99 explorer Noise/Thump from RF tire area, need assistance

Hi all,

Just purchased a very lovely '99 ford explorer 4wd sport. The only problem is that between approximately 30mph-50mph there is a "thump thump thump" noise that increases in speed as I accellerate. It tapers off quietly after 50mph.

I've been searching for an answer but haven't seem to found one. I'll be taking my baby into the mechanic's on Tuesday to have it checked over completely, but if I can get this problem fixed before then I'd be really happy (and I'd feel safer driving).

Any ideas / suggestions would be really appreciative!

Thank you
Dave Nard

Bad Tire?

Bad Tire?

Don't think so. The tires are fairly new and properly inflated. From what i've managed to find, it might be a bushing, but I wanted to get opinions from others before I take it in.

Thanks
Dave

You have bad tires, trust me. I too have a 1999 X Sport which made the same noise at the same speeds. I took it to the dealer twice, had the bearings replaced, struts replaced and still the noise. Finally I complained to the dealership and they performed a more thorough inspection. They discovered that my tires were scalloped. Yes scalloped, I asked what the hell is scalloped? Prove it to me. They showed me the hand test where they run the hand against the grain and you feel bumps. I still was not convinced as I brought it in twice. So I demanded that the Service Manager who owns an Explorer switch his tires with mine and we go for a test drive. He agreed, switched them out and the noise went away. Four new tires solved that problem.

Don't think so. The tires are fairly new and properly inflated. From what i've managed to find, it might be a bushing, but I wanted to get opinions from others before I take it in.

Thanks
Dave


That would greatly simplify my life (and give me a reason to buy new tires)...I'll check it out with my mechanic, thanks! :)

That would greatly simplify my life (and give me a reason to buy new tires)...I'll check it out with my mechanic, thanks! :)


Problem solved! New tires (and new brake pads) did the trick. Now I just have to worry about the engine TSB's...lol.


-Dave