2000 Explorer XLS Front Differential Leak
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2000 Explorer XLS Front Differential Leak
Hi All.
I've got a slow leak on my front diff. I haven't checked yet to see how much fluid it needs, but lets assume it is low. (I've only owned it about 6 mos, and I doubt it just happened to start leaking now.)
I'm not a stranger to replacing a gasket, but I've never done a differential gasket, so here's what I don't know:
Fluid: I assume I can just walk into a Ford parts counter and tell them what year and model I have, and walk out with the right stuff. But is there anything else I should know?
Top-off: Is it worthwhile to pull the plug, top it off, and snug the bolts to try and stop the leak? Any chance this will stop it? Any dangers in pursuing this as my first pass at fixing it?
Replacement: I haven't looked that close, but I would GUESS that if I can get the bolts off there shouldn't be too effort involved to replace this gasket. Any hidden difficulties if that is what I decide to do?
Thanks,
Joe
I've got a slow leak on my front diff. I haven't checked yet to see how much fluid it needs, but lets assume it is low. (I've only owned it about 6 mos, and I doubt it just happened to start leaking now.)
I'm not a stranger to replacing a gasket, but I've never done a differential gasket, so here's what I don't know:
Fluid: I assume I can just walk into a Ford parts counter and tell them what year and model I have, and walk out with the right stuff. But is there anything else I should know?
Top-off: Is it worthwhile to pull the plug, top it off, and snug the bolts to try and stop the leak? Any chance this will stop it? Any dangers in pursuing this as my first pass at fixing it?
Replacement: I haven't looked that close, but I would GUESS that if I can get the bolts off there shouldn't be too effort involved to replace this gasket. Any hidden difficulties if that is what I decide to do?
Thanks,
Joe
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: West Chester PA
If you only have to take the cover off, clean the surfaces and put it back on, it's probably an hour or two depending on your level of expertise. Only basic tools are necessary. A wrench/ratchet to get the cover off, a pan to drain the gear oil into, rags, clean putty knife to clean the surfaces, silicone sealant and new gear oil.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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Joe, hold on a minute before yanking the cover off. I had to take my tranny apart to get the clearance required to yank mine off. I have a '96, and what should have been an hour job turned out to be quite a bit longer. Just make certain you can clear the entire case before starting - unless you have a back-up vehicle to drive. Otherwise, it is a quick scrap the sealant off, apply new goo, and bolt the puppy back up.
Good luck.
Good luck.
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01, 2000, 2003, 2004, diff, differentail, differential, differentials, explorer, ford, front, leak, leaking, mountaineer, xls
