AboutDennis W Expertise I am a retired Ford master tech specializing in electrical, climate control, emissions, driveability, chassis, brakes, and any light repairs. Currently employed by an independent shop that appreciates my knowledge and abilities.
Cannot answer transmission or parts questions, these are not areas of my expertise.
Experience 32 years of auto repair, diagnosis, and emissions testing, in service staions, independent garages, and 20 years with Ford dealers.
Organizations National Street Rod Association (NSRA)
International Automotive Technicians Network (IATN)
www.blueovaltechs.com
IAMAW (retired)
National Street Rod Association
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Education/Credentials Riverside City College Automotive technology program
Ford Master Tech Certified Engine and Chassis Master (Over 500 hours)
ASE Certified in 7 categories
6 years training in Union 76 Pro-tech program
Awards and Honors 4-time Technician of the Year at Almaden Lincoln Mercury
Ford Master Tech
Union 76 Pro-tech Master tech
Question My explorer has been making a roaring sound for quite a while now. Lately it has gotten worse and is almost deafening to drive. You can't really hear the noise when it's idling but it increases as you speed up. I haven't had any work done on it in about 1 year but the last things that I replaced were the spark plugs and wires, the O2 sensor, and the fuel filter. My abs light has been on for a little while now. Could that have something to do with it?
Answer Even without hearing your noise, I would suspect the fan clutch which draws air thru the radiator. If the clutch sticks or doesn't work properly the roar you hear is usually the best sign of it failing. With the engine OFF, grap a tip of the fan blade and see if the blade is stuck or if it turns at all.
The easiest way to confirm this fault is to temporarily remove the fan belt. You don't need to drive it at all, just start the engine briefly, rev up the rpms and see if the noise is gone. DO NOT run the engine any longer than necessary to hear the noise or not, you could overheat the engine and cause other problems.
