2003 XLT Slow Speed "Shudder"

[Tedski]

I recently purchased a 2003 Ford Explorer XLT V6, I have noticed a "shudder" or vibration whenever I pull into or out of a parking space or turn a corner after stopping. It doesn't do this when the wheels are straight, only when they are turned, at normal speed this doesn't happen, only when I am going less than 5 MPH in drive or reverse. If I am coasting backwards out of the driveway it doesn't happen either. Feels like it is coming from the rear wheels. Should I be concerned?

Thanks!

 

[outlawwv]

mine does it too -- from what i've read on this forum and another that i look at i would say it's the clutches in the rearend

 

[Thelt]

Mine does the same thing. It has not gone out yet but I am holding my breath.

 

[Oldwolf]

XL3 Friction Modifier is Needed

You need to change your differential fluid and add the Ford XL3 Friction Modifier for clutch pack lubrication. ASAP.

If you don’t do this soon your clutch packs will be ruined and require replacement. Some people have reported that the shuddering goes away a few thousand miles after the oil change and modifier is added.

I didn’t know this and destroyed my clutches. From now on I am going to change my diff fluid at 40K even though Ford does not say too much about rear diff fluid changes.

Good Luck.

 

[jhartney]

Yes change to oil and add the additive as "Oldwolf" describes. I did this last night and the problems went away by the time I drove to the end of the street. This was caused by my fault, I had changed the differential seals a few months ago and did not use the additive, lack of knowledge. This time I used full synthetic oil and a tube of positrac oil additive. Use of "synthetic oil only" is even stamped in the differential casting.

 

[Oldwolf]

jhartney,
What kind of positrac additive did you use?

 

[jhartney]

Arg, dont know brand, was the only thing that Auto Zone had on the shelf, it did state that it meet/exceeded the Ford specification number that is listed in the owners manual. The owners manual says add 4 oz. The tube was 7 oz and instructions on the tube said use all. Perplexed, I used it all. I have a 4x4 2002. So far resolved all my issues from post http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=178380

 

[fprodget]

If you search this problem on this website, you will find there is a TSB that says to install new limited slip clutches of a different design than the original ones. I had it done under warranty and the problem is gone.

 

[Tedski]

Had my differential fluid changed yesterday and to my relief, no more problems!!!!

 

[jhartney]

Excellent!!!! I am so glad I found this site. Last week I had a trany shop totally confused with this problem. He was at last resort going to replace the PCM for $500 but not before asking me to have all the tires replaced, which only have 30K on them and are in great shape. No ill will tward the tranny shop though, he did a lot of diag for me.

 

[Thelt]

Did it stop right away for you guys or did you have to drive it a while first? I had mind changed today and it is still doing it but it does seem to be less.

 

[jhartney]

I noticed a difference imeadiatly, but we had a heavy snow during the time I started the change and the time I ended, about one hour. Road were snow covered and I did think I might be getting a "false positive" result during that test drive. It has been two days now and I am positive now that this solved my issue, so I would say YES, it may take a day or two of driving to get full results.

 

[Thelt]

I drove it home from the Grease Monkey and it was still doing it a bit. After setting over night it seemed to be cured this morning. I am not sure since it was sort of intermitent to begin with but I think that fixed it.

 

[mhochman]

Would this be on all 2003 explorers. Or just 4x4?

 

[Oldwolf]

This would apply if your vehicle has a positrac rear differential. I am not sure if they put those on 2WD models, probably not.

 

[mhochman]

Thanks for the fast reply....

-Mark

 

[velcrostrapshoes]

Ok, my 2003 explorer makes sort of an odd noise when turning at slow speeds. Sounds a bit like I'm going over speed ridges.. Is this the issue you guys were talking about? I sort of convinced myself that it was just the tire tread on the edges of the tires from having the wheels turned that was causing it... Luckily my car has a full bumper to bumper from Carmax, should i take it in and have them look at it?

 

[Tedski]

Yes, take it in, there is a T.S.B. regarding this issue and it is covered under warranty. Good Luck!

 

[rrgone]

Yes, take it in, there is a T.S.B. regarding this issue and it is covered under warranty. Good Luck!

I think the latest TSB for this issue is 05-23-3. Some people just get a rear end whine, others get a slow speed rumble or lurching that can feel as though it's coming from the front. I think the whine can become the rumbling if you give it enough time before doing anything about it.

 

[juggernaut2874]

My 02 Explorer had the rumble too. I drained the differential fluid and replaced it with heavy duty synthetic 80-140W and added the 4oz of friction modifier. It works like new...no rumble. Cost about 20 bucks.