LS axle noise
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New User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19
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LS axle noise
What a great sight!!!! Do have a question though. I have a 2003 f-150 fx4 with the LS rear axle and 16,000 miles. Recently,when I drive out of a parking spot and I am turning, or when I am backing out of the driveway, put in drive, and give it the gas. I hear this small noise coming from the rear axle. It's not really a grinding noise, but more like a "clunk." Also, when it makes this noise, it gives a feeling like I am running over a small rock with one of the back tires.
About 3 months ago, in my neck of the woods, we had SEVEERE flooding which forced me to drive through several areas of high water(easily submersing the axle housing). Could I have got water in my axles? Could this be causing the noises? Does this sound like something a good ol' axle oil change and some friction modifyer fix? Thanks for any help/suggestions!
About 3 months ago, in my neck of the woods, we had SEVEERE flooding which forced me to drive through several areas of high water(easily submersing the axle housing). Could I have got water in my axles? Could this be causing the noises? Does this sound like something a good ol' axle oil change and some friction modifyer fix? Thanks for any help/suggestions!
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2004
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LS noise
I have a 1999 XLT with LS. The owner's manual says that the rear differential oil never needs to be changed unless the diff is submerged under water. According to Ford, the diff requires a multi-viscosity synthetic oil. It also requires four ounces of friction modifier which can be purchased reasonable at a Ford dealer. I hope this helps.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Panama City, Fl
For work, I drive a '02 E350 15 passenger van with a 5.4 and LS rear end. It currently has the same noise and feel you describe. It has been doing this for over 75,000 miles now. The van has 375,000 miles total. I have been to several garages including our local Ford shop. They all say the same, change the fluid and be sure to add the proper additives. I have had Ford change it out several times and it will be quite for about 5,000 miles and then start the noise up gradually again. It has been explained to me as the clutches in the LS rear end are not slipping properly to allow the wheels to turn at different speeds for a corner. It only bothers on start up from a stop, cold or hot is no difference. At over $1500 for a new rear end plus install, I will put up with the noise for now.
Yes, the van mileage is correct. It gets driven 405 miles per day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year hauling people to work.
Az Pete
Yes, the van mileage is correct. It gets driven 405 miles per day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year hauling people to work.
Az Pete
