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Rear axle bearing replacement instructions

Tiny
BOSSBLAST
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 FORD EXPLORER
  • 3.2L
  • V6
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 148,000 MILES
I just the, calipers, and upper control arms on the front passenger and driver's side. The master cylinder was also replaced. I was told there was nothing wrong with the rear end but I can hear a loud grinding noise coming from the back. The noise starts when I accelerate. I can really hear the noise when I am coasting and also when I am slowing down.
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Tuesday, September 29th, 2015 AT 5:52 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening,

This sounds like the pinion bearings in the differential itself. When one of the bearing wear out, it will make noise in one direction.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-differential-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/differential-service

Roy
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Friday, January 15th, 2021 AT 3:24 PM
Tiny
GANDYNOLE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2004 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 68,000 MILES
My explorer has started to make an annoying whining noise from the rear axle. I took it to Ford and they replaced the hub and bearings but the noise sounds even worse now. Do not know if it is my differential or something else that they did not fix. I am going to take it back in to find out. My question is if the differential is bad or going bad, can I get by for a few months with just the noise and be okay or is it something that can not wait and must be replaced now?
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:20 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Hi:
Are there any certain conditions that make the noise worse? Is it there all the time or only at certain times? Is it worse with the throttle on or off? Was the pinion bearing checked? Finally, are you sure the sound is from the differential and not the transmission?

Here is a guide on how to replace the rear axle bearing?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/rear-axle-seal-replacement

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:20 AM (Merged)
Tiny
GANDYNOLE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The whining noise is there all the time. You can barely hear it during times of acceleration or on the highway going 70 mph. In city driving, you can hear it well and when you decelerate and come to a stop, the noise stops. The rear pinion seal was leaking about 6 months ago and I had it replaced. I don't know if it is the differential or not. I am only going on the TSB ford has on it plus other owners issues with the same problem. I plan to take it back to Ford to get a true estimate of what is wrong. I would like to know what the issue is and can I get by. I hope it is not the transmission but I have no idea of the warning signs of a transmission starting to go bad. Last week, Ford did not say anything is wrong with the transmission but I can only go on their word.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:20 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Chances are the trans is fine. I only asked because sometimes it is hard to tell where the noise is actually coming from. If they replaced the pinion seal, there is a bearing behind it that can go bad and cause what you are hearing. I would suggest having them check that and let me know what you find.

Also, if you have the TSB number, I would like to look it up and see what is listed under it. That could help.

Joe
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:20 AM (Merged)
Tiny
GANDYNOLE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The TSB is 05-23-3 - Rear axle noise repair for 2002-2005 Ford Explorers. That what I am thinking this noise is coming from. Last week when I took it in, they replaced the rear hub and bearings sublet bearing press - the exact wording from my service ticket so they may have looked at the bearing you are refering too. The noise seems to get louder during acceleration so I mainly want Ford to tell me what is wrong and what it will exactly take to clear up the noise.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:20 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
I looked up the TSB. They did what was required, but it sounds like they didn't properly adjust the bearing once installed. That is why the noise is louder now. Take it back and tell them they need to recheck their work.

Let me know what you find.
Joe
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:20 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CHARLESPIGGOT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 FORD EXPLORER
Drive Train Axles Bearings problem
2003 Ford Explorer 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic

want to change front pass axle bearring. What is the process?
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:20 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
Ok first you remove the center cap on the wheel. Now loosen the axle hub nut. Now loosen the wheel lug nuts and lift the tire off the ground and remove the wheel. Now you will need to remove the brake caliper and use something to hang it aside and remove the front brake rotor. Now remove the axle nut and then remove the 3 bolts that hold the hub assembly to the knuckle and then remove the hub assembly. Replace in reverse order.
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:20 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KSHARNESS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 FORD EXPLORER
Have pulled brakes, how do you remove axle to replace the bearing?
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:23 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
You need to remove the axle itself to replace it. It requires you to take apart the differential to some extent. this video will show you how on a similar vehicle but the process is the same.

https://youtu.be/zarxKsspr3s

Please run down this guide and report back.

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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:23 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
HUB/ROTOR & WHEEL BEARINGS
Removal
Turn air suspension off (if equipped). Air suspension can be turned off using air suspension switch located in rear jack storage area. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Remove brake caliper, and wire to underbody. Remove grease cap from hub/rotor. Remove cotter pin, retainer, adjusting nut and washer from spindle. Remove outer wheel bearing. Remove hub/rotor from spindle. Remove grease seal from hub/rotor.
Remove bearing cone and roller from hub/rotor. Clean and inspect inner and outer bearing cups for scratches, pits, excessive wear or damage. If inner or outer bearing cups are worn or damaged, use Front Hub Remover/Replacer (T81P-1104-C) and Bearing Cup Puller (T77F-1102-A) to remove bearing cups
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 11:23 AM (Merged)

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