1997 Ford Explorer

OZGUY33

MEMBER
1997 FORD EXPLORER

Noises problem
1997 Ford Explorer 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic 200K miles

I HAVE NOTICED FOR THE PAST MONTH OR SO, THAT WHEN I DRIVE AT A CONSISTENT HIGH SPEED-IE 110km/h AND HIGHER, THAT A 'CYCLICAL' VIBRATION COMES AND GOES. IT HAS BECOME LOUDER IN THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS AND I BELIEVE IT IS COMING FROM THE FRONT END. I DID TAKE IT IN TO HAVE THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME TO GET AN ALIGNMENT AND BALANCE. SO I DID. THE PROBLEM DID NOT GO AWAY. I HAVE FITTED NEW TYRES, REPLACED THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL HUB AND REPLACED ALL BRAKE PADS THE VIBRATION COMES ON GRADUALLY, PEAKS AT A LOUD VIBRATION AND THEN GRADUALLY CYCLES DOWN TO QUIET, AND THEN COMES AGAIN. IT IS VERY REGULAR, AND ONLY NOTICEABLE AT THE HIGHER CONSISTENT SPEEDS. ANY IDEAS? DO I NEED TO REPLACE THE OTHER FRONT WHEEL HUB OR COULD THERE BE A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS SENSOR OR MOTOR? THANKYOU FOR YOUR ASSSISTANCE

1 Reply

KERENSELF

MEMBER
54 POSTS

I'd be more inclined to think it's coming from the Harmonic Balancer (that large pulley on the front of the crankshaft that reduces engine vibration) or a suspension/steering issue like you seem to have been thinking.
As far as the ABS system, it merely releases the hydraulic pressure to your brake calipers/cylinders in the event that a wheel locks up while you are applying the brake - nothing likely to cause a front end vibration while traveling at high speeds, and it has its own indicator light if a problem is detected by the computer.