Slight whine at 55 mph 2004 4X4
#16
05-28-2012, 08:24 PM
I have the original window sticker and it says that I have the 3.73 gears. Does that mean it's a locker? I have not looked at the tag, it's dark outside.
Now, is it true that Ford recommends changing the diff oil to a heavier grade, or is it just a rumor? If true, what grade should I get? Shorod, above, said it says SAE 75W-140 in the updated 2008 manual. Is that the heavier grade?
Thanks.
PS - I still haven't figured out how to get the new oil into the diff with the independent rear suspension. The arm is right in front of the fill hole and it's a pretty tight fit. I'm thinking of pumping it in there but I might not even be able to get the hose in, it's so close that the hose might pinch when at that angle. I'll look closer tomorrow.
Now, is it true that Ford recommends changing the diff oil to a heavier grade, or is it just a rumor? If true, what grade should I get? Shorod, above, said it says SAE 75W-140 in the updated 2008 manual. Is that the heavier grade?
Thanks.
PS - I still haven't figured out how to get the new oil into the diff with the independent rear suspension. The arm is right in front of the fill hole and it's a pretty tight fit. I'm thinking of pumping it in there but I might not even be able to get the hose in, it's so close that the hose might pinch when at that angle. I'll look closer tomorrow.
I think i used 95-140 or something like that in synthetic.
#17
05-29-2012, 04:32 PM
Thank you for the replies! Yes, I know that 3.73 is the ratio, I was just wondering, since it said 3.55 in the reply, if the 3.73 was automatically a locker. It was dark when I wrote that and I couldn't check it. I'll go out today and check it. Anyway, I plan to drain the old fluid and pump out whatever remains on the bottom; then fill it back up with the heavier, synthetic oil on my driveway which points down so I can get a little extra in there.
Also, someone above mentioned that they use the friction modifier even though they don't have a locker, and that it helps with the noise. Is it ok to put the friction modifier in a non-locking rear end (in case it turns out to be non-locking?). Since my whine is so slight, I'm thinking that these changes would eliminate it. I hope so. If not I'll just ignore it because I'm not starting down that path... Been there and done that with my Bronco; I got the Explorer so I would not have to constantly make repairs but changing diff oil is no big deal. Also, I believe this whine to be "engineered" into the Explorer, I'd wager that I could easily go 100,000 more miles or more like that. But if something as simple as changing diff oil will help then I'll do it. For all I know it has the original oil in it and isn't full, although it seems to have been very well maintained so the diff oil has probably been changed at some time. But ya never know. I don't have any service records for it although CarFax came back clean. I do know that it is a one owner vehicle that was a trade in for a new one, and that for all intents and purposes it feels brand new, it's very tight feeling and there are absolutely no squeaks or rattles etc. I really like it. And I'm appreciating having a four door now, for the sake of my dogs!
Thank you again, everybody!
BTW - can the front diff have a factory locker too, or are they all non-locker on the front?
Also, someone above mentioned that they use the friction modifier even though they don't have a locker, and that it helps with the noise. Is it ok to put the friction modifier in a non-locking rear end (in case it turns out to be non-locking?). Since my whine is so slight, I'm thinking that these changes would eliminate it. I hope so. If not I'll just ignore it because I'm not starting down that path... Been there and done that with my Bronco; I got the Explorer so I would not have to constantly make repairs but changing diff oil is no big deal. Also, I believe this whine to be "engineered" into the Explorer, I'd wager that I could easily go 100,000 more miles or more like that. But if something as simple as changing diff oil will help then I'll do it. For all I know it has the original oil in it and isn't full, although it seems to have been very well maintained so the diff oil has probably been changed at some time. But ya never know. I don't have any service records for it although CarFax came back clean. I do know that it is a one owner vehicle that was a trade in for a new one, and that for all intents and purposes it feels brand new, it's very tight feeling and there are absolutely no squeaks or rattles etc. I really like it. And I'm appreciating having a four door now, for the sake of my dogs!
Thank you again, everybody!
BTW - can the front diff have a factory locker too, or are they all non-locker on the front?
#18
05-29-2012, 09:07 PM
#20
05-31-2012, 02:48 PM
I forgot to mention. you dont need friction modifier if you dont have locker rear end. look at your tag on the rear. if it has an L in the ID tag..ie..
3L55, 3L75 then its a locker if it reads 3. 55 then its open rear and no need for modifier. be careful with your modifier too much and you will render your locker useless, too little and she will lockup on corners. I usually add like 4-6 ounces then drive it if she binds up then add another ounce, till she drives nice.
3L55, 3L75 then its a locker if it reads 3. 55 then its open rear and no need for modifier. be careful with your modifier too much and you will render your locker useless, too little and she will lockup on corners. I usually add like 4-6 ounces then drive it if she binds up then add another ounce, till she drives nice.
#21
05-31-2012, 02:50 PM
DIFF BEARING WHIN
If it is the bearing the noise/whine will be there constant. Slow speed will produce a slow Whine that u probably may or may not hear .vs. Higher speed produces a higher whine. If the Whine goes away then most likely its the diff gears caused by the light gear oil. I only use Royal Purple products. It is a more cost the end results are better. I use RP 75-140 Race gear oil and It took away the whine in my 2004 FORD F250 FX4 in both diff's front and rear and the diffs do not get as hot.
Hello, first let me introduce myself. I recently had to sell my 1990 Ford Bronco (hence my name) because it failed emissions six times and I gave up. I bought a 2004 Explorer 4X4 with 93K for $7,200. I am very happy with my new truck. It is very clean and looks like new. I only noticed one thing - a slight whine from the rear end at 55 mph when I am on the gas. It doesn't really sound like a bearing. I read somewhere that Ford put a lighter weight gear oil in the diffs to increase fuel economy, and if you put in a heavier grade then the whine will go away. Is this true? If so, what should I use? The whine is barely noticeable and doesn't bother me, but if it could be eliminated easily by changing the oil I'd do it. I also read that someone did this and a week later the diff blew up. I'd rather have a very slight whine than a diff blowing up! What should I do here? Thank you!
#22
05-31-2012, 05:25 PM
#23
05-31-2012, 10:10 PM
I drained the diff, and pumped in Royal Purple synthetic 75-140 with the friction modifier in the oil untill it poured out the fill hole then stuck the plug in. I still have the whine around 55 mph but it is quieter and I think it's gonna be that way forever, I drive with the radio on so who cares anyway, ya gotta give up something if you want to drive American cars, that's just the way it is. At least I know the rear diff is serviced. By the way, it is stamped right on my diff, it says "synth 75-140."
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Butch(OH)
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