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2003 XLT Rear Diff Chattering

scaddick

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February 8, 2011
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City, State
Springfield IL
Year, Model & Trim Level
2003 XLT
I just purchased a 2003 Explorer 4WD and the rear Diff chatters when starting out in a turn. My trusted mechanic and I figured it needs fresh lube as it has 153k miles on it. he put in Motorcraft Synthetic 75W-140 plus the Friction Modifier cause the tag led them to believe it's a Limited Slip Diff. I still have the Chatter but not a bad. Question one is: how can I be sure what type of Diff I have? Question two is: does the Amsoil 75W-140 really fix this problem as I read in a thread?

Thanks, Skip Caddick
 



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Ford has tsb for new clutch packs in the diff. If you have the big trailer hitch then you have posi if its small hitch receiver thens its open diff.
 






It's got the the "big reciever". Do I find the tech service bulletin on the Ford site?

Thanks, Skip
 












Here you go.
Printable View (51 KB)
TSB
06-4-4 LIMITED SLIP AXLE CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS

Publication Date: February 13, 2006

FORD: 2002-2004 Mustang, Explorer
2003-2004 Expedition
2004 F-150
LINCOLN: 2003 Navigator
MERCURY: 2002-2004 Mountaineer


This article supersedes TSB 06-02-16 to update the Service Procedure.

ISSUE:
Some 2003-2004 Expedition, 2003 Navigator, 2004 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 9.75" or 8.8" limited slip rear axle, and 2002-2004 Explorer 4dr, Mountaineer, and Mustang vehicles equipped with 8.8" limited slip rear axle, may exhibit a chatter, shudder, a binding sensation, or a vibration during low speed turns. On 4X4 vehicles, the sensation may appear to be originating from the front axle or the steering gear.

ACTION:
First verify the condition. On 4X4 trucks ensure that the vehicle is in 2WD, to isolate the rear axle. On all vehicles, turn the wheel fully right (or fully left) and then accelerate the vehicle. If the condition is verified to be in the rear axle, replace the limited slip clutch pack.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

CAUTION: INSTRUCT THE CUSTOMER NOT TO TOW WITH THE VEHICLE FOR 500 MILES (805 KM) AFTER THIS REPAIR, TO ALLOW THE AXLE TO BREAK-IN PROPERLY.



Order and install the appropriate clutch pack, follow the instructions detailed in the Workshop Manual.

6L1Z-4947-A (9.75" limited slip)
F5AZ-4947-BA (8.8" limited slip)
NOTE: INSTALLING A CLUTCH PACK INTO AN INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION (IRS) AXLE IS DIFFERENT FROM INSTALLING A CLUTCH PACK INTO A SOLID-BEAM AXLE. BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE APPROPRIATE WORKSHOP MANUAL PROCEDURE.



INSTALLATION TIPS

Be sure to install NEW circlips and halfshaft/wheel end nuts on IRS rear axle (not included in the service kit)
Soak the new clutch packs in Additive Friction Modifier (XL-3) for fifteen (15) minutes prior to installation
For IRS axles, the half shaft seals need to be replaced. Expedition and Explorer/Mountaineer applications should use seal kit part number 5L1Z-4A109-A. Removal of the half shaft excluder seal 1L2Z-1N013 may be required, if equipped, to facilitate re-assembly
Refill axles with 4 oz. Additive Friction Modifier (XL-3) and the necessary amount of Rear Axle Lubricant (XY-75W140-QL), regardless of the axle lubricant system originally used in the axle. Fill to capacity recommended in the Workshop Manual
NOTE: AXLE FLUID REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN CHANGED. ALL VEHICLES BEING REPAIRED BY THIS TSB MUST HAVE REAR AXLE LUBE XY-75W140-QL INSTALLED, IN PLACE OF XY- 75W90-QFEHP. AS PART OF THIS REPAIR, CHECK AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY THE CURRENT XY-75W90-Q"FEHP" METAL TAG, WITH A NEW 75W140 TAG (F3TZ-4121-AA). ADDITIONALLY, REMOVE THE MULTI-COLORED LABEL WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE RIGHT SIDE AXLE TUBE, OR BLOCK OUT ANY/ALL "FEHP" OR "75W90" REFERENCES ON THE LABEL.



PART NUMBER PART NAME
6L1Z-4947-A 9.75" Axle Clutch Kit
F5AZ-4947-BA 8.8" Axle Clutch Kit
5L1Z-4A109-A Axle Seal
XY-75W140-QL Rear Axle Lubricant
XL-3 Additive Friction Modifier
W710084-S439 Nut (Wheel End)
2L1Z-4B422-CA Circlips (for 9.75")
1L2Z-4B422-BA Circlips (for 8.8")
F3TZ-4121-AA Metal Tag - 75W140



WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
060404A 2003-2004 Expedition Without Air Suspension: Replace Clutch Pack (Includes Time For Road Test To Verify Concern, Replace Rear Clutch Pack, And Re-Road Test) (Do Not Use With 4010A, 4010D, 4010D1, 4010D4, 4010D5, 4010D6, 4010D12, 4010D13, 4033A, 4200B,4205A, 4205A4, 4205A5, 4205A6, 4205A8, 4205A12, 4205A13, 4205A14, 4234A, 4139A, 4139A2, 052303, 051505, 4602A) 4.5 Hrs.
060404B 2003-2004 Expedition, 2003 Navigator With Air Suspension: Replace Clutch Pack (Includes Time For Road Test To Verify Concern, Replace Rear Clutch Pack, And Re-Road Test) (Do Not Use With 4010A, 4010D, 4010D1, 4010D4, 4010D5, 4010D6, 4010D12, 4010D13, 4033A, 4200B,4205A, 4205A4, 4205A5, 4205A6, 4205A8, 4205A12, 4205A13, 4205A14, 4234A, 4139A, 4139A2, 052303, 051505, 4602A) 4.7 Hrs.
060404C 2002-2004 Explorer, Mountaineer: Replace Clutch Pack (Includes Time For Road Test To Verify Concern, Replace Rear Clutch Pack, And Re-Road Test) (Do Not Use With 4010A, 4010D, 4010D1, 4010D4, 4010D5, 4010D6, 4010D12, 4010D13, 4033A, 4200B,4205A, 4205A4, 4205A5, 4205A6, 4205A8, 4205A12, 4205A13, 4205A14, 4234A, 4139A, 4139A2, 052303, 051505, 4602A) 4.9 Hrs.
060404D 2004 F-150: Replace Clutch Pack (Includes Time For Road Test To Verify Concern, Replace Rear Clutch Pack, And Re-Road Test) (Do Not Use With 4010A, 4010D, 4010D1, 4010D4, 4010D5, 4010D6, 4010D12, 4010D13, 4033A, 4200B,4205A, 4205A4, 4205A5, 4205A6, 4205A8, 4205A12, 4205A13, 4205A14, 4234A, 4139A, 4139A2, 052303, 051505, 4602A) 3.2 Hrs.
060404E 2002-2004 Mustang: Replace Clutch Pack (Includes Time For Road Test To Verify Concern, Replace Rear Clutch Pack, And Re-Road Test) (Do Not Use With 4010A, 4010D, 4010D1, 4010D4, 4010D5, 4010D6, 4010D12, 4010D13, 4033A, 4200B,4205A, 4205A4, 4205A5, 4205A6, 4205A8, 4205A12, 4205A13, 4205A14, 4234A, 4139A, 4139A2, 052303, 051505, 4602A) 3.1 Hrs.
060404F 2002-2004 Mustang Cobra: Replace Clutch Pack (Includes Time For Road Test To Verify Concern, Replace Rear Clutch Pack, And Re-Road Test) (Do Not Use With 4010A, 4010D, 4010D1, 4010D4, 4010D5, 4010D6, 4010D12, 4010D13, 4033A, 4200B,4205A, 4205A4, 4205A5, 4205A6, 4205A8, 4205A12, 4205A13, 4205A14, 4234A, 4139A, 4139A2, 052303, 051505, 4602A) 5.9 Hrs.

DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
4947 D4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE: The information in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and equipment to do the job properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or provides information that could assist in proper vehicle service. The procedures should not be performed by "do-it-yourselfers". Do not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury dealership to determine whether the Bulletin applies to your vehicle. Warranty Policy and Extended Service Plan documentation determine Warranty and/or Extended Service Plan coverage unless stated otherwise in the TSB article. The information in this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to supercede this information with updates. The most recent information is available through Ford Motor Company's on-line technical resources.

Copyright © 2006 Ford Motor Company
 






Thanks Swetrid and Waskly. I found D4 under the axle code on the door sticker. does this tell us which diff I have? Is the Clutch Pack something I will have to pay a Dealer big bucks for?
 






While searching around I found that Axle Code D4 = a ratio 3.73L (Limited Slip) Differential. That answers one of my questions.
 






you can try a flush with additive and drive it in slow circles 10-15 times in each direction if that does not solve it then yes you need new clutches in the diff.
 






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