Question:

I had the bearings in my rear differential changed by an independent mechanic for about $400.  That solved a similar problem I had.  The noise was there any time the wheels were turning, but only became noticeable at high speeds or when the windows were down and the radio off. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > May I recommend you put it on a lift (or jack both rear wheels off the > ground), put it in gear, > get underneath and listen to the drive train at lower speeds.  It is likely > that the noise is there > all the time, but not loud enough for you to hear inside the vehicle. > I’ve heard that Explorers of the era have had some bearing problems in the > differential.  I nearly > purchased a 2001 Sport Trac with a subtle rear end noise.  I asked a > mechanic to lift it and check > out the noise.  Bad bearings and metal in the diff oil.  I backed out of the > purchase. > Alan Geist > asgeist at ichips dot intel dot com >Is this a common problem? This one has a loud whine at about 70 but no >noise until then. >Thanks.

Response:

Is this a common problem? This one has a loud whine at about 70 but no noise until then.   Thanks.

Response:

May I recommend you put it on a lift (or jack both rear wheels off the ground), put it in gear, get underneath and listen to the drive train at lower speeds.  It is likely that the noise is there all the time, but not loud enough for you to hear inside the vehicle. I’ve heard that Explorers of the era have had some bearing problems in the differential.  I nearly purchased a 2001 Sport Trac with a subtle rear end noise.  I asked a mechanic to lift it and check out the noise.  Bad bearings and metal in the diff oil.  I backed out of the purchase. Alan Geist asgeist at ichips dot intel dot com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Is this a common problem? This one has a loud whine at about 70 but no > noise until then. > Thanks.

Response: