Rear differential problems the kiss of death? (salvage, tires, truck)
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I have a 2004 Ford Explorer. It's my main vehicle, and it's paid for.
It has just under 100K miles.
It has not had any unusual problems, just the normal maintenance.
Recently, the loud roaring noise I thought was a problem with the tires has been diagnosed by two mechanics, one at the dealership and one a trusted independent, as a "problem" with the rear differential. That's as much detail as they both have given me. The dealership mechanic has told me it could range from $1200 to $2K to repair.
I have been quoted a $7K trade-in value on this vehicle.
I've never dealt with rear differential issues before, so please add any insight on that.
Also would appreciate advice on whether to fix and keep forever (pass on to college-bound kid in a couple of years) or trade now without repair.
Last edited by BirdieBelle; 10-22-2012 at 09:19 AM..
Reason: typo
Depends on which axle you have on the truck. Some are disposable units in that the bearing race is part of the axle housing itself. These are disposable and there's no fixing them. There are others that the race and bearing can be replaced at the axles and at the pinion. The rebuild kit is only $150.00 from Ford and can be had at a bearing supply house for far cheaper using name brand parts like Timken. Figure about 6 hours for labor and you have what it should cost you plus fluid. Make sure they use ONLY 80w-140 in that axle or expect this to happen again. If the unit has the built-in race, figure about $1500.00 for the swap. If it is a disposable unit, I'd trade the truck before spending the money. These units are noted as being a nightmare and were not a better idea. Few made it to 100,000 miles and most crashed closer to the 60-75,000 mile mark. Once they have started to go bad, the entire drive line needs to be rebuilt or expect failure again and quick.
Get it out of the dealership all they see is $$$ and their shop rates are to high.
Go to a independent shop, they may even get you a recycled part from the salvage yard at a fraction of the dealers price, then you will have something you can trad or sell.
Around that year explorer thee was some major issue with using the wrong fluid or something and the rearends failing. Google it some for advice. I had a buddy with same issue he also stated its hard to find used reads, and if you do, couldhave the sake problem.
Unless you are going to DIY or have a good independent shop, I would not even bother with repairing the unit. Heck, even I go the total replacement route rather than trying to set up the gears. These rear axles are extremely common and you can find one in perfect working order at a junkyard for a few hundred bucks. Call around and ask for replacement quotes with used axles.
see if you can find a place that will let you use your own parts. I did that and only spent about $3??. I found this kit on Summitracing.com it comes with ring and pinion gear, oil, limited slip diff, bearings, and hardware for $500. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CMB-14-0063/
Depends on which axle you have on the truck. Some are disposable units in that the bearing race is part of the axle housing itself. These are disposable and there's no fixing them. There are others that the race and bearing can be replaced at the axles and at the pinion. The rebuild kit is only $150.00 from Ford and can be had at a bearing supply house for far cheaper using name brand parts like Timken. Figure about 6 hours for labor and you have what it should cost you plus fluid. Make sure they use ONLY 80w-140 in that axle or expect this to happen again. If the unit has the built-in race, figure about $1500.00 for the swap. If it is a disposable unit, I'd trade the truck before spending the money. These units are noted as being a nightmare and were not a better idea. Few made it to 100,000 miles and most crashed closer to the 60-75,000 mile mark. Once they have started to go bad, the entire drive line needs to be rebuilt or expect failure again and quick.
Are these 2 types of axles interchangable? If they are, if the OP has the "disposable" axle, maybe he can find a good rebuildable one in a junkyard, have a shop rebuild it, then slap it in himself, or at worst only have to wait an hour or so while the shop puts the rebuilt good axle in?
The more I find out about these trucks, the less likely I am to ever own one.
NO...I would NOT junk that truck for a rear end problem.
You can't replace the truck for what it will cost to repair it.....NOT EVEN CLOSE.
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