the tires and the noise seemed to stop for a couple of seconds, but then it came on again. After whatever is making the noise cools off, the noise stops. I did get new tires but that was almost two months ago so I'm not sure if this has something to do with it. The guy that put my new tires on told me that the breaks were fine. Can you please tell me what it could possibly be? I'm scared to drive the car around.

Thank you.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

It could be the brakes cooling or the exhaust system. They both get hot when used and when cooling, they can make noise.

Let me know if you have other questions.

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Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010 AT 11:32 PM

LORI_FDZ

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hello,
Thank you for your response. Do you think that I should have the brakes or exhaust system checked? Is it something I should be concerned about? As I mentioned, I got new tires two months ago and the guy that put them on said the brakes were fine. Then again the car is old, its a 97, so I guess its supposed to make noise. Do you think its safe to drive the car with it making this noise?

Thank you again for all of your help.