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Ford Explorer rear differential


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TVCamMan
User

Jan 18, 2009, 5:12 PM

Post #1 of 9 (3512 views)
Ford Explorer rear differential Sign In

I just had the rear differential repaired on my 1998 Ford Explorer (it had less than 75,000 miles on it). I have read on numerous sites that this a common problem. Does anybody know if there are any recalls or any type of compensation from Ford towards the fixing of the problem ( I know this is a stretch but I thought I would ask). Thanks


way2old
Veteran / Moderator
way2old profile image

Jan 19, 2009, 7:24 AM

Post #2 of 9 (3506 views)
Re: Ford Explorer rear differential Sign In

Click here. Enter the ionformation asked for and it will give you all the recalls that affect your vehicle.



Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds


Guest
Anonymous Poster

Jan 19, 2009, 9:15 AM

Post #3 of 9 (3504 views)
Re: Ford Explorer rear differential Sign In

Thanks for the info, not surprisingly there were no recalls.
I don't suppose there are any class action lawsuits out there?


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jan 19, 2009, 9:22 AM

Post #4 of 9 (3501 views)
Re: Ford Explorer rear differential Sign In

TVCamMan: Just what happened to it? It's 11 years old - have you or anyone ever checked the gear oil level in it?

T



TVCamMan
User

Jan 19, 2009, 2:26 PM

Post #5 of 9 (3494 views)
Re: Ford Explorer rear differential Sign In

I have never checked the gear oil level, how does one go about doing that and how often should it be done?


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jan 19, 2009, 3:34 PM

Post #6 of 9 (3492 views)
Re: Ford Explorer rear differential Sign In

How often? That's a very interesting point as I just crawled thru a real owner's manual w service requirements for an older Ford product (with differential) and the only mention in the whole thing was that it held 3.8 pints!

I don't even know where I got my own protocol for checking things like that and don't automatically check them on every service interval but absolutely take a glance to see if oil/grease is present at the input (pinion) shaft and at wheels where they can leak.

This being a "utility" sort of vehicle and possibly 4X4 I would expect suggestions on checking differential, changing the oil, AND checking the transfer case! These items have plugs you stick your finger in to check not dipsticks and no warning lights of any kind that I know of. I check them ONCE on my own and look all the time thereafter and change when I feel like it or at a service to the item. It should be looked at, at least once a year IMO. More often for any severe use.

When I find one a tad low I would then check at wheels - some with drum brakes, drum must be removed to have a clue if oil is leaking at the axle seal there.

Truth is I've never had a failure that I could blame on low gear oil! Some were damaged (accident-bent) some needed carrier bearings and one needed whole unit due to rusted spring lands - that's about it! That has to represent 10's of millions of miles over uncountable #s of vehicles!

What did happen to this one?

T



Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Jan 19, 2009, 3:41 PM

Post #7 of 9 (3488 views)
Re: Ford Explorer rear differential Sign In

TVcamman; I recommend changing front and rear differential fluid every 50K, regardless of how it looks. Many require synthetic in the rear diff, but recommend it in both. The same with the transfer case, but many of them use plain old trans. fluid, but be sure to check. Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance. Until I hired a tech that did differential work, I didn't know how important it was. Also, come to a complete stop before changing from drive to reverse, and visa-versa. Hard on the ring and pinion. I don't want this to sound offensive, but we need to take responsibility for our actions, or in this case, inaction.
Loren
SW Washington


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jan 19, 2009, 3:52 PM

Post #8 of 9 (3487 views)
Re: Ford Explorer rear differential Sign In

Loren - I started before you posted but didn't post yet! I agree with you on this but was shocked as I said that I didn't find the suggestions in just one (passenger car) owner's manual?

I don't have another to peruse but am almost certain they call for servicing or at a minumum checking as said. I would only replace gear oil with synthetics for all the good reasons sytnthetics outperform conventional oils.

Totally agree with the personal responsibility of checking and servicing things but if in fact this is omitted in any suggestions that would come with a new vehicle - I'm shocked!

T



TVCamMan
User

Jan 19, 2009, 5:48 PM

Post #9 of 9 (3476 views)
Re: Ford Explorer rear differential Sign In

The gears in the differential got stripped.






 
 
 






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