Un nerving noise from wife's X

[jcd302]

It has been doing odd things. Replaced the RF hub assembly on the 03 Explorer (110k). All other 3 wheels are tight, that one had slight play, thinking OK great found the source of the noise. Pulled the diff cover off as well, all looked good (as I was told), buttoned it up and filled with Lucas 80/90.

Take it to work, few little noises, nothing big, little whine that could be the tires. Coming home, get on X-way, 15 miles, nice and quiet. Kill the cruise at the exit as I am slowing down and get this growling whine again. Give it gas, goes away. Stressing a bit as Wednesday the kids and I need to go back to Chicago (250 miles) for the mom-in-laws funeral.

Why is this only doing it when the load is released? and not all the time, just after a good hwy run. Looking for hints, suggestions & prayers as I have a few hours in the morning to look it over (again). My worst fear is the trans is going. Once in a while it does a slight surge, kind of feels like a misfire.

 

[mylittleblackbird]

If you suspect the transmission could be to blame, what does the fluid look/smell like?

 

[Explorin94]

If you suspect the transmission could be to blame, what does the fluid look/smell like?

The sad thing about the transmissions on these is the fact that they don't have a dipstick. Expect for pulling the standpipe plug on the bottom of the transmission pan that would be the only way to check it.

 

[mylittleblackbird]

Good to know. Whoever thought to do that wasn't thinking with their dipstick.


Get the whole thing good and warmed up, and spin the rear wheels by hand. Wear pattern looks good, though.

 

[adsm08]

Good to know. Whoever thought to do that wasn't thinking with their dipstick.

Ford has been producing increasingly stupid designs over the last 10 years.