Cobra Jet
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- April 11, 2006
- Messages
- 152
- Reaction score
- 14
- City, State
- Southern, NJ
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2004 XLS
Just curious as to why there are so many rear diff bearing failures on the 2002-up Explorers?
I've known about the failures for some time now, read many many threads not only on this site, but even other car sites where folks have posted up the problems - and the fact that my Father's 2003 V8 XLT also had to have the rear diff completely rebuilt w/ low miles....
What is the reason behind the high failure rate, even on new or low mileage Explorers? Was it due to improper gear fluid, cheap diff parts/bearings used, incorrect install from the factory, improper torque values, incorrect pinion shimming, etc???
I've never really seen a "reason" as to why there are so many diff issues w/ the 2002-up Explorers (regardless if V8 or V6). I've just seen/read about many of the problems associated (whining, grinding, humming, NVH, noise at certain mph, etc) and the fixes - but no real explanation as to why there is a high failure rate (especially on low mileage vehicles). It's definitely a wide spread and well known issue with many folks upset about even having to have their vehicle down for such a repair (and of course those folks who have had the rear diff serviced more than just once)...
So, what's the real story?
I've known about the failures for some time now, read many many threads not only on this site, but even other car sites where folks have posted up the problems - and the fact that my Father's 2003 V8 XLT also had to have the rear diff completely rebuilt w/ low miles....
What is the reason behind the high failure rate, even on new or low mileage Explorers? Was it due to improper gear fluid, cheap diff parts/bearings used, incorrect install from the factory, improper torque values, incorrect pinion shimming, etc???
I've never really seen a "reason" as to why there are so many diff issues w/ the 2002-up Explorers (regardless if V8 or V6). I've just seen/read about many of the problems associated (whining, grinding, humming, NVH, noise at certain mph, etc) and the fixes - but no real explanation as to why there is a high failure rate (especially on low mileage vehicles). It's definitely a wide spread and well known issue with many folks upset about even having to have their vehicle down for such a repair (and of course those folks who have had the rear diff serviced more than just once)...
So, what's the real story?