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'02 Explorer 3.73LS differential whine

12K views 4 replies 0 participants last post by  Richard O'Keefe 
G
#1 ·
The 3.73LS differential in my 2-wheel drive Explorer started whining at
about 60 MPH before the original warranty expired, so I took it in for
repair. The differential was rebuilt (ring and pinion, etc.) and the
noise was gone. Unfortunately, the whine noise returned within 1000
miles. I got busy with other things and neglected to return the
vehicle until 14 months passed. The 12/12 repair warranty had lapsed,
so now I'm stuck with an $850.00 cost (25% discount for repeat
failure). My question is, do any of you who might've experienced this
problem know if the replacement parts are any better than the
originals? In otherwords, is this problem likely to return again soon?
And, if it does, am I out of luck after the 12/12 warranty lapses?

4.0L
 
G
#2 ·
"4.0L" <dstaffor@calpoly.edu> wrote in message
news:1139250816.011024.9920@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...
> The 3.73LS differential in my 2-wheel drive Explorer started whining at
> about 60 MPH before the original warranty expired, so I took it in for
> repair. The differential was rebuilt (ring and pinion, etc.) and the
> noise was gone. Unfortunately, the whine noise returned within 1000
> miles. I got busy with other things and neglected to return the
> vehicle until 14 months passed. The 12/12 repair warranty had lapsed,
> so now I'm stuck with an $850.00 cost (25% discount for repeat
> failure). My question is, do any of you who might've experienced this
> problem know if the replacement parts are any better than the
> originals? In otherwords, is this problem likely to return again soon?
> And, if it does, am I out of luck after the 12/12 warranty lapses?
>
> 4.0L
>


Sounds like the repair may not have been done correctly. If the gears are
not set up properly they begin to chew themselves up right away.

If you are going to have the work done again, MAKE DAMN sure that the person
doing the work is very experienced and good at setting up rear-end gears.
 
G
#3 ·
This is an inherent design problem with many Fords. I have a 2002 F-150 with
the same thing. Took it to the dealer, under warranty, who inspected it and
said everything was OK. But it still whines 30K later. My wife's 2004 Sport
Trac has the same problem. This is one reason why Ford is loosing market
share to Toyota and everyone else. They won't do what they need to do to put
these kind of problems to bed.
Ron

"4.0L" <dstaffor@calpoly.edu> wrote in message
news:1139250816.011024.9920@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...
> The 3.73LS differential in my 2-wheel drive Explorer started whining at
> about 60 MPH before the original warranty expired, so I took it in for
> repair. The differential was rebuilt (ring and pinion, etc.) and the
> noise was gone. Unfortunately, the whine noise returned within 1000
> miles. I got busy with other things and neglected to return the
> vehicle until 14 months passed. The 12/12 repair warranty had lapsed,
> so now I'm stuck with an $850.00 cost (25% discount for repeat
> failure). My question is, do any of you who might've experienced this
> problem know if the replacement parts are any better than the
> originals? In otherwords, is this problem likely to return again soon?
> And, if it does, am I out of luck after the 12/12 warranty lapses?
>
> 4.0L
>
>
 
G
#4 ·
I have had mine replaced 4 times.

Each time the whine returned quicker - the last time within 3 days and 150
miles of the repair.
I have all the upgraded parts.
The dealer is not allowed to rebuild mine again - and it is not only mine
that is starting to have the problem reacurr withe the "new and upgraded
parts " that were supposed to finally Fix it.

I have talked to Ford customer service - they are "aware of the problem" and
told me to keep checking for a resolution with my dealer.

I checked back again on Friday - they said I should hear from Ford within a
couple weeks.

Good Luck.




"4.0L" <dstaffor@calpoly.edu> wrote in message
news:1139250816.011024.9920@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...
> The 3.73LS differential in my 2-wheel drive Explorer started whining at
> about 60 MPH before the original warranty expired, so I took it in for
> repair. The differential was rebuilt (ring and pinion, etc.) and the
> noise was gone. Unfortunately, the whine noise returned within 1000
> miles. I got busy with other things and neglected to return the
> vehicle until 14 months passed. The 12/12 repair warranty had lapsed,
> so now I'm stuck with an $850.00 cost (25% discount for repeat
> failure). My question is, do any of you who might've experienced this
> problem know if the replacement parts are any better than the
> originals? In otherwords, is this problem likely to return again soon?
> And, if it does, am I out of luck after the 12/12 warranty lapses?
>
> 4.0L
>
 
G
#5 ·
I've had the clutch packs replaced twice in my 03. The dealer says that the
3.73 has had some problems. I had the 3.73 LS in my 92 and it was fine. My
symptom is a grinding noise from the differential when going around a corner
right after startup.

Dick O'Keefe

"4.0L" <dstaffor@calpoly.edu> wrote in message
news:1139250816.011024.9920@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...
> The 3.73LS differential in my 2-wheel drive Explorer started whining at
> about 60 MPH before the original warranty expired, so I took it in for
> repair. The differential was rebuilt (ring and pinion, etc.) and the
> noise was gone. Unfortunately, the whine noise returned within 1000
> miles. I got busy with other things and neglected to return the
> vehicle until 14 months passed. The 12/12 repair warranty had lapsed,
> so now I'm stuck with an $850.00 cost (25% discount for repeat
> failure). My question is, do any of you who might've experienced this
> problem know if the replacement parts are any better than the
> originals? In otherwords, is this problem likely to return again soon?
> And, if it does, am I out of luck after the 12/12 warranty lapses?
>
> 4.0L
>
 
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