Rear Differential Replacement at 51K Miles

[hbalek]

I took my 2020 in to the dealer service dept. yesterday to have the rear axle checked for hesitancy in acceleration, bounciness and jumpiness. They let me know that the rear differential needs to be replaced under Powertrain Warranty, due to something loose or broken inside. The repair will take a week or so. He also informed me that I should have my coolant replaced and transfer case serviced, despite Ford's maintenance schedule not requiring this service. He said this is due to condition, mileage and age. I'm not sure if I really need this done for $450.

 

[Cdubya]

transfer case, yes. Coolant, no. They love to add paid services when they know you are getting free warranty service.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

I took my 2020 in to the dealer service dept. yesterday to have the rear axle checked for hesitancy in acceleration, bounciness and jumpiness. They let me know that the rear differential needs to be replaced under Powertrain Warranty, due to something loose or broken inside. The repair will take a week or so. He also informed me that I should have my coolant replaced and transfer case serviced, despite Ford's maintenance schedule not requiring this service. He said this is due to condition, mileage and age. I'm not sure if I really need this done for $450.

Absolutely no coolant. Transfer case maybe.

 

[hbalek]

transfer case, yes. Coolant, no. They love to add paid services when they know you are getting free warranty service.

This advisor at Sheehy never tries to add on anything. I've used him more than others and he thinks I need both. i told him I'd do neither based on my track record of problems, I may cut my losses sooner rather than later. Powertrain warranty ends 12/4/24 and ESP ends on 12/4/26. I have $1000 tires with less than 10K miles on them and a $1500 ESP since late 2022. I don't want to invest anymore dollars into this.

 

[hbalek]

Absolutely no coolant. Transfer case maybe.

I've never had to pay anything out of pocket and my dealer has mostly been great. With all the major components being replaced since the first year, it's like getting a new car every other year! LMAO The only thing that hasn't been messed with is the engine! Now front and rear axles will be new at almost 5 years. They said my shocks were fine and will check my rear subframe bolts to see what the condition is. I drive it very gently and never been off-road or towed or hauled anything in nearly 5 years. This is my 5th Ford product since 1985 and I can safely say it's been my favorite in terms of design, performance and features but also the worst in terms of durablilty and reliability!

 

[hbalek]

An update on my service: After a week at Sheehy Ford, I was told the differential was replaced today. After a test drive and further diagnosis, they determined that it also needs a new transfer case, which was already in stock. They said there was more shaking and shuddering while driving. He assured me the vehicle should be ready for pickup by tomorrow evening. Glad this is all happening under powertrain warranty which expires in 6 months! Now hopefully the engine is good and doesn't need repair or replacement! Mind you, I have no tunes, no mods, never off-roaded or towed anything. I've not even really raced it. Just driving on the paved roads and light duty.

 

[CoHPhasor]

Wow. What a rabbit hole.
I hope it is settled for good!

 

[hbalek]

Here is an update: Picked up my ST today and it drives like it did over 4 years ago. Like a different car. It had been deteriorating for a long time and finally after the front and rear axle repairs and transfer case replacement, it drives like new! Here is the work they did:

 

[Kirk ST]

Mine was making a whining noise when I was driving and I couldn't place it. Turned out to be the rear diff., which they're replacing now. I'm at about 48k miles....and my engine blew out at 32k miles and I've had a littany of other small issues, all under warranty, but wow. I joke with my service manager that "I'm pretty sure mine was the very first one they put together at Ford." I can't believe what's failed on this car at such relatively low mileage.

 

[CoHPhasor]

^ Honestly, the mileage isn't even a factor for me.
For a diff to go, at anything less than 250K is seriously a non-starter.
For both an engine and a diff to go before 50k? *facepalm*

We expect more out of spark plugs and serpentine belts, than we do from Ford/the most crucial parts of a vehicle at this point.
(Hell, a water pump is expected to last 3x longer than your engine and diff!)
I appreciate that the pandemic was crazy, and that things were hard to keep going back then and that we suffer it now as they were manufactured point-in-time, but Ford is still having problems.

 

[hbalek]

Mine was making a whining noise when I was driving and I couldn't place it. Turned out to be the rear diff., which they're replacing now. I'm at about 48k miles....and my engine blew out at 32k miles and I've had a littany of other small issues, all under warranty, but wow. I joke with my service manager that "I'm pretty sure mine was the very first one they put together at Ford." I can't believe what's failed on this car at such relatively low mileage.

I feel your pain, I've had most major things replaced except the engine before 50K miles and under powertrain warranty.