mranderson214
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- August 3, 2010
- Messages
- 162
- Reaction score
- 1
- City, State
- Brooklyn, NY
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2002 XLT
Hello All,
I had recently posted about an issue I've been having in regards to my explorer's drivetrain. It's an 02 Explorer, V6 with 201K miles, 4x4, automatic transmission.
The car shifts and drives smoothly, but the problem comes with letting off the gas at speeds over 45-50 mph. When I let off the gas, I get a bucking sound/sensation about every second for 4 seconds or so. Following that is a drilling sound. The drilling sound and bucking goes away if I put it in Neutral or step on the gas pedal.
Transmission fluid was/is changed on a regular interval, with the last time being early October 2015. All tires are the same size, thread pattern and in good condition.
At first I was told that it was a spline in the transfer case and that it needs to be replaced with a re manufactured t-case for a cost of over $1200. I was then told by another shop that it was due to a small leak in my rear differential that needed to be fixed. After adding diff fluid to the front and rear, I'm now being told that its because the viscous coupler isn't being engaged properly and that it's most likely to need to be replaced.
Is it possible that it's this coupler? I'll be leaving it in the shop on Monday in hopes that they can "narrow down" the issue. But as of now, the mechanic seems to feel its the viscous coupler on the transfer case. It has a bit of play on the shaft that connects the transfer case to the front axle. He showed me how you can turn it about 1/2 a revolution before it stops. He mentioned that it shouldn't be that much play. What do you guys think?
Thanks!!
I had recently posted about an issue I've been having in regards to my explorer's drivetrain. It's an 02 Explorer, V6 with 201K miles, 4x4, automatic transmission.
The car shifts and drives smoothly, but the problem comes with letting off the gas at speeds over 45-50 mph. When I let off the gas, I get a bucking sound/sensation about every second for 4 seconds or so. Following that is a drilling sound. The drilling sound and bucking goes away if I put it in Neutral or step on the gas pedal.
Transmission fluid was/is changed on a regular interval, with the last time being early October 2015. All tires are the same size, thread pattern and in good condition.
At first I was told that it was a spline in the transfer case and that it needs to be replaced with a re manufactured t-case for a cost of over $1200. I was then told by another shop that it was due to a small leak in my rear differential that needed to be fixed. After adding diff fluid to the front and rear, I'm now being told that its because the viscous coupler isn't being engaged properly and that it's most likely to need to be replaced.
Is it possible that it's this coupler? I'll be leaving it in the shop on Monday in hopes that they can "narrow down" the issue. But as of now, the mechanic seems to feel its the viscous coupler on the transfer case. It has a bit of play on the shaft that connects the transfer case to the front axle. He showed me how you can turn it about 1/2 a revolution before it stops. He mentioned that it shouldn't be that much play. What do you guys think?
Thanks!!