Bad rear end at 6k?

[sfjohnson]

Just picked up a "certified" used 03 Explorer, and have noticed some pulsing at highway speeds (55-65ish mainly). Took it back to the dealer, and they put in a new balanced drive shaft. Took it back again when it wasn't right, and they claimed it was a bent front wheel. On the third trip, they say it's a "bad" rear end. Anyone know if rear end failures are common at 6k? Anything else to look for? Could this be a wrecked truck, just the typical found on road dead? This shouldn't happen at 6k, especially on a vechile that was just "certified". Thanks for any info. (and sorry for the jab, I'm a little of an imposter here, I spend most of my time on the WRX forums, but I've broken enough Fords in my day.... http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/s/f/sfj102/wrx.html)

 

[Billy177]

well if it is under warranty then i would just let them try it but i would think that is the rearend was bad it would pulse at all speeds. it may be that your tires are out of balance and rearends usually outlast the life of the truck

 

[NOTAJP]

I have read that Ford is having difficulty with the rear IRS and there are many cases just as yours. For some reason, dealers are changing the rear diff fluid (or consumers) and not installing Synthetic gear oil.

That's a bummer that you are running into this problem. I would check the speed sensor if you are feeling 'pulsing'. But then again it could be a number of things without seeing the truck. Good luck.

 

[sfjohnson]

Whoops, I forgot to mention that it only happens under power. Everything smooths out under coast. Still got a new "balanced" drive shaft out of the deal though for what it's worth. Too bad I didn't get the old one back for eBay now that I know it's fine... Thanks for the help!

 

[00XLS]

If its certified I highly doubt its wrecked, I'd just keep taking it back until its fixed. BTW Go STATE ! we finally won today...

 

[86caprirs]

Explain pulsing??????
The rear ends are bad. I HAD an 03 Explorer XLT and replaced the rear end twice befor it stopped whining loud at 80-100kmh. But i do know there was a TSB for trany's in these vehicals too, but i need to know what pulsing is to you???

 

[explodr04]

i say just exchange it for another one since it is haveing so many probs and they don't know what it is or maybe take it to a different dealership to get another opinion

 

[chowder]

being that it is under warranty, make sure you get it solved before your warranty expires. you will have even more of a hassle, and a large bill not to mention, if you wait too long. i too have heard of the rears being bad commonly in those

 

[sfjohnson]

Definately a good idea to get it looked at under warranty. Being a "certified" used vehicle, there is better than new powertrain warranty, like 80-85k or 10 years or so. We've got 8k thus far, so I think it's ok. Dealership has the parts ordered for the rear end, and I'll inquire about the TSB on the tranny.

As for my rendition of pulsing - well, easiest way to describe it is that it feels like a wheel is out of balance, except that it stops the second the pressure is released from the drive-train. You can feel it in your hind-quarters as well as in the steering.

Thanks again, the comments are greatly appreciated. I've more than voided the warranty on my WRX, so I need something as a daily driver!! (And I'd be a football fan if I hadn't grown up in Buffalo....but let's go State anyway!)

 

[Bronco638]

I have a friend that works in the local Ford dealer's Parts Dept. He has an Explorer so we "talk shop" quite often. Anyway, everytime I stop in, there's three or four of those IRS pumpkins for Explorers, that have been swapped out, waiting for return shippment to Ford. I wouldn't be surprised if there was an issue with the diff.

Best of luck solving your problem - Dave.