2003 Ford Explorer howling noise coming from rear when crus

Tiny
POCOLACHRISTIAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 133,500 MILES
I have a ford explorer and I noticed whe I hit 50-70mph I start hearing a howling sound from rear end. When I let off gas it quits. I recentlly got my oil changed and they said my differental was leaking. If I get that fixed and change gear oil will that do the trick or is my rack and pinion or something else. Any Ideas?
Saturday, February 27th, 2010 AT 11:18 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
The noise from the differential may go away by having it serviced; however, it may stay the same. For now, make sure the differential is full.

The reason I say the noise may not go away is because you may have already done the damage to a bearing. If you fill the differential and the sound still doesn't go away, replacing the seal and refilling it won't change it. The mechanic will need to identify where the noise is coming from.
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Monday, March 1st, 2010 AT 7:59 AM
Tiny
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Is that a big job if the damage is done. Replacing a bearing. I just bought the car so I really don't know how long it's been doing it. Is that something anyone could do or should I take it to ford dealer. Thank You very much
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Monday, March 1st, 2010 AT 9:17 AM
Tiny
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It is hard for me to say. It could be as simple as setting backlash or major part could need replaced.

I wish I could be more specific, but I would need to remove the differential cover and check if that is it and what it is.
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Monday, March 1st, 2010 AT 1:15 PM
Tiny
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Thank You for your help.
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Monday, March 1st, 2010 AT 3:33 PM
Tiny
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You're welcome, but I don't feel like I helped too much. Let me know what they find before they do any work so I can direct you.

Thanks for using 2carpros. Com.

Joe
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Monday, March 1st, 2010 AT 4:05 PM
Tiny
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Can you tell if there is any damage just by taking cover off and inspecting. Could axle bearing be causing the noise or is just probably the differential. Thank You
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Monday, March 1st, 2010 AT 11:33 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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You may find some steel filings in the differential if you remove the cover. And yes, it could be a bearing.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 AT 6:23 AM

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