Axel and pilot bearings are two different things. The pilot bearing soes in the endd of a crankshaft and the axel bearings are on the axels. Neither should cause transfer case problems.
Many things can cause transfer case grinding; shift forks, broken gears, bad bearings, anything really considering a transfer case is made up primarily of gears, sprockets, chain, and bearings. Hope this helps! T-RAV
Cam bearings, Main bearings, Rod bearings.
Its a problem with your bearings..
I don't know about the Explorer but I had an experience with a Ford Mustang. I changed about everything I could think of related to the non-starting problem. Then I discovered there was a filter in the gas tank. Changed it and the problem disappeared!
Faulty ball bearings lead to bearing failure.
I had that problem with mine and it was the bearings going out in the alternater. So try replaceing the alt.
you should check the front anti-sway bar bushings, if that dont work check all ball joints , tie rod end's and stering knuckles if that don't get it check your wheel bearings. I have a '91 ford explorer and I had that problem. I forget the layout of a '98's suspension but anyways, the problem was the bushings for where the radius arms go into a frame cross beam. (The radius arms run front to back).
There could be a number of causes. If the car is making the sound whilst stationary it could be a slipping fanbelt, or could be a problem with bearings. Water pump bearings are a common cause of such noise. If the noise is occurring only whilst travelling. It could be wheel bearings or rubbing brakes.
The cause of the front tire leaning out comes from needing new ball bearings. It could also mean you need wheel bearings.
Could be the carrier bearings or pinion bearings in the differential(s). Mine was the wife and kids.
Wear on either the bearings or race.
The Ford Explorer service light will come on to tell you of a problem. The issue could be minor, or could result in loss of fuel economy, or cause engine failure over time.