Shavings in Rear Axle '05

[ShawnTRD]

So the wifes 05 is at a shop getting Struts installed. They noticed the Axle was leaking from the shaft seal. So they checked the level and said it was low and there are lots of shavings. Done some looking and it looks like this is a know TSB for this Gen. Explorer. The shop working on it thinks the hole axle should be replaced. From what I've read that sounds like the best repair. What should this cost to replace everything?

 

[ranger-93]

really depends on shop's labor.

 

[ShawnTRD]

They called back and said $2400. That's 7 hrs of labor and replacing the hold housing and guts.

 

[ericautopart]

$895.00 Shipped from me. And it's guaranteed to work after too.

 

[JDraper]

Price seems mighty steep to me if they're just going to put a replacement in. Get a second opinion...Did the shop show you the problem?

Was the axle showing any symptoms of operating incorrectly? Noise? Grinding? I don't count leaks because leaks can be fairly easily fixed and aren't going to be a result of any metal shavings.

 

[ShawnTRD]

Are these Ford OEM parts? What's your warranty? Do you have a writeup on replacing the housing?

 

[ShawnTRD]

Should I change the fluid and run it? Or start getting ready to replace it before it goes?

 

[JDraper]

Outside of the leak, is it showing any symptoms of malfunctioning?

 

[1AJeremyD]

To see shavings on the plug is not bad. It's when you start to see pieces of gear everywhere thats when you need to start to worry. Regardless of how you drive your truck and what truck it is, the diff fluids will turn gray and nasty from just wear and tear. It all depends on how you keep your cars as well. If you don't mind the leak, then just watch the fluid level and run it till it makes noise which it may never do as long as you don't run it out of fluid.

Get a second opinion on the price if you do plan on getting it rebuilt

 

[Curtis]

On his 02 4.6 my dad just had the rear end rebuilt as it got really loud.. it had been whining for a while.. but it got real bad fast...

while at the shop.. they told him the front end rebuilt had a noise. he went to the shop and could hear it, so they rebuilt that.

They also said the drive shaft had rusted to the point where it was really thin... make a new one they said...

All that... for the small sum of $3000
and would you believe.. its still making noise..

 

[ericautopart]

Are these Ford OEM parts? What's your warranty? Do you have a writeup on replacing the housing?

It's an OEM housing rebuilt by us. 1 Yr Unlimited mile warranty. I don't have a write up on the install because I don't have an 02 plus. If you check the link in my signature you'll see some testimonies. We actually sell these to ford dealers. Let me know if you have any more questions. I guarantee this to be the best solution to a whiny rear diff.

 

[ShawnTRD]

Outside of the leak, is it showing any symptoms of malfunctioning?

I can hear it humming.

 

[JDraper]

I can hear it humming.

I wouldn't do anything but fix the leak if it's just humming (sure it's not the tires humming against the pavement?). Depending upon how the gears were set from the factory, they might hum (it was a common issue from the factory on quite a few of the IRS equipped Explorers).

Unless you're hearing grinding or can feel popping or clunking from the center section ( and you're absolutely sure it's the center section), I wouldn't have it rebuilt.

 

[Limited02]

Mine has leaked for 3 years and when I do an oil change(engine), I add a little fluid. Sometimes I don't even need too. Now when it starts humming really loud, I drain the fluid and put in fresh fluid.

This is something that I do at most, 4 times a year. I have an old doormat that is under the axle when I park so that oil doesn't drip on my garage floor.

In short, just get the seal fixed and drive it.

 

[jakedrew]

2400$ ? you are getting taken for a ride!

i GOT mine done at a ford dealership for 1100$ (I was under a extended ford warranty, so I payed 100$)

 

[ShawnTRD]

2400$ ? you are getting taken for a ride!

i GOT mine done at a ford dealership for 1100$ (I was under a extended ford warranty, so I payed 100$)

I will look into it. I might take it to a friend tomorrow for a second opinion. Thanks guys

 

[waskly]

They called back and said $2400. That's 7 hrs of labor and replacing the hold housing and guts.

thats alot 7 hrs to swap a pumpkin overhall is 3.4 hrs from ford.

 

[ShawnTRD]

Ok I think I'm going to have a local guy do the work for me. For $300 dollars in labor and I get the parts. So where should I get the parts, and what parts should I order? I know it's a 3.73 LS Rearend.

 

[JDraper]

Unless you're not telling us the whole story, I don't see why you're going out and spending all this money on the rear end...

 

[ShawnTRD]

It's making a humming noise going down the road. Had guy check it out today and he could hear it coming from the rear end also. It's the wife's car and we can't afford to be without it for like a week if it goes completely.