PTU grind or transmission?

[rocketfuel]

2011 4wd limited 165k miles

Trying to determine if this grinding is the PTU, transmission, or something else.

PTU fluid was extracted around 160k and I did it again a couple nights ago using 75-140 motorcraft.

The vehicle does not slip or surge. You can feel the grind in the pedal and there is a high heat smell but not egg or propane. No puking from the PTU vent tube and transmission fluid looks good. It feels like it is under the seat/console where the PTU sits versus a hub or axle issue.

I am not looking forward to replacing the PTU and want to ensure this is the actual problem. Is there any advice to isolate the issue without paying Ford a couple hundred to diagnose?

Thanks in advance!

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum.
Trying to diagnose over the Internet is not ideal. Is it loud enough to allow you to post a video clip or is just a 'feel' in the brake pedal?

Peter

 

[rocketfuel]

Welcome to the Forum.
Trying to diagnose over the Internet is not ideal. Is it loud enough to allow you to post a video clip or is just a 'feel' in the brake pedal?

Peter

Thank you for the reply Peter. I will post a video over the next few days and appreciate the help. Vehicle is not being driven.

 

[J_C]

I do suspect the PTU but not really enough evidence to be sure. What did the fluid look like 5K miles ago?

I would expect it to be pretty worn out if it didn't have the fluid changed until 160K mi, but, if one or the other is failing anyway, I think I'd check whether the transmission fluid looked roasted and drive it a bit more to see if the new PTU fluid helps and if the problem persists, then drain the new PTU fluid to see if it has metal particles in it.