'01 Explorer Rear Diff Rebuild - Ford Forums

Corky · 07-17-2008, 18:25

Explorer's got 98,000 miles on it and rear axle is making noise. Last night I did the easy stuff and changed out the axle bearings - no change in noise. Today I removed the front drive shaft, jacked up the rear and ran the truck at ~40mph. I went under with a mechanic's stethascope & it sounds like the front pinion bearing is noisy.
I have experience with class 8 truck repairs (trans & rears), but I've never rebuilt a small vehicle differential. Has anyone rebuilt one of these rears & are there any pitfalls to look out for? It's not a posi rear and it looks very simple, but I've eaten those words before!
Any insight into this job would be welcome.
Thanks,
Corky

Corky · 07-19-2008, 07:49

Well, I guess I'll dive into this project. I ordered a bearing & seal kit (<$100). I plan on reusing all gears & simply replace bearings. If I screw it up, I only got $100 bucks invested & a lot of my time. I'll take some pictures along the way if anyone is interested in tackling the project on their own. If the site let's me upload pix (so far no success in uplaoding Pix).
Corky

**jwko** · 07-19-2008, 13:32

I would be interested in seeing pic's of the rebuild.

You can go to Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket and create a free account, upload your photos and include them in your post here by entering the direct link in the "insert image" option.

Corky · 07-19-2008, 17:39

Thanks for the info. I put a few pictures of the wheel bearing change on Photo Bucket with the link below. Let me know if it works - first time trying this.

BCork - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Thanks,
Corky

**jwko** · 07-19-2008, 19:20

The link you posted works fine & is probably best doing it that way when posting mutiple photos.

Here's how to post a photo to your message.

Corky · 07-19-2008, 19:34

Thanks for the lesson - now I understand.
I appreciate you taking the time to show me that!

Corky

Corky · 07-22-2008, 07:22

I got the parts & I plan on pulling the truck out of service the middle of August. I will take beaucoup pictures and post a link when I'm done. I will also follow up to let you guys know whether the job was a success or whether I will be junkyard diving for a donor rear.
Thanks,
Corky