Concerns!!

[gtmud]

I just bought an 02 Explorer. I had the dealer replace a couple seals in the front and rear diffs. My problem now is that after a 1400 mile trip the rear (R) axle seal is leaking again( if it ever was changed) and I am getting a VERY noticable whine from the rear end when I accelerate ( mild or hard, same sound, higher pitch, faster I go) I plan on taking this back to the dealer, but would like to have some "ammo" to use when they try and snowball me again. Am I right in thinking that a bearing in the rear is going, possibly causing a leak? Were there any recalls, or problems with the rear ends that Ford will fix,( under 70K). The tag on the rear is as follows S PM V 6528 / 3L73 88 2F15. Am I right in thinking that I have an Limited Slip 3.73 rear? Thanks in advance for any info!

[exploded99]

Originally Posted by gtmud

I just bought an 02 Explorer. I had the dealer replace a couple seals in the front and rear diffs. My problem now is that after a 1400 mile trip the rear (R) axle seal is leaking again( if it ever was changed) and I am getting a VERY noticable whine from the rear end when I accelerate ( mild or hard, same sound, higher pitch, faster I go) I plan on taking this back to the dealer, but would like to have some "ammo" to use when they try and snowball me again. Am I right in thinking that a bearing in the rear is going, possibly causing a leak? Were there any recalls, or problems with the rear ends that Ford will fix,( under 70K). The tag on the rear is as follows S PM V 6528 / 3L73 88 2F15. Am I right in thinking that I have an Limited Slip 3.73 rear? Thanks in advance for any info!

The 02 thru 04 models have rear diff problems. Quite a bunch of posts about it on the net. There is a TSB about it, which specifies all the new parts - it was issued last summer, don't know the number. TSB means it is not a recall and the customer pays for repairs.

Dealers are the most expensive place to get repairs. Check with a couple of shops that specialize in diff work in your area. They will educate you on the problem, and what parts are available in the aftermarket to fix it. They should quote you a price 1/2 to 2/3 of the dealer price.

Then you are ready to discuss it with the people that sold you the car. They may do nothing for you, give you some type of price break on the repair, repair it for free if you are a good customer, or trade you for another truck. No way to tell from here how that will work out.

If the dealership gives you a price break, that discount has to be charged to the sales dept. by the service dept. Both the sales manager and the service manager get their bonuses based on the profitability of their depts. They are operated as separate businesses, and the service dept. will not eat the discount for something they did not do. So you will probably need to convince the sales manager to help you out.

And, it is not unheard of for a dealer to tell you it's a 2,000 repair, but they will cut you a "break", and only charge you 1,400 when its only a 1,400 repair in the first place. Which is really a 0 discount. Eyes open!

The TSB tells the number of hours Ford allows for the repair, and you can use that times the hourly shop rate to estimate a labor charge - parts can be priced separately for you. Then compare it with the independent shops estimate and decide which way to go.

[gtmud]

Thanks Explode99, I just got off the phone with the dealer, (service manager). I was told about the TSB on the rear diff, and they were going to rebuild it to TSB spec. Also were going to check the tranny out, ( problem with hard shifts/ mild accel, and delay in engaging in "D" with roll back) I found a website called CarStats.com which listed all the TSB's, complaints and such for this vehicle. After reading, makes me want to take it back and do with out it!! But the dealer is "fixing" everything at NO COST to me ( less than 30 days from purchase) including replacing a RR strut, and fixing an oil leak at the filter area. So I will keep my finger crossed and hope that it turns out for the good. Thanks for your insite!

[gtmud]

It rides nice, accelerates nice, but damn the Horrible developement of the key components ( Tranny, Rear- end)

[exploded99]

Originally Posted by gtmud

It rides nice, accelerates nice, but damn the Horrible developement of the key components ( Tranny, Rear- end)

You can't get any luckier - you are looking at some prettyybig dollars for all thatwork. Kind of wonder if there is not a state law where you live that requires dealers to fix major problems within 30 days of purchase.

Tranny's are a known issue as well. Some of them have to be replaced with a reman unit. When you get it back, if it is not perfect, take it back till it is.

Good Luck!