I have a 2003 explorer 54,000 miles--making a loud hum from 55mph and above almost a vibration--tires look good bt found this rubber piece that looks like its falling apart. What is it called? Still under extended warranty anything i should have checked out before it expires?




any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Stephanie

 

looks to be upper ball joint and you couldnt pay me to drive that thing to the shop and get it fixed. that thing needs to be replaced IMMEDIATELY!

its an easy enough driveway fix. good luck getting the dealer to replace that under warranty. thats considered a wear and tear item.

 

wow! Here is a pic of a good one.



At least you took the time to locate the problem.

 

thats a tie-rod..how do i know..cause my freaking wife just got ina wreck in my truck and my poor baby (my truck) wasnt driveable for like days cause the tie rod was bent like a (c)..till i got the part..now shes in the body shop gettin all pretty again..get her back on friday.

 

thats the upper ball joint, not a tie rod

 

Yep, that's the upper ball joint. Ford replaced mine under warranty just before my extended 60,000 mile warranty ran out. They replaced all 4 ball joints and my idler arm and aligned the front end again.

 

Yeah, Ford replaced the ball joints on my old 2000 F150 under the ESP warranty.

 

its the upper ball joint, although the boot may be cracked that doesnt mean it is in dire need of repair. i would bet that isnt the cause of the humming at all. ball joints (on-road conditions) usually last 100,000 miles.

 

I recently replaced the left rear bearing hub on a friends 2003 Explorer. She had the same symptoms. The rear wheel had a dangerous amount of excessive play.

 

that ball joint needs to be replaced. also, a bearing will cause a hum or howl so you could have the same problem as longjohnsilver's friend. it could be a bad tire as well if it is speed sensitive meaning that it makes a sound only at a certain speed and not at all times. ford should be able to diagnose it under warranty and it should be safe to drive just try to bring it in as soon as possible.

 

oh my bad lol i dont know **** bout **** on trucks..just thought it was a tie-rod it looks exactly like it. oh well. thats why im a n00b and your a master

 

Ford says balljoints dont need replacing just because the boot is shredded-as long as there is no play they are good. However did get 3 new bearing assemblies & transmission shift solenoid. Do the balljoints need replacing if the boot is bad? I am worried about my warranty running out and then 2 or 3 months later they need replacing. Thanks

 

I hear you. The purpose of the boot is to protect the ball joint. With it torn, it's bound to wear out sooner.

 

ford claims because we live in florida the weather causes the boots to disintegrate but the joints themselves are fine and was told they uaually last 100,000 miles before they need replacing

 

Ford replaced all 4 of mine under my extended warranty just before my truck hit 60,000 miles.