New guy with another whining rear end question

[Wisconsinex]

New guy here and found this forum a few weeks ago and learned a lot about explorers while thinking about buying one but maybe I didn't read enough.
Anyways thanks for a great resource on explorers. Now for the questions.

I set out to buy a 2006 or 2007 so read all I could find in those forums. Well I ended up with a 2004 that I could not pass up. Its a 2004 4.6L V8 Limited. It spent its life in non snow climates and is in excellent condition. It has 74000 miles and is very clean inside and out. I just picked it up yesterday and after driving a bit I noticed a very slight hum from the rear only when I have a load on it, when I let off the gas it goes away. I assume from reading here that it is the rear end or rack and pinion gears or bearings. It is very slight but noticeable, should I be concerned and try and make the dealer fix it right away? I guess I am not sure from reading on here if some noise is normal or should it be absolutely quiet.

Thanks

Phil

 

[matt0248]

It sort of normal for these. My 02 did it from day one and I never did anything about it until the pinion bearings started to go out around 70,000 miles. It is not serious as long as it stays as the light whine noise. It is just the ring and pinion gears not meshing perfectly. If it starts to turn into a growling noise that get it looked at.

 

[Wisconsinex]

Thanks matt for the quick reply. It is very faint so I am not too concerned but will probably take it back and get the dealers opinion since he gave me a 30 day warranty.

Phil

 

[mainsource]

Just had the dealer look at my 03 V8 AWD for the rear whine. I needed to have the rear diff. replaced. Good luck. Let us know what happened.

 

[Wisconsinex]

Finally got an appointment and took it in. Dealer said it was pretty normal for these year explorers. He didn't feel he was obligated to repair it since it was within specs....not sure what specs are for a whine but that is what he said. He said he would pay half of the 800 dollar repair if I chose to repair it and gave me a year to do it. I guess I will drive it for a while and probably repair it when I have a few extra bucks.

Phil

 

[Deadaxx]

delete

 

[jakedrew]

^ ?

anyways. That seems pretty fair on the dealership I think. The repair cost my ford extended warrenty 1100$. Plus that year thing sounds good.

There is a TSB out there for the rear end. What they do is replace the ring and pinion gear and replace the fluid with some thicker stuff ( 75w 140 i think).

Good luck