2002 Rearend Noise

[chris2002]

Well had another rear wheel bearing go. I decided that it was time to fix all issues. Both springs were broken and one shock was blown. Plus the rearend wines like crazy and was leaking. So, I replace both wheel bearings,both springs and shocks,new parking brake pads and a brand new rearend. Turned out well. I'm glad it is done and the wife is really happy.

 

[rrgone]

How many miles are on your '02 Chris? Where did you get the work done? Dealer or independent shop? By brand new rear end do you mean rebuilt the one in there, or really brand new? Glad it turned out well.

 

[nascar_intimid]

and how much?

 

[chris2002]

rrgone and nascar heres what I did. The 02 has 142,000 on it. I did all the work myself. Yes the diff was brand new from ford, cost 1160.00. This was a complete assembly. Has ABS sensor and was even fillled with oil. Two shock struts from ford at 55.00 apeice. 2 wheel bearing at 70.00 apeice and 2 spring at 110.00 for the pair. These parts came from rockauto. I bought this vehicle new in May of 2001. One of the first ones. It has been a real challenge but I believe I'm good to go now. The reason I went with the new diff is that by the time you buy a ring and pinion,clutch pack kit,oil, oil additive,axel shaft seals and ABS sensor if your light is on like mine, you'll have over 600.00 in these parts and still haven't even touched the spidergears. Then you have to set the diff up properly and hope you did a good job. Being I do the work myself and the diff came with a 12 month 12k mile warranty, I figured it was a no brainer. Anybody has any question I'll be happy to answer them.

 

[maxbucks78]

Hey, I have a 2002 Explorer and I changed the Front wheel hub assy. but now my ABS lgt won't go out. I just wonder if it is a bad sensor in the hubs I bought? I bought them at Advanced Auto parts and they said they have have problems sometimes with those hub assemblies. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[chris2002]

There are three ABS sensors on these vehicles that I know of. One mounted on the top left hand side of the rear diff. This is the one that gives the most problems. Also one on each front hub assembly. If you didn't have the light befor you changed the hubs I would guess you either have a bad hub or a bad connection. I would check the wiring down by the hubs and make sure you didn't pull a wire while changing them. Hope this helps. Let me know how you make out.

 

[charbojoseph]

My differential needs work

chris2002 - how hard was it to change the differential? On my 02 (also an early model purchased in June of 01) I just changed a rear wheel bearing and caliper, new springs last fall and now need to look at the differential. I have the whine at around 40-50 MPH and also the chattering of the limited slip along with a leaking seal. Like you I do 95% of the work on my vehicles myself but not ready to tear into a differential. A new facory replacement is something I never thought about. How bad of a job was it? Did you shop around for the differential or was this available only from Ford? It now has about 96,000 miles and I would like keep it for a few more years.

 

[chris2002]

charbo if you have done wheel bearings and springs the diff is no problem. Actually very easy. Three bolts hold it in. I removed the spare tire and the heat shield next to the spare tire by the exhaust pipe for better access. Two bolts from the back and one bolt on the forward right hand side of the diff that goes straight up. 4 bolts for the driveshaft 10mm 12point. The drive shaft has a slip joint in the middle of the vehicle so it drops right out. May need a slight tap with a rubber hammer. The half shafts were already out because i changed the wheel bearings. If you have never had the shafts out i used a brass drift to tap them outward to release the clip. Drove it to Erie yesterday from Pittsburgh and back and what a difference. It's like a new truck. Cruise set on 80mph and smooth. The only place i could find the diff was from Ford. You need the VIN# and get the numbers off the tag on the diff. The tag is usually bolted on the aft r/h side of the diff with one of the cover bolts. The dealer i use works with me on the price. The dealer I bought the truck from won't so call around. They will work with you. Alignment really shouldn't change but I have lifetime alignment thru Firestone so I took it up and had it aligned. It is such a difference. No more noise and no more binding when making turns. Any help you need let me know.

 

[chris2002]

Oh and don't forget to remove the connector for the ABS sensor before you drop it. I used a floor jack and lowered it part way and then took the connector off. This made for easier access. There is also a hose the slips right off for the vent.