02 Explorer Rear Differential Leak - Ford Forums

route6668 · 04-23-2007, 05:59

anyone else have this problem? I've had this leak fixed 3 or 4 times and it keeps coming back. of course I'm past warranty. I also, had the rear replaced due tot he whining noise. Any suggestions? thanks.

Johnny Mullet · 04-24-2007, 09:55

Ford has updated the Axle seal for the rear end. If the dust shields were not removed from the axle, then they will leak again.

NCVinVT · 04-24-2007, 17:45

My '02 Explorer XLT V8 had a bad differential in November 2004 at 53,821 miles, way past the warranty. The dealer installed a new differential assembly at no charge "per SSM 18221." Must have been a known defect. Seems there was a problem with differing expansion rates for dissimilar metals used in the diff. Check it out. Now at 100,500 miles my local mechanic reports that I have a heavy leak on one differential seal. Seems the differential is a notorious trouble spot on this vehicle.

NCVinVT · 05-16-2007, 21:06

Further to last post - notwithstanding the lousy job Ford did with its program for this known defect, I had to pay again to fix the lousy prior program fix. Same seal location - same leak. Had to replace the dust seals. Cost was $273. Is it any wonder that Ford is going down the tubes?