Rear Suspension problems of the 2002 Ford Explorer

Left side coil spring snapped suddenly while car was parked in driveway.

2002 Ford Explorer 4x4 limited with 2 broken coil springs 127,000mi.

I took my 2002 Ford Explorer with 67k miles on it to the dealer for a recall. They offered a free inspection of which they informed me the right rear spring was broken. There was no indication it was broken while driving the vehicle, so there is no way of knowing when it broke. The problem will be corrected by replacing the spring. No improved spring part number was available for Ford, so I expect it to break again in about 70k miles if I buy a new Ford spring.

I was hearing a loud sound from the rear-end, thought it was the tires so I replaced them. Brought the vehicle in because I believe the bearings were going, which they were, at which time they stated the rear spring was snapped. The car is in the shop now getting repaired and I am unsure how this happened because I never felt anything that seemed like a spring snapping. I was also informed by the mechanic that it is a common problem in Fords and mercurys. . . . .

Found part of my rear spring for my 2002 Explorer lying on the floor of the garage. Upon inspection I see the driver's side spring and the top that holds the spring are broken and crumbling. The passenger side spring and top has several cracks. This is at 101,000 mi, never driven off road and only light towing. I believe this is a serious safety issue because it could very well fail with a fully loaded vehicle on the highway leading to loss of control.

Broken coil springs-car is not used for towing or other activities. Many such reports of premature coil breakage. My car has 66k miles on it--no third seat. Both coils broken.

After getting my rear tires replaced, the mechanic told me that I had a crack in my right rear spring for my suspension.

There is a loud whining sound from back end and get louder the more you accelerate. The rear end or bearings need to be replaced.

Huge problems with rear differential on 02 Ford Explorers. Ford should take accountabilities for there lack quality in terms of engineering and manufacturing. Thought it would be a good family vehicle. Unfortunately it is unsafe and a drain on the finances.

Rear bearings in 2002 Ford Explorer. Major grinding and loud scratching noises coming from drivers side rear end. I see that this is a known problem with the 2002 Ford Explorer, and that possible fatalities could occur by the tire falling off. I have 3 children, all under 10 years old, and this is my primary vehicle.

We have had problems with the rear differential since buying our vehicle in 2003. The first time we had it fixed was two weeks after buying it. It has been fixed 3 times and we are about to fix again. After some research I found that this is a problem with hundreds of owners of 2002 Ford Explorers. There is no recall because they say it is not a safety issue, however; the mechanic said if not fixed the rear wheels could lock up causing an accident. I consider this a safety issue, especially when my children are in the car.

Noise coming from rear end of vehicle. Mechanic states both rear bearings are bad. Also states this is a very common problem with 2002 Ford Explorers. Cost estimate of 700. 00-800. 00. Problem can lead to wheel falling off vehicle while under way.

I purchased my 2002 Ford Explorer eddie bauer in 2006, there is a roaring sound and from other responses from the internet I see that alot of people are having this same problem and a mechanic that works for Ford said that it could be very dangerous and the back wheels could lock up at anytime that is very dangerous to me. Please consider a recall on this for it very important to me and alot of other people. The rear end (axle) is very important.

Heard loud roaring noise coming from back rear tires. Had Explorer checked to find out that right rear tire was almost ready to come off Explorer. After doing some looking around on the web I found out that many other Ford Explorer owners are also having these hubs/bearings wearing out very early (50-70k miles). This is a very dangerous problem and Ford needs to recall these Explorers before someone gets hurt. Thank you.

1. Roaring noise in rear end 2. Left and right rear bearings shot 3. Replace left and right bearings and hubs.

During normal operation the rear spring assembly has broken. They have been replaced once before and the ones installed are now broken. This is very hazardous as the spring could puncture the tire while vehicle is in motion causing and accident.

Rear wheel axle bearings. I have a 2002 Ford Explorer that had 85,000 miles on it. I had to have the rear wheel axle bearings replaced. I drove the vehicle about 20,000 and it was just over a year and the rear bearings went out again. Ford would not cover these. I had to pay full price again to have them replaced. Numerous people I have spoken with said there have been many problems with the bearings. Also a very close friend of mine also has a 2002 Explorer and she has had to have her bearings replaced too.

Rear wheel almost fell off on my wife's 2002 Ford Explorer. There was no leading suspicion to this problem until it happened. Very dangerous and with my wife being pregnant it makes it that much more frustrating.

: the contact stated while traveling on the highway at 60 mph, suddenly control of the vehicle was lost. The contact thought the vehicle's tire blew out, because both rear tires began wobbling. The vehicle was traveling on a normal flat surface at the time of the incident. The failure occurred under normal driving conditions, and was driven about 20 miles to the contact's residence. Two weeks prior to the incident, the contact observed a low grade deep drum noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection prior to the incident and the dealer notified the contact that both rear bearings were wearing out and needed to be replaced. After the incident, the vehicle was inspected and determined that both bearings were shot and the rear driver spring was broken. Both rear bearings and the rear driver spring are permanently damaged and must be replaced.

Funny thing, my Explorer only has 30,000 mile, there was no event, one day it was fine the next day come the whine and grind.

Rear bearing failure of 2002 Ford Explorer. Took vehicle to dealer because of rear end noise and was told the bearing was about to explode and could have lost an axle.

Bought the car in July 2004 at around 50,000 miles. Heard a loud noise coming from rear of the truck. Currently, the noise has proceeded to the front. I have not replaced anything because I really don't know what I am going to have to change. I was wondering if there is going to be a recall on this truck.

When driving 30 mph vehicle vibrated in the rear. Also, consumer heard a knocking noise coming from the rear. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection, and mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem.

Humming/whinning sound coming from rear-end especially when accelerating. Brought in to dealership 3 times, repaired 2 times while under warranty. Rear-end completely changed 2nd time. Making the whinning sound again now even louder, drowns out radio. Not under warranty anymore but obviously a manufacturer defect with the 2002 model, considering all the complaints with the exact problem I have read upon research. Will a recall be issued to prevent any accidents that could occur from a rear-end going out while driving? my Explorer is a family hauler, hate to put my babies at risk. . .

While driving (65 mph) on I 95 through richmond virginia, at 12:30 after midnight, my 2002 Ford Explorer (62,000 miles) developed a vibration. I made it to the Ford dealer and left it for repairs. The rear end bearing, axle shaft, cv joint failed. Four (4) days later I was on the road. It was a very frightening experience. Ford would not accept responsibility. There is no maintenance on the rear axle bearings. This is a new design and I bought an early unit.

A thumping noise could be heard from the rear of the vehicle while driving.

Left rear spring broken approximately 3" from top of spring. Spring protective coating only 20% remaining and essentially non functional. Extremely heavy rust in this region of spring.