1997 Ford Explorer Whining Noise

1997 FORD EXPLORER
120,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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ROBORAMA01
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  • 1 POST
Whining noise eminating from mid to rear of the vehicle. Whining will increase in intensity with RPM when gas is depressed, and significantly disapate when gas/load is relaxed. Dealer suspects ring and pinnion but I'm not convinced. I'm also told that the ring and pinnion on a 97 Explorer are can not be R&Rd and the whole rear-end must be replaced.

I suspect univeral joints, looking for your thoughts
Jan 12, 2010 at 2:59 PM
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MERLIN2021
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  • 17,250 POSTS
U joints tend to give a squeaking, not a whine, your description is of a bearing nature, eithe at the wheel, or inside the rear end, and with you description, could be a carrier bearing, or pinion bearing, though carriers get quiet in coast, pinions dont. Any oil leak at the point the driveshaft attaches to the pinion yolk? If yes, it's a teltale sign the pinion needs work.
I havent heard that Ford rear ends cant be repaird, I have done a few without any problem...
Jan 12, 2010 at 3:05 PM
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