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My X has 68K on it and the rear gear is starting to make gear noise. It is loud enough to hear when the windows are up and no radio. I have checked the gear oil level and it is good. Any similar problems?
Have you driven through any high water lately? The last time my diff made noise was when Houston was flooded. Why? Becuase I was driving in water that was a little higher than the diff and it was submersed. Once water gets in, the oil in the diff goes south and it must be changed unless you want to buy a new one from your friendly neighborhood Ford dealer.
No I have not driven in any high water, however I have not changed my gear oil, did you change your gear oil after it got contaminated and if you did did the noise decrease?
Does it do it when speeding up?
Does it do it when coasting?
Does it do it when cruising?
Does it do it all the time?
With those answers, we can probably suggest what it is, and how severe it is. It could be a rear wheel bearing if it's doing it all the time and it doesn't change when accelerating/decelerating/cruising.
No I have not driven in any high water, however I have not changed my gear oil, did you change your gear oil after it got contaminated and if you did did the noise decrease?
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I did and the noise went away. I used to own a Chevy van prior to my X and the diff started making noise. Then one morning as I was drivng my son to school, I heard a loud "snap" and that was it; I needed a whole new diff. With that in mind, I wouldn't be drivng your X around too much just to avoid agitating the problem.
That probably means the front pinion bearing is toast.
In 8.8" rears, I've noticed Ford used Timken bearings everywhere else, but the front pinion bearing was a "foreign" brand, NTN. Everyone I've ever seen, when that front pinion bearing isn't Timken, the race and bearing were dark after only 40K miles.
Could be they did the same thing with the "Sterling".
Before it gets really bad, I'd get it checked out.
I just had my rear bearings and seals done. Carrier bearings and outer bearings were shot. Previous owner must have towed a boat and got the rear under water says my machanic. I could here noises especially when load shifted on turns. $750 got me a complete rebuild all bearings seals and shims.
I thought that was pricy but is now quiet and hopefully reliable.