I just took mine in for rear end noise, yesterday. Dealer was familiar. They are going to replace the drive shaft, which had too much play but they told me that until last night, Ford was letting them replace the rear ends but they won't now, until they engineer a fix for it. Mine is a 2002 Eddie Bower
Been there also. Lucky to have bought the extend service agreement. Have
> had trans axle replaced, rear end, transmission and last time they put some
> special lub in trans axle. Probaly lard or STP.
>
>
> > Just wanted to add my story to the countless others. Bought a 2002
> Explorer in 7/02. First heard whine from rear-end at 25K and took it to
> dealer. They said it was normal. (Also had it back 3 times for a faulty
> compass, once for cracked rear hatch, and once for faulty rear defroster)
> Took it back at 31k, replaced hubs. Noise still there (about 45mph and only
> when I accelerate). Back 3rd time at 34k, this time they replaced ring and
> pinion. Back at 35k with failed ring seal. Noise was slight, but still
> noticeable. Eventually got louder, starts at 45mph, goes away and reappears
> at 65-69mph, much much louder. Back to dealer, I'm at 46k, but was within
> their 12k mile parts warranty. Was told by service manager that he spoke
> with Ford tech who told him not to fix, because "We (Ford) do not know how
> to fix." I was first made aware of the SSM stating that Ford knew of
> problem and were working on it in Sept 03. Was again referred to that SSM
> this time (2/04). Have complained numerous times to Ford Cust Service. No
> fix yet, $565 a month for a vehicle that is annoying to drive. Thinking of
> starting a website and campaign against Ford to have them address this
> problem. I have seen and heard of hundreds of others with same problem
> (edmunds.com and NHTSA.gov etc.) (at least I've had no out-of-pocket
> expenses yet). I think we need to band together...any thoughts....anyone
> interested in a "grass roots" effort?
> >
>
>