I had the rear axle seals replaced less than 1000 miles ago. Now the axle is getting whiny. First I thought maybe that the tires made noice but now I'm pretty convinced it comes from the axle.

With a seal replacement, what do they do that might impact the axle - over tighten the bearings?

I also had the rear diff fluid replaced - perhaps they put in the wrong stuff...

Any thoughts? Should I replace fluid and see if that helps or should I simply take it to the dealer and let them deal with it?

 

First identify is the whine from an axle end or from the pumpkin. If they didn't put enough fluid in the rear, put the wrong fluids, etc that may may be the cause in the pumpkin area. If it's coming from only the hub they did the service on then take it back and have them redo the service as they likely missed a seal or something.

There are write ups on this forum about this work so you can see what was actually involved.

 

Thanks man - I'll have to spend some time this weekend to figure exactly where the noise is coming from as well as check the fluid level in the diff.

 

wrong thread...

 

I just had both sides done, make sure they used the correct stuff and check level.... It's not common to screw anything else up when doing just the seals.

 

Yep - I'm hoping it is just the fluid and modifier. Seems these days I pay people to do stuff, just so that I can have the opportunity to fix their screw ups.

 

Is that not the motto of most shops now days?

 

If it's the gears new oil won't help. Keep us posted.

 

BTW, was the service work with Ford or with someone else?

 

It was done by a Ford tech from the dealer - but on the side if you know what I mean.

 

Describe the noise a little more for us. Does it change when you go on or off the throttle? When you make turns? Does it sound like a whine or a growl? is your oil level correct?

You can save your money on the new oil though, it won't fix anything. Use your fresh oil to refill after you've fixed the problem.

 

It is more of a growl. I'm planning to check the oil level this weekend.

 

A growl that doesn't change whether you're on or off the throttle?

 

Correct. At first I thought it may have been really noisy tires but that isn't the case. Seems like it is coming from the diff.

 

We have a Mitsubishi in our shop right now that someone added the wrong transmission fluid. They now need a $5800 transmission.