axle seal trouble on expedition

[captjoe]

Just wondering if anyone else has had rear axle seal problems on Ford Expedition. My wife bought a new 2001 (with my help of course) Eddie Bauer edition a year ago. Just took it to my dealer because I was getting a vibration ? feeling when I accelerated from a stop sign while making a turn. I thought it was probably the clutch pack in the differential because they have had some problems with that. When I picked it up after repairs they asked if I had backed it into the water because the vent in the rear differential was plugged causing the rear axel seals to blow out. Guessing it might have happened while towing the boat from Winnie to Lake Michigan this summer and pressure built up in the differential because of heat generated while towing that distance.

The service manager said they had to take a small drill bit and clean out the vent. My thoughts on backing the vehicle deep enough to get water in the vent was ridiculous as then half of the vehicle would have to be in the water and deep enough to flow into the rear doors.

Anyone else had problems?
Captjoe

[perchjerker]

If the vent was plugged, how did water get in there?
It was probably plugged with dirt or maybe rustproofing causing pressure to build up and the seal blowing. Did they find water in the rear end?

I dont think it had anything to do with launching the boat, unless a zebra mussel got stuck in the vent!!:)

[captjoe]

Perchjerker
No water got into the rear differential. No other damage done other than the seals. Most of the time I fish where there are no mussels so I know that isn't a problem. I think they were just looking for an easy out -- they did take care of the problem under warranty.

Also, the clutch pack in some of the differentials seem to have problems. Also had the same clutch pack problem on my 1/2 ton van. It sometimes can be solved by adding some special additive to the differential. Didn't solve the problem with the Expedition but did on the van.

As mentioned in previous post, it sounds and feels like a grind or vibration that is most apparent when making a turn from a complete stop.

[perchjerker]

Sorry, I thought the dealer mentioned something about water in the rear end because he asked you about launching your boat.

As far a the zebra mussel comment, that was a joke!!!

Whatever it was, sounds like they fixed it for you.

["Hooked On It"]

Had the same problem with my F150. Might be same axle. Was also wondering if anyone else had this happen with such low miles.
Bret

[ArnieMN]

I am having the exact same problem with my expedition. I just called my ford dealer trying to explain to them the exact same problem. It only does it when I'm toeing something and usually after it gets warmed up. It only happens on exerlation when turning from a complete stop. I'm glad you figured this thing out. It has been frustrating and I don't have any warranties left so I was regreting thinking of the thought of the rear-end going out.

[bountyhunter]

IF you brought this problem to threr attn when it still had warrrenty ,IT"S still there problem call customer complaint and be nice to the lady on the phone she can guide you in the right direction .

[ARB]

Do any of the offending vehicals have limited slip rear ends? These can give weird sensations while accelerating and turning sharp.

[captjoe]

ARB -- Yep, limited slip differential. Both the van and the expedition. Just now got back from a road trip to Des Moines. Paid real close attention to see if it was chattering. Nope. All seems OK for now.

capt Joe

[capt joe]

Hooked on it -- My dealer told me that they had experienced the same problem with some of the F 150's as well. My dealer tried the additive with the van first and it worked OK. Didn't work with the Expedition

Capt. Joe