front differential noise

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Dec 10, 2003 | 11:14 AM

The Bonz

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front differential noise

I have a 2000 5.4 EB Expy (72k) that developed a noise/vibration under acceleration or under load up hills. I replaced one of the u-joints up front that was a bit loose. Before putting it back on, I drove it (2wd at this point) and the sound was gone. Once the driveshaft was put on again the noise was back. I had all the other things (CV joints, etc) checked and it seems like it can only be the front diff. Any others with similar problem?

Dec 10, 2003 | 11:30 AM

buzzard

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From: All over Texas

Mine made a groaning noise but a fluid change eliminated it.

Dec 10, 2003 | 11:38 AM

The Bonz

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I changed the fluid last week in that whole flurry of things I did/had checked. It is not a groan, however I wish it had been and maybe the fluid change would have taken care of it. Thanks.

Feb 15, 2004 | 05:00 PM

sucktin

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From: Charleston, SC

Bonz...any luck with this? My rig does the same under load, but in 2-wheel (fuse pulled for A4WD) the noise is gone. I was going to change the front u-joints but thought I'd see if anyone had done it yet and solved their problem.
Thanks!

Feb 16, 2004 | 11:06 AM

The Bonz

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I did get my problem solved and fixed. My deal was I put 2 new tires on the front because the alignment had cupped them. I bought the Expy used and I inherited the problem. There was enough tread difference (1/4" depth diff., which is 1/2" diameter diff.) that the AWD system was trying to kick in when there was no slippage under load as it sensed a speed differential in the wheels. That caused it to "bind" and that put the stress right into the transfer case. I did replace one of the front u joints right off the bat, as it had some play. Ultimately, I remembered my sister in law had an AWD Subaru that unequivocally said to replace all 4 tires at the same time because the AWD system would have problems if there was any size differential. Funny, Ford only says to replace them with the same size tire (265/75/r17), and not specifically "same exact diameter". It is now deemed necessary to have a sister-in-law with a Subaru in order to have a Ford. Bottom line, I got the tires matched up as soon as I could and the problem went away. Good Luck and let me know how it works out for you.