I have a 2004 Explorer, V6, auto, 70,000 miles. A few months ago I noticed a slight whine coming from the differential. It is intermittent and seems to come and go depending on the road surface. On a smooth road, I hear the whine. On a rough road surface, it disappears. It varies with speed -- faster I go, the higher the pitch of the whine. As I say, it comes and goes -- I may go for days and not hear it on any road surface then it will show up. When I first heard it I thought, "Oh, shit!! Not a new rear end." However, it has remained a minor irritant and has not become louder or constant.
Today I was riding with a guy in his 2003 Explorer, V8, auto, 110,000 miles. His rear end sounds terrible -- high-pitched, constant whine with an occasional rumble. He asked about my Explorer and asked if I have heard a similar whine.
He said his dealer told him it's the pinion gear in the differential that needs to be replaced -- about $1,500, two days to do the job. He said the dealer told him they see a lot of 2001 - 2004 Explorers with the problem and it seems to start around 70,000 miles.
Anyone else have this problem or hear this same story?
Is there possibly a recall or a Ford technical bulletin on the problem?
Thanks.