I have a 1994 Ford Explorer with 94000 miles on it.

For the past three months I have noticed a grinding noise/vibration coming from the rear end of the car. This only occurs when I am turning from a stop. The noise/vibration stops once the car has finished the turn and straightened out. The noise/vibration is not very loud and doesnt happen EVERY time but most of the time. At high speed turns it does not happen.

The grinding noise cannot be heard when standing on the running boards outside the car (while someone is turning it in a parking lot). That is why I call it more of a vibration. Passengers say they can feel it also.

I have kept this car up very well with the instruction of my father and this has stumped even him. I have done some reading into this and it sounds like a problem stemming from the wheel bearings.

I also have a problem with the 4 wheel drive that I have not resolved (only thing not kept up!!). That I believe is from the U-joints or the AutoLocking Hubs. The only reason I mention that is maybe it has a some sort of relation to the grinding.


I welcome any suggestions or information regarding this problem. Thanks you!

Krid

If the wheel bearings are a problem, they will generate heat.
After driving at freeway speeds for fifteen minutes(no turning required), pull over, jump out and touch the wheel near where the bolts attach. It shouldn't be very warm at all. If hot, the bearing is toast.

Thanks for the response. I will try that next time I am out driving and post my results.

Krid