Well my wife's 98 Mustang GT convertible started making a slight 'grinding' noise (best I can describe it) from the rear axle. I have been around long enough to know that this was not a good noise and took it down to the mechanic for a diagnosis ASAP.
The local Ford dealer tore down the rear end and discovered "fillet of pinion bearings". Plenty of oil in the rear axle, and it never leaked a drop. Luckily we caught it early and the damage was confined to the pinion bearings, but we may replace the axle bearings if they look even slightly questionable. (Thoughts of metal fragments working themselves around in the rear end are not particularly happy thoughts)
All this at 23,000 miles!
I have not seen the old parts yet, but after talking to the mechanic and hearing that he has seen more than a few Ford 8.8" rear ends exhibit this problem, I wondered if this has been discussed in this forum before.
Needless to say her GT is out of warranty, so (jokingly.....
I guess I am "getting my wife a new rear-end for Christmas!" (giggle)
But seriously, this is the 3rd mustang with a 8.8" rear end we have owned -- a 96 GT, a 98 cobra convertible and now the 98 GT, all purchased new, maintained well and never 'abused'. In fact her 98 GT has been treated so gently I have to believe that there was a rear end problem right from the start, or else it died from too much love.
So,
Anyone have comments on this?
Did Ford perhaps have a problem with rear end bearings or rear end assembly in 98? I didn't see any TSB's when I searched.
Does anyone know if the current Ford replacement pinion bearing parts are 'beefed up' in any way from the stock?
Steve