rear end rebuild

[explorer812]

2002 explorer xlt 4x4 4.0 v6

heres what is happening

1. Jerking from the tranny unable to tell wether its from the front or back
2. Loud "kink" noise from under the truck
3. Tightness in the steering wheel when turning

symptoms come and go. It is undriveable when it happens.
The mechanic pulled the rear speedo sensor and found lots of metal shavings and now wants to rebuild the rear end to fix the problem. figures the tranny is slipping and causing the front wheels to grab because of the 4wd auto.
1000.00 DOLLARS

Does anyone think this is gonna fix the problem?

Have already replaced the 4x4 module 6 months ago and had it tested yesterday

Also when asked about wether we could drop the rear end and inspect for wear before ordering the rebuild kit he told me once the rear was dropped the rebuild would have to be done. is this correct?

Also wouldnt the truck be giving codes to this effect?

Thanks True Ford lover here Hope to keep it that way

 

[ExplorerDMB]

metal on the sensor doesn't mean crap. It's a magnetic sensor - it's goin to attrack medal. He needs to ohm it out to specs like any other ABS sensor.

You can pull the rear differential out (the inners) as long as you make note of where everything went. Shims on the sides will play a huge factor if not noted or unorganized.

transmission shifting is very precise these days and when something isn't within a spec usually a code flares. I'd look in the Tech Corner for the TSB on the newer explorers transmission issues. I believe they are having some issues with a few solenoids!

-Drew

 

[explorer812]

my mechanic pulled the rear end and said theres not a lot of metal there, but the bearings inside the rear end are pitted. Could this cause the tranny to slip enough for the front wheels to "think" they need to engage? thanks

 

[IZwack]

Verify that the bearings are pitted for yourself -- dont always trust what the mechanic says.

Then check for any play in the pinion bearing and the carrier.

 

[explorer812]

I am going to verify the bearings are pitted for myself,but would the lose carrier cause the tranny to slip.


I am also going to have him check the transmission solenoid.

 

[IZwack]

I am going to verify the bearings are pitted for myself,but would the lose carrier cause the tranny to slip.

No a loose carrier shouldnt cause the transmission to slip. But a loose carrier, could theoretically engage the 4wd system - provided the carrier is loose enough that the tone ring starts wobbling to/from the ABS sensor - which would send erratic speed signals to the ABS computer.

 

[explorer812]

thats very interesting. Is this something that could come and go because i was having this same problem 6 months ago and replaced the 4x4 module everything was fine till a few weeks ago, and now im having the same symptoms, but the 4x4 module tests ok. Also when i have the trouble, if i turn the car off and let it sit a while i can drive some more until it happens again. very sporatic