2002 Ford Explorer Logo
Posted on Apr 08, 2009
Answered by a Fixya Expert

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

View Our Top Experts

Rubbing or grinding noise coming from Driver side rear tire/wheel

When I accelerate from a complete stop while turning left, there is a rubbing or grinding sound that comes from the back tire or wheel. I had my tires rotated today and the mechanic stated that i need to service the rear differential. Could that be causing the noise? He did check the brakes and calipers and those looked fine.

  • 5 more comments 
  • mrsmulepower Apr 08, 2009

    I don't know if I have limited slip, but i do have auto 4x4. I'm sure it will be expensive to fix.

  • mrsmulepower Apr 09, 2009

    i want to try to do this myself. Where do I start? Where do i add the fluid?

  • Queensbury Apr 14, 2009

    We have a 2002 Ford Explorer with the exact issue. We did repair the differentials and had the problem looked at a year ago at a Ford Service Center which has recently closed and which they claim to have resolved. Last Thursday the rear wheel broke while my husband was on the highway. Today we are hearing from the mechanic that it's the knuckle and when it breaks (and it will) they will tell you that they no longer make the part for older Explorers and in order to replace it with the current part you will also have to replace the axcel. I am in the middle of making sure this info is accurate. I will keep you posted. So far we are looking at $800 in repairs....Thank God my husband is ok.

  • Anonymous Apr 15, 2009

    It actually feels like its coming from the front, right under the driver side. I was told by an INDEPENDENT mechanic that my ball joints need to be replaced, however this sounds more like the problem I am having. Is there a front axel differential that could be damaged? Thank You.

  • Anonymous Mar 21, 2014

    Grinding or rubbing noise

  • Anonymous Mar 24, 2014

    Rubbing sound from left driver tire

  • Anonymous Mar 28, 2014

    never had front wheel apart. I swop my own tires Noise did not change If it was abearing I would think it would have a more distinct sound.

×

3 Answers

Anonymous

Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

Corporal:

An expert that has over 10 points.

Mayor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 2 times.

  • Contributor 2 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 11, 2009
Anonymous
Contributor
Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

Corporal:

An expert that has over 10 points.

Mayor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 2 times.

Joined: Apr 11, 2009
Answers
2
Questions
0
Helped
9490
Points
16

I had the same problem that based on interner research is common for Fords trcuks/suvs. The common problem fro rear humming "rubbing"sound might be the rear wheel bearings/seal. These will need to be replaced as it will progressivly get worse and the noise louder and eventually the bearings can sieze. I would hesitate to take to a ford dealer if I were you as it can run $500-900. Take to mechanic that knows how to replace wheel bearings and seals. My mechanic replaced them for about $150. and the bearing and seals are around $40. A good way to test this is to raise the wheel were you can freely spin by hand...if does not spin or there is a lot of friction then it might be the wheel bearings.
Good Luck

Anonymous

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 500 times.

  • Ford Master 783 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 08, 2009
Anonymous
Ford Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 500 times.

Joined: Jan 28, 2009
Answers
783
Questions
0
Helped
713025
Points
4089

Yes the rear differential could be the cause if you have a limited slip rear axle. The clutches could be binding in the rear axle.This would be noticeable especially on turns and accelerating.

  • 1 more comment 
  • Anonymous Apr 08, 2009

    If you have 4X4 then you have a rear limited slip differential. I would try servicing it first and adding friction modifier to the fluid and drive it for about 100 miles to see if this corrects the concern first.

  • Anonymous Apr 09, 2009

    Looking at the back cover you will see a large plug on the lower left,remove this plug to drain the fluid.

    On the top right you will see a smaller plug,remove this one to refill.

    It will take 2.6 to 2.9 pints of rear axle fluid and 4oz of friction modifier.

  • Anonymous Apr 09, 2009

    You will fill it to 1/4" from bottom of the fill hole.

×

Ad

Steve Ruppert

Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

  • Contributor 1 Answer
  • Posted on May 31, 2019
Steve Ruppert
Contributor
Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

Joined: May 31, 2019
Answers
1
Questions
0
Helped
8647
Points
1

Do you have a lot of weight in the back? There is a plastic nub inside back wheel wells that will rub on the tire if it’s too heavy. I just discovered this when moving.

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

1helpful
1answer

In the right rear I get a rubbing noise when making a left turn or during rapid acceleration.

If the tire started coming apart it could have hit the brake dust cover and bent it.
0helpful
1answer

Rubbing or grinding soud front driver side area

check to see if the dust shield behind the brake rotor got bent a little and is rubbing the rotor- cheers Denny
0helpful
2answers

98 BUICK REGAL: GRINDING OR RUBBING NOISE WHILE TURNING

Check rear brakes and that also means the emergency brake shoes that are located under the rear brake disk . and also check the rear shocks
0helpful
1answer

Noise from rear-end on jeep chrokee

Did you check the fluid level in the rear end?
0helpful
1answer

Noise from rear-end on jeep chrokee

Hey Dennis,
Have you checked the lube level in the read differential? If its good, you have a wheel bearing going bad. To replace it, you will need to remove the axle.. This is not a hard fix, but you have to have the ALL the tools and you MUST put the rear end up on jack stands..DO NOT use a jack to hold the rear end up.. IF you are not very mechanically inclined, please take this to a qualified professional..
Auto Truck Repair Manuals by Chilton Haynes Clymer Factory
Jeep Cherokee 1984 2001 Repair Manuals
http://repair.chiltondiy.com/Pub/DIY/Product/1998-Jeep-Cherokee-repair-manual-online?ca=Repair&b=2229
0helpful
1answer

I have a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer. While driving STRAIGHT, not turning...there is a horrible grinding/rubbing sound coming from the driver side front tire. I had the wheel bearing replaced on the...

If its not the bearing and your Mercury is front wheel drive, it could be the "CV" joints.
It could be both....

Is the wheel rubbing the brake caliper?

Is something like the wheel well liner rubbing the tire(airflow pushing it into tire)?

Jack the tire off the ground and rotate it by hand. Push in & out at the top, sides, and bottom of the tire. Little or no play is considered acceptable. If you get a "clunking" sound and/or a lot of play the bearing(s) are bad. (If front wheel drive, chock rear tires, put transmission in neutral so you can rotate tire.)

Hope this helps.
0helpful
2answers

2000 chevy cavalier, when turning left makes

Check the under fender. Sometimes the black plastic will come loose around the wheel area. Turn your wheels to the left and see if the tire are rubbing close to any part of the fender area.
3helpful
1answer

Front grinding/rubbing sound when accelerating

if you slide under the truck and try moving the cv with your hands and there is any looseness in joint or noise the joint is indeed worn out, the cv joint if bad should not stop the truck from shifting into 4 wheel drive it could be stuck in 4wd and this would cause cv joints to break, if u have access to lift get all tires in air and try2 vs 4 drive and see if tires turn if not lift front tires off ground tires should turn freelyin 2wd, as u turn tires listen to wheel bearing and shaft noises for grinding clunking indicating bad parts, simple tricks that may help u find problems for cheap good luck!!
0helpful
1answer

Grinding rubbing noice turning right

If you have stock sized tires on it.. check the brakes.. also look for loose fender skirting near the wheel as a helper turns the wheel maxxed out to the right.. Lemmie know, Thanx
2helpful
1answer

Noise coming from front of car

It sounds exactly like a wheel bearing problem.The right side its seems would be the problem. When you turn right it puts more pressure on the bad bearing making it louder. I would suggest replacing both. If on is gone the other one isn't far off. Hope this helps
Not finding what you are looking for?

8,657 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Ford Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Ronny Bennett Sr.
Ronny Bennett Sr.

Level 3 Expert

6988 Answers

Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins

Level 3 Expert

15088 Answers

Are you a Ford Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...