One problem related to grinding noise has been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving anywhere between 20-50 mph there is a whistling and grinding noise in the wheels on the right side. This prolbem has been corrected by the dealer three times, and the problem has started up again. Also, around the beginning of November 1998, when turning the steering wheel to left, a rubbing and a grinding noise came from the steering wheel. Dealer stated that this prolbem was not dangerous, and that a part would be ordered to correct problem. Problem has not been corrected.