2001 Ford Explorer Car is very loud

LOCARCAR

MEMBER
2001 FORD EXPLORER

Tires and Wheels problem
2001 Ford Explorer V8 Automatic 107000 miles

My car is getting increasingly loud. We thought it might be the tires and have experimented with different tire pressure, but it gets louder no matter what. Now I'm thinking it is something more. It drives fine, no pulling, no real vibration. Just louder & louder over the course of a few months. Must have something to do with tires/drive train/axles because it only does it when moving - not loud at idle.

Thanks!

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

When turning, doest the sound change?

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Friday, April 23rd, 2010 AT 8:00 AM

LOCARCAR

MEMBER
3 POSTS

You asked if the sound changes in a turn. Yes and no. When I turn left, even if accelerating into the turn, the noise lessens. If I turn right there is no change.

On a straightaway, the noise increases with acceleration, levels out at about 55 mph. There is no noise at idle.

Thank you for any help.

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Saturday, April 24th, 2010 AT 8:48 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi:
What you are describing to me is a bad wheel bearing. When you make a left turn, some of the vehicle's weight comes off the left side of the vehicle. As a result, the noise lessens. That would be the first thing I check.

Let me know if you have other questions or need additional information.

Take care,
Joe

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Saturday, April 24th, 2010 AT 9:31 PM

LOCARCAR

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Thank you, Joe. I appreciate the help. Would the bearing be in the left or right front wheel? Is this an expensive repair? Can we replace the bearing in one wheel or should we do all at the same time? Is it safe to drive until the repair is made? Thanks again!

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Sunday, April 25th, 2010 AT 6:03 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Based on your description, it sounds like it is one of the left wheel bearings. Chances are it is the front, but I can't be sure. The front is more than the rear because it comes as a hub assembly. Have it checked and I'll get you the aprox cost.