2004 Ford Explorer Droning noise at speeds above 40 MPH

PHAKER

MEMBER
2004 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
75,500 MILES

I hear a droning noise starting at about 40 mph that starts as a medium-tone drone and then rises in pitch and loudness as I speed up, though it seems to go away as I get up to 80 mph. It is not accompanied by any shakes or shimmies. The tires have been checked, re-balanced, rotated, and the front two replaced; the back two only have 2000 miles on them. No tire configuration changes the sound. The car handles like there's no alignment problem, and as best I can tell the bearings make no noise when rotated by hand. Also this may be totally unrelated, but the ABS light sometimes comes on, though it usually does not come on if the engine is hot from a previous running. Thoughts?

2 Replies

LANDIS STEWART

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Iv got a 97 thats doing the same thing. I took it into an off road center and they gave me a 1000$ list of problems. Lower ball joints, tire rods, stabillizer links, wheel bearings, sway bar, CV joint, and the alignment. (Yes its a wreck right now) The inside of my front left tire is almost bald and I think thats whats making the droning sound. You might check both sides of your tread.