2003 Expedition rear differential problem

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Sep 26, 2003 | 05:22 PM

#16

frog

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Joined: Jul 1999

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From: Yuma

just got our 03 from the dealer after 2 weeks to replace the clutch pack in the rear end. 3300 miles on it. now it feels like the steering is loose, and the vehicle wanders within the lane. Take it back next week I guess.

Oct 2, 2003 | 03:30 PM

#17

Guch

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Joined: Oct 2003

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03 vibration

I purchased an FX4 about 1 month ago. and after 500 miles , I noticed , a vibration.. It happens most when cold. Starting off from a dead stop with steering turned left or right.. I figured it was the FX4's Limited slip diff. My question is does this require service , and is it damaging the rear end?
I know that in my old 91 GT that has a detroit locker would have similar vibration and noise to it.. and has held up to now under sever abuse.....

Oct 2, 2003 | 07:21 PM

#18

frog

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Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 74

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From: Yuma

Guch,

Yea, the clutch pack is bad. The dealer tried the additive, but that didn't cure it. A new clutch pack was installed. No noise yet.
But because the service writer didn't believe my wife when she told him the noise was from the rear end, time was wasted troubleshooting a noise from the front end. Also, 2 bolts were left loose, causing steering problems. I took it back and all is fixed, but pretty frustrating for awhile. Doesn't do much for my confidence in the vehicle or the tech's.

good luck.

Oct 3, 2003 | 04:47 PM

#19

mexicanmafia

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Joined: Oct 2003

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Got that same problem also. '01 5.4 Eddie B. It does that when ever going straight, but after it shifts to another gear. Sounds like going on bumps that are on the side of the road. But I thought that was the traction control kicking in. But I'll guess I'll take it in for a checkup.

Last edited by mexicanmafia; Oct 3, 2003 at 05:01 PM.

Oct 6, 2003 | 02:15 PM

#20

JeffMcC95

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Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 7

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From: Northern Vermont

Differential Fix (?)

The local dealer's second attempt to fix my shuddering limited slip differential was to add 'Friction Modifier' fluid to the second ('new') differential, which did not fix the problem. To their credit, they were just doing what Ford advises them to do - they were skeptical that this would fix it, too. We then scheduled it for a replacement clutch pack + friction modifier, which was installed last week. Since then I have towed the race car (car + trailer = 7500lbs.) over 1100 miles with the Expy and the problem appears to be fixed. Even had some ~31 degree mornings and still no shudder. I hope this is the end of the differential problems. >JM

Jun 22, 2004 | 03:11 PM

#21

smoojek

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Joined: Jun 2004

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Eureka!

Klandry-
Although I have an Explorer (2003) and see that your post was from almost a year ago....I just took mine in with exactly the same symptoms...I could have written your thread in that regard.
The dealership just called and said it is the "clutch pack". Now, I am female....not too much saavy with automobiles, but I told my husband it was the axle or the differential, before we even took it in.

The service guys at first said something about oil, etc. But did end up admitting it may be a common problem and they had to order parts.
We will see...glad I found this site. Long time Ford owner...dad worked as engineer for them for 40 years.

(my Explorer only has 15000 miles!)

Jun 27, 2004 | 06:20 PM

#22

martindw

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Joined: Jun 2004

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The clutch pack fix that Ford is aware of fixed my "rumbling" feeling and noise. No problems after they repaired it about 8 months ago.

Jun 28, 2004 | 09:10 AM

#23

smoojek

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Joined: Jun 2004

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Thanks for your reply. It took 3 days in the shop, they did give me a loaner car, but my Exprorer is back on the road...seems fine.
I just love it when they act like they have never heard of the symptom/complaints before...and don't even speculate.... I even asked them at the time, if this was a
problem they had heard before. (I think part of any service manager's job should be going on the internet for a couple of hours a week...if WE can find these problems and people are "discussing" them.....a service person could learn a lot, and truly provide service) I looked on the internet AFTER I left my car at the dealership...from now on, I will look before I go.
Glad to know yours is ok after that long on the road...seems a couple of other threads on the forum, didn't have such luck. I am hopeful mine is fine...guess they don't consider these things "recalls" unless they present a danger...when it's just an annoyance and common complaint, they just wait for a customer to present to them with it!
Thanks again-appreciate your time.