04 V-6 Rear Differential has water in oil

[04XLTee]

Took my '04 to the dealer today because I have been feeling a subtle vibration for a few months now between 65-75mph(worse after 70mph). Dealer says rear diff had lots of water in the oil and that the vibration is coming from the rear diff and needs to be rebuilt. They estimate $1200 at most, but they will not know for sure until they tear into it. I do not drive in deep water, but I live in Washington state where it rains a lot. Where could the water be entering the diff? Explorer has 124,000 miles.

 

[The Electrician]

there is a breather assembly on the top of Differential housing (also applied for auto transmission and transfer case) and it should be connected to a breather tube which end with scuba-diving style valve

some times this tube get dried and disconnected where water can easily goes in

 

[208tripper]

Breather Tube on rear differential 2010 explorer

thank you for this forum. So far have replaced the rear diff. seal two times. On the third time water came rushing out when changing the seal. Located the breather tube behind the rear wheel. Went to local NAPA and got a longer tube to replace it and stick it up further into the body of the explorer. Hope this works.