Drop the rear end to replace the rear diff gasket???

[kcollins4]

Hi folks! My first post here. Great forum you have. I'm having some issues with my daughter's 2002 2WD Explorer. I bought it at 60K miles and we've got 95K on it now. The rear cover seal is leaking. Took it to the local lube place, which does minor repairs. They told me that the rear end has to come off the car to replace the gasket. Something about the top bolts not being accessible unless it's dropped. They explained it was a major job with specific Ford tools, and they declined to even give me a quote. I can respect that.

I also know that this rear end is notorious for problems. I seldom drive it, but when I do, my first reaction is "Why is the rear end so noisey?".

So, question one...Is replacing the rear diff gasket that involved? Question two, what's the proper lube for this. They said they put synthetic in. (not sure of the weight). From my reading on your forum, it should be standard 90/80 lube. If they're using a synthetic, is that better for this diff, or worse?

The diff code is 45, which should mean open diff, 8.8, 3.55.

Just want to keep it rolling.
Thanks for any help you can give me.


Kevin

 

[MrQ]

Umm, I think those guys are giving you a load of bull. Hitchhikingmike, a 2002 2wd Explorer owner, changed his own rear diff fluid and gasket at his house. I have done my own, but I think it is a slightly different setup on a straight axle '94 than the Independent Rear Suspension found on 3rd gens.

Synthetic has a longer life and since the rear diff fluid is not replaced very often, I think it would be a good idea to run it in the differential.

 

[kcollins4]

Guess I need to crawl under there and see for myself. Sounded kinda wacky to me too, but they had it up on a lift. I'd have thought if it was straight forward, they would have gladly taken my money.

 

[Jack Flash]

sounds like they are getting ready to lift some cash from you. it's an easy replacement. about an hour if you aren't a fast worker. get you gasket & lube and crawl under there.

,
,

J...marvels at the misinformation (& a few crooks) in the auto world

 

[gijoecam]

If it's making noise, it's likely on its way out. However, in a lot of cases, noise from the rear can be mistakenly identified as a diff issue when it's a wheel bearing problem. The early 3rd gens are notorious for rear wheel bearing issues...

Never personally worked on a cover, but I can't see it being that difficult...

 

[ericautopart]

If it's making noise, it's likely on its way out. However, in a lot of cases, noise from the rear can be mistakenly identified as a diff issue when it's a wheel bearing problem. The early 3rd gens are notorious for rear wheel bearing issues...

Never personally worked on a cover, but I can't see it being that difficult...

Nah, the cover comes off when it's on the truck. No special ford tool required either way. Def. check the hub bearings. You don't know how many times I sell someone a new IRS diff and they want another because it's still noisy and turns out to be the hubs.

 

[ford norseman]

Sorry, but you have to pull the case out to replace the gasket. Also these rear ends are notorious for bearing and ring and pinion noise. They will go for quite a while making these noises, but the only fix is a rebuild.

 

[kcollins4]

Now I'm really confused...

So it seems ther is a difference of opinion about the difficulty of the seal replacement.

This morning I took it to a reputable shop which has done work on other vehicles for us. Their estimate is about $700 to fix the seal leaks and the driver side rear bearing. According to them, they are opening up both front and back of the diff, and removing the driver's side axle. After they get a look at the parts, they'll let me know what more is necessary to keep the explorer on the road.

Could't have happened at a worse time, financially speaking. That's life! I'll post back and let you know how it turns out.

Kevin