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Rear End Failure

hbalek

Active Member
Messages
947
Reactions
530
Points
232
Location
Kensington, MD, USA
#21
I'm wondering if this is some kind of alignment issue (or rather misalignment) of the drive shaft , diff mounts, etc, basically everything connected to the diff. Unless you won the worst lottery and got two terribly defective rear diffs I'm at a loss. Where the bearings screwed at all, which could/would cause such issues.

Misalignment of the driveshaft to the diff would cause vibrations, noise, premature failure, wear, etc
I specifically asked my service department to check my driveshaft after 2 failed PTU's and RDU's. They found nothing with that but said the RDU had the wrong gear ratio. Mine is driving great now after a 4-wheel alignment and proper gear ratio differential.
 

Messages
35
Reactions
14
Points
2
Location
Missouri
Vehicle
21 Explorer ST
#22
My rear differential and transfer case/ptu were replaced back in early June at about 50,000 miles. The transfer case failed again just 3 months later. I think the differential is bad again too.
Just had my rear diff replaced again for a howling noise at 45 mph. My 21 has 35,000 miles on it. Only had 700 miles on the 1st rear diff replacement. Picked it up from the dealership, had a very bad vibration, jerking and "bucking". Took it back and now the transfer case is being replaced...wth
 

Messages
92
Reactions
47
Points
17
Location
Dallas, TX
Vehicle
2023 Explorer ST
#23
I specifically asked my service department to check my driveshaft after 2 failed PTU's and RDU's. They found nothing with that but said the RDU had the wrong gear ratio. Mine is driving great now after a 4-wheel alignment and proper gear ratio differential.
They put a diff from a 2.3L Explorer in your ST because they didn't know the difference. Probably a good thing the two have different gear ratios, if they were the same the service dept probably would have sent you on your way with the smaller diff.
 

Messages
52
Reactions
21
Points
7
Location
Charlotte
Vehicle
2024 Explorer ST
#24
Just had my rear diff replaced again for a howling noise at 45 mph. My 21 has 35,000 miles on it. Only had 700 miles on the 1st rear diff replacement. Picked it up from the dealership, had a very bad vibration, jerking and "bucking". Took it back and now the transfer case is being replaced...wth
Maybe another case of them installing a diff type with the wrong "ratio". I can see that messing up the PTU, things not spinning at the right speeds when the vehicle mechanical and electrical systems expect them to be pushing things to the point of failure.

Mental note , if I ever need a new rear diff, give them the exact part number for the ST!
 

Messages
35
Reactions
14
Points
2
Location
Missouri
Vehicle
21 Explorer ST
#25
Maybe another case of them installing a diff type with the wrong "ratio". I can see that messing up the PTU, things not spinning at the right speeds when the vehicle mechanical and electrical systems expect them to be pushing things to the point of failure.

Mental note , if I ever need a new rear diff, give them the exact part number for the ST!
That's what I was thinking too. I'm definitely going to have them check to make sure it's the correct rear diff.
 

Messages
212
Reactions
83
Points
27
Location
Jessup, MD, USA
#26
I specifically asked my service department to check my driveshaft after 2 failed PTU's and RDU's. They found nothing with that but said the RDU had the wrong gear ratio. Mine is driving great now after a 4-wheel alignment and proper gear ratio differential.
Glad to hear you're back up and running. What dealership did you go to? Do you have any mods?
 

Messages
11
Reactions
6
Points
2
Location
Boston, MA
Vehicle
2023 Ford Explorer ST
#28
So after my screen issue I finally had resolved back in July, it’s back at Ford right now and informed that I need 2 rear axles replaced. I noticed for a while that there was a noticeable clicking noise coming from the rear end when I was braking and accelerating from a stop. I was putting it off for a while because of my work schedule but finally took it in yesterday to get it looked at. I have 11k miles on it at the moment.
 

Messages
52
Reactions
21
Points
7
Location
Charlotte
Vehicle
2024 Explorer ST
#29
All these rear diff stories, ugh.

I recently installed amsoil 75W-110 gear lube and Steeda Brace. I have the Steeda Bushings, Whoosh bolt, and JXB Bushing insert sitting on my bench ready to go when I have time. I'm hoping by securing up the rear diff will avoid future problems. It may be wishful thinking, only time will tell.
 

Messages
92
Reactions
47
Points
17
Location
Dallas, TX
Vehicle
2023 Explorer ST
#30
So after my screen issue I finally had resolved back in July, it’s back at Ford right now and informed that I need 2 rear axles replaced. I noticed for a while that there was a noticeable clicking noise coming from the rear end when I was braking and accelerating from a stop. I was putting it off for a while because of my work schedule but finally took it in yesterday to get it looked at. I have 11k miles on it at the moment.
That sounds more like the widely reported issue of axle hub noise caused by the axle splines. My '23 has started making that noise any time theres an accel/decel at low speeds or put the transmission in reverse. It's the same "ting" or "ping" noise you hear in the video.

 

Last edited:
Messages
212
Reactions
83
Points
27
Location
Jessup, MD, USA
#31
That sounds more like the widely reported issue of axle hub noise caused by the axle splines. My '23 has started making that noise any time theres an accel/decel at low speeds or put the transmission in reverse. It's the same "ting" or "ping" noise you hear in the video.

Yup. I have this sound on mine too. I will get around to addressing it one day...
 



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