2004 Ford Explorer

NMINGO

MEMBER
2004 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
44,500 MILES

I have recurring thump thump thump as the wheels rotate. I can feel the thump in the sterring wheel. The mechaic keeps telling me its the brakes that are making the car make the noise however when I apply the brakes the noise stops. What could be the problem?

5 Replies

BUDDYCRAIGG

MECHANIC
2,262 POSTS

Sounds like a brake problem to me too.

What parts does your mechanic suggest be replaced?

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Sunday, June 21st, 2009 AT 5:31 PM

NMINGO

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3 POSTS

He has already machined the rotors and he saying that the brake pads would have to be replaced to stop the noise. He says the pads are good but because sat up so long it may have caused some 'dry rot"

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Sunday, June 21st, 2009 AT 5:40 PM

BUDDYCRAIGG

MECHANIC
2,262 POSTS

Missed that bit of information in your first post.
Now I suspect a tire with a slipped belt, bent rim, or failing bearing.

Do you get a vibration at highway speeds?
The Thump, thump thump in the steering wheel.
Is there a noise that goes along with it?
Does the steering wheel rock slightly with the thump?

About the brake noise, is it a squealing or scraping sound that stops when you step on the brakes?

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Sunday, June 21st, 2009 AT 6:05 PM

NMINGO

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3 POSTS

Thats just it, there is no noise when braking accept for a squeaking noise coming from the back brakes.

Yes slight vibration at high speeds, yes the steering wheel does have vibration in it when the the thumps are heard. If I go real slow the thumps are slow but they are more like a grinding thump.

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Sunday, June 21st, 2009 AT 6:18 PM

BUDDYCRAIGG

MECHANIC
2,262 POSTS

Next thing to do is jack the front end up and support it with jack stands.

Then rotate the wheels by hand, feeling and listening for a noise or a dragging.