Front end whine while driving

2007 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC
101,000 MILES • 4.6L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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KENNYSCHWEITZER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My vehicle has recently started to have a whine, or humming sound while driving down the road. It sort of sounds like the noise a big lug tire makes on asphalt. Or some 4x4's make with the hubs locked in. The pitch of the sound changes as speed increases, but does not change when the transmission changes gears, so I do not think it is in the transmission.

Occasionally I feel a vibration when I turn at slow speeds, maybe from the differential?

There is no excessive noise when up to highway speeds, it is more noticeable from about 15 - 45 mph.

There is no cupping or uneven tire wear.
Nov 15, 2018 at 11:25 AM
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JONNYB1963
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 263 POSTS
Hi Kenny,

Just had that problem on my 2003 Explorer. The noise you describe sounds like the wheel bearings. When they get bad enough they can actually be felt in the steering wheel. And most times the sound changes slightly when you turn the wheel even slightly.

Jon
Nov 15, 2018 at 5:16 PM
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