@#$% '03 Exploder Rear Ends

[svt4cam]

Well I had the characteristic nasty rear end noises going in my 03 Exploder w/ 130,000 and finally took it to the dealer. Diagnosed both rear wheel bearings and a ring and pinion rebuild. Having the trans flushed while they have it for a total of estimate of 2,200 and change plus tax etc. Thought that was a pretty good price considering all the work they are doing. But I have a '90 accord with nearly 300,000 miles on it which other than maintainence items is bulletproof. Why do major Ford components seem to have issues at higher miles? This has been the first major work on this car besides me putting on front hubs rotors etc this spring. Well hopefully this will be the last big repair bill on the old girl for a while.

 

[MrQ]

My 94 has nearly 160k on the clock and zero rear axle issues. I did change out the gear lube though, no metal shavings, but there was a definite bunt smell to the black ooze that came out.

 

[svt4cam]

As nice as the '03 handles and rides I kinda wish they would have stayed with a live axle instead of the IRS at this point. Oh well I guess I should be thankful I'm not making car payments.

 

[zerodevil]

that rear end whine doesnt mean your truck is about to expload, its just annoying lol. I wouldnt do a ring an pinion rebuild untill my diff exploads. i dont know what it is with the wheel bearings on these things..

 

[blue_goose]

that rear end whine doesnt mean your truck is about to expload, its just annoying lol. I wouldnt do a ring an pinion rebuild untill my diff exploads. i dont know what it is with the wheel bearings on these things..

Same here. A Ford mechanic that replaced one once talkd me that we can drive it as long as we like and only replace it when you can't bear the noise. If thats true, a yearly fluid change kills the noise pretty good.
Anybody know how true this is? I know that it seems like it should eventually fail and makes sense that were on burrowed time right now, but is there something that we don't know that they maybe do?

 

[jakedrew]

Them are the most common problems with these vehicles.

Good luck and keep us updated.

 

[EasyRhino]

that rear end whine doesnt mean your truck is about to expload, its just annoying lol. I wouldnt do a ring an pinion rebuild untill my diff exploads. i dont know what it is with the wheel bearings on these things..

Exactly. Mine has whined since new, 103K miles and 7.5 years ago. Annoying, yes. Requiring immediate repairs? Not a chance. I'll keep driving it as is until it begins growling and/or rumbling, then I'll plan on a rebuild. Since it is no better or worse than when new, I'm not sweating this repair, and recommend saving your money for now.

 

[svt4cam]

Thx for the replies all. The droning has gotten noticeably worse recently even though it's done it since I can't remember when. If I wasn't sending it off to college with my daughter I'd play the waiting game on it. But the thought of a diff failure on Rt 78 is enough to give me recurring nightmares. for the money I'm buying peace of mind. Plus they will install my new parking brake shoes upon assembly so I can get the beast past inspection. I thought the price for all that work was pretty reasonable considering it's a dealership doing it.

 

[MrQ]

Thx for the replies all. The droning has gotten noticeably worse recently even though it's done it since I can't remember when. If I wasn't sending it off to college with my daughter I'd play the waiting game on it. But the thought of a diff failure on Rt 78 is enough to give me recurring nightmares. for the money I'm buying peace of mind. Plus they will install my new parking brake shoes upon assembly so I can get the beast past inspection. I thought the price for all that work was pretty reasonable considering it's a dealership doing it.

Better to be safe then sorry. Good call.

 

[EasyRhino]

Better to be safe then sorry. Good call.

In that case, cheap peace of mind and insurance.

 

[34Ford]

Im sure its covered here somewhere but was it determined what it is in the rear end that pops when you go from reverse to drive?
Sounds like play in the splines.