Three problems related to axle shaft seal have been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Some 1998/1999 Explorer/mountaineer 4x4 vehicles may exhibit a high pitched squeal/whistle type noise from the front end at speeds from 10mph to 40mph. This noise may be coming from the front half axle shaft excluder(dust) seals (3k070) as they rotate against the inner front hubs. Perform procedures 205-04-9 through 205-04-8 of the 1999 Explorer/mountaneer workshop manual applying a 1/8 thick bead of high tempature wheel bearing grease (part# e8tz-19590-a) onto the seal lips and the surfaces, they contact. Perform procedure 205-04-8 of the 1999 Explorer/mountaineer workshop manual. This is a temporary fix and Ford engineers are currently investigating this issue.
Rubber sealing for junction draft shaft and transmission failed. Yh.
Consumer noticed oil leaking, took vehicle to dealer, dealer stated that seals were defective.