I have a 2002 Explorer Sport 4x4. I had several problems with fluid leaking from the rear differential. The dealer replaced the seal twice then 8 months ago or 38,000 miles the rear end started to make a whining noise and the rear differential had to be replaced. Fortunately, they covered it under the warranty.

Now I have 48,000 miles and the vehicle starts to shutter when I take off from a complete stop mostly when I am turning. It doesn’t happen every time, but often. It does however happen nearly every time if I have been driving on the highway for an hour or so. Most of my driving in just short 10-15 mile city trips but this past weekend I took a long trip and really noticed this problem.

I have not noticed it in 4 wheel drive but rarely do I ever us it. I also opened my door to get a better listen, and when I am driving slowly (like in a parking lot) it sounds like something is rubbing in the rear end.

Any thoughts or ideas?

The other issue is I have had to replace my belt and tensioner every year or 12,000 miles the past three years. The belt just started squeaking again one month short but 350 miles over the 12 month 12,000 mile warranty and both the dealer and Ford service said tough. I have never had to replace a tensioner on a vehicle let alone 3 times.

Any help or thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

does the rear axle have limit slip option? if so, you need an addative in the oil, or it will "grab" when you turn corners.--- on the blet, i have never had a truck fail the belt in 12,000 miles. must not be aligned or bad pulley. have 50,000 on my 2002 and no problmes with belt.

Ford's had a load of problems with the limited slip in those IRS 8.8s. We replace them left and right, but usually after adding three bottles of friction modifier. It sounds like the problem is with the clutches in the rear end, there's several tsbs on them. You might try calling your Ford regional customer satisfaction rep. Usually if you gripe enough and have under 50K, they'll take care of a pattern failure like this. Good luck with it.