Just bought an '05 XLT (rear end noise)

[nygbrad]

Hey I just bought a 2005 Explorer XLT 2WD. I have noticed the rear end whines when gas is pressed between 55-65mph. The noise gets louder the more I drive and it goes away when I let off the gas. It has 78,000 miles on it and they gave me a 90-day powertrain warranty which does cover the rear end. Should I attempt to change the fluid before I take it in or is this a common problem with these? Also how can I tell if it has limited slip?

 

[gforceman]

if you still have a warrenty have ford repair it ... my 03 eddie bauer has 160k changed the front and rear diff and still wines ,, in my case i have rear pinion movement tells me bearings are failing , ring and pinion alignment or worn ring or pinion or bad bearings will cause wine

 

[justchecking]

Unlikely you have limited slip. Read the rear end code on the data sticker on the drivers door then look it up on this web site. If you have rear end fluid changed, take it in and tell them there is a whine/problem and pay them to do it. THen if not satisfied, tell them there is a problem and have them fix it (I think there is a TSB on this). Mine has growled for 60K miles and has not gotten worse. I fixed one once, and found that very minor imperfections had made a lot of noise.

 

[nygbrad]

Yeah I've heard people have had this problem and it stays the same forever. I am debating if i should have them mess with it and possibly make it worse. I bought it at a Hyundai dealership and do not want them to screw it up. They do have a Hummer dealer they are affiliated with. I rather have them look at it since they are familiar with rear ends.

Is your noise pretty noticable at those speeds?

 

[justchecking]

Mine is more of a grindy/growly noise that is heard more below 45 mph. I can't discern any play in the output bearings.

 

[shadowless127]

mine whines even after the rear end was serviced....either i'm stuck with it, my tires suck worse then I thought, or I need new bearings. I get some vibrations at high speeds (70+) and the severity depends on the rd condition.

 

[nygbrad]

Mine is a howling noise at around 60mph and it is very noticable!!

 

[Thelt]

at least make them service it for free.

 

[97awdx]

Just thought I would point out that most rear end "noises" in the 3rd gens are the rear wheel bearings. Not the center diff.

 

[rumpledoll]

To see if you have a limited slip rear differential, look on the driver side door sticker for the axle code for your truck. Look here for the axle decode. For example, my 2002 4WD Eddie Bauer has a D4 code which is limited slip with a 3.73 ratio.

Since it's under warranty, I would have the dealer look at the issue first. If they can't/won't a fluid change with some high quality 75W140 synthetic gear oil may help. I used Amsoil Server Gear 75W140 in mine (and limited slip friction modifier as I have a D4 limited slip) and there is no unusual noise coming from the rear differential. It may be that at some point someone drained the factory oil and put in 75W90 oil which can apparently cause issues in the Explorer's rear differentials.

As you know, there is a TSB and kit for fixing a rear diff growl, and it may be that you have this issue and no amount of fluid change will help if this is the case.

Good luck!

Rumpl

Hey I just bought a 2005 Explorer XLT 2WD. I have noticed the rear end whines when gas is pressed between 55-65mph. The noise gets louder the more I drive and it goes away when I let off the gas. It has 78,000 miles on it and they gave me a 90-day powertrain warranty which does cover the rear end. Should I attempt to change the fluid before I take it in or is this a common problem with these? Also how can I tell if it has limited slip?

 

[nygbrad]

Thanks for the advice rumpledoll !!! Mine is an open 3.55...

 

[shadowless127]

Just thought I would point out that most rear end "noises" in the 3rd gens are the rear wheel bearings. Not the center diff.

It can be either or, or both.

I simply told the dealer I had a whine coming from the rear end, they fixed the rear diff. Although now that im out of warranty im thinking its the damn wheel bearings

 

[03fordbuddy]

got an 03 ex i bought from my uncle with 115000 miles almost two years ago. he is almost deaf and never noticed the rear end noise told me its most likely been like that since he bought it and just never heard it. Anyway i was told as long as it isnt getting worse it is problly somthing very minor with the pinion or the gears are just slightly off set. it now as almost 140,000 miles on it has not gotten any worse and has several road trips under her belt including one from up here in chicago all the way down to florida with no problems. so im leaving it alone I got the subs in the back that drowned the noise out so i just keep those turned up.