Axles

[DarthMarauder]

Well I wasnt able to get my dealer to do the tsb on my axles cause I am at 58000 miles. And for them to even have someone come out to go above them I would have to pay them to take apart my rear end for a rep to look at them. No big deal I found the tsb kit for 250 so I will just do it myself. Anyways now to my question hearing about the tsb on the axles I was thinking it was the splines that start to shave metal off but is it in fact where the bearings ride??? I took my rear end apart last weekend to replace the seal so I can get the diff fluid to stop leaking like crazy and snapped a few pics of the axle. Would if be safe to assume that these are shot from the looks of it they are to me but then again this is the first solid axle car I've own?? I'm gonna get the tsb kit sometime this month seeing as its only been 200 miles and my new seal is starting to slowly leak already so its starting all over again.

[FordNut]

Well I wasnt able to get my dealer to do the tsb on my axles cause I am at 58000 miles. And for them to even have someone come out to go above them I would have to pay them to take apart my rear end for a rep to look at them. No big deal I found the tsb kit for 250 so I will just do it myself. Anyways now to my question hearing about the tsb on the axles I was thinking it was the splines that start to shave metal off but is it in fact where the bearings ride??? I took my rear end apart last weekend to replace the seal so I can get the diff fluid to stop leaking like crazy and snapped a few pics of the axle. Would if be safe to assume that these are shot from the looks of it they are to me but then again this is the first solid axle car I've own?? I'm gonna get the tsb kit sometime this month seeing as its only been 200 miles and my new seal is starting to slowly leak already so its starting all over again.
Yes, the problem is at the bearing surface. New seals will leak again soon. New bearings will go bad soon. Gotta replace the axles.

[Krytin]

Yep, what He^^said! Stick a fork in 'em, they're done.

[merc]

While you are in the parts bin on the rear end. Replace the limited slip and surrounding bearings and seals. I replaced everything to include a new set of 4:10 gears. Just under a year after the replacements and no links, but the Auburn Pro Limited makes some noise cutting hard corners. One question, what part of the country to you live in, and is your car a daily driver ?



http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/3/8/tonering.jpg

[DarthMarauder]

merc that one doesnt seem as bad as mine. Where the bearing rides on mine it almost looks like it was on a lathe. Anyone know what all comes with the tsb kit cant remember the part number but I think it has axles, bearings, and fluid. Does it come with seals or will I have to get those seperate?? Also do the bearings have to be slide hammered out?? Trying to make sure I have everything I'm going to need when I do this even special tools.

[RoyLPita]

merc that one doesnt seem as bad as mine. Where the bearing rides on mine it almost looks like it was on a lathe. Anyone know what all comes with the tsb kit cant remember the part number but I think it has axles, bearings, and fluid. Does it come with seals or will I have to get those seperate?? Also do the bearings have to be slide hammered out?? Trying to make sure I have everything I'm going to need when I do this even special tools.

The kit for the TSB comes complete with 2 axles, 3 bottles of 75-140 synthetic gear oil, 1 bottle of friction modifier, 2 axle bearings and 2 seals, a tube of RTV, plus a tag that says "75-140 synthetic oil only". You can use the c-clipped end of the shaft to remove the seals. However, a slide hammer will be needed for the bearings. Hope this helps.

[merc]

merc that one doesnt seem as bad as mine. Where the bearing rides on mine it almost looks like it was on a lathe. Anyone know what all comes with the tsb kit cant remember the part number but I think it has axles, bearings, and fluid. Does it come with seals or will I have to get those seperate?? Also do the bearings have to be slide hammered out?? Trying to make sure I have everything I'm going to need when I do this even special tools.

Sorry I can't find my receipt that has all the Ford parts numbers. Yes, your axles have more wear, but look at the damage to the tone ring. Good luck with your install.:o

[O's Fan Rich]

What are the signs of needing to have them looked at? Leaking fluid? Noises?

[Parts Man]

Does Anyone Have The Tsb # So I Can Give It To The Dealer So I Can Get My Fixed In The Next Week They Said They Could Not Find The Tsb. Thanks

[carfixer]

The only thing that is not included in the kit is the modifier.

The TSB number is 03-05-05. I believe there is a copy of the text on here somewhere.

[DarthMarauder]

What are the signs of needing to have them looked at? Leaking fluid? Noises?
With mine I went to wash my car a few weeks ago and noticed my back wheel was covered with grease which turned out to be a mixture of dirt, brake dust and diff fluid. I have also heard of people hearing the bearing make noise after sometime so it could be either. With mine I think there is just enough play that its bending out the rubber seal at the end of the axle housing. An easy way to check is to clean the inside of the wheels and check after driving around making turns both ways see if you are getting cirlces of diff fluid on the inside of your wheels. I am getting this after only 2 to 300 miles after replacing the seal. Luckily it isnt as bad as before the first time is was so bad I parked to where my passenger side was higher than my drivers and I had a puddle going through the wheel spokes and on the driveway of diff fluid. I will take pics of what your wheel would look like since I'm planning on trying to do a write up of how to do this in case anyone else out of warranty wants to do the work themselves. Wont be for a few weeks since I have to get some cash together for the kit and some other stuff I'm going to install while I'm at it.

[DarthMarauder]

Sorry I can't find my receipt that has all the Ford parts numbers. Yes, your axles have more wear, but look at the damage to the tone ring. Good luck with your install.:o
I see that any idea what caused that damage. That way I can make sure that doesnt happen in the future.

Thanks Roy I will make sure I pick up a slide hammer when I get everything else.
Thanks carfixer I will pick up some modifier from the dealer next week just so I have it when it comes time to install.

[RF Overlord]

What are the signs of needing to have them looked at? Leaking fluid? Noises?Rich, the Blackbird had neither. It was only during my 4.10 install that the tech noticed the unusual wear on the axles and advised me to have it looked at. However, most dealers will not perform the TSB simply because you might have the problem, so tell them you've got noises coming from your rear end... ;) :D

I believe the TSB applies only to cars built before January 2003.

[O's Fan Rich]

Rich, the Blackbird had neither. It was only during my 4.10 install that the tech noticed the unusual wear on the axles and advised me to have it looked at. However, most dealers will not perform the TSB simply because you might have the problem, so tell them you've got noises coming from your rear end... ;) :D

I believe the TSB applies only to cars built before January 2003.

Yeah, mines in that date area. I want to get the rear serviced anyway. And I want to put the 4:10s in. So, I suppose it'd be a good idea to get it checked before I proceed with that. I do have the extended warranty.
Thanks.

I'd like a copy or link to the TSB, also.

[MM03MOK]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?p=149884&highlight=03-05-05#post149884

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8285

[AzMarauder]

I see that any idea what caused that damage. That way I can make sure that doesnt happen in the future.

Thanks Roy I will make sure I pick up a slide hammer when I get everything else.
Thanks carfixer I will pick up some modifier from the dealer next week just so I have it when it comes time to install.

What caused the damage was either bad axles (which is what I think the original TSB acknowledged) or bad bearings. In either case, the original new parts were defective.

I've had a similar problem with a 1987 Thunderbird Turbocoupe. However, that axle went bad at 145k miles.

[Marauderjack]

I had a 2000 CV with a roar in the rear end and when I pulled the magnetic "Fill" plug I use in all rear ends....It looked like a damn bird wing it had so much metal on it!!!:argue: :mad2: The car had almost 200K miles and the axles were cut about 1/8" and the housing was full of metal....The hardest part of the job is to....CLEAN OUT ALL METAL DEBRIS!!!!!:shake:

Newer axles are supposed to be harder but just check for metal and install a magnetic plug if you don't have one!!:beer:

Also, listen for a "wump...wump....wump" coming from the rear.....Sounds kind of like a badly cupped tire!!!:help:

Good Luck!!

Marauderjack:burnout:

[bobbyc]

I've got an '03 with 13K on the clock, build date 11/02 and no noise or leaks from the rear end. Should I check it or run it until I near the end of the warranty (7/07)?

[Marauderjack]

Get a magnetic plug.....It will tell you in a day or two if you have metal contamination/bad axles or bearings!!!:beer: If they are bad enough to hear they are way gone...Believe me on this one!!:argue:

Marauderjack:rasta:

[bobbyc]

Thanks, I'll get a magnetic plug. I'm assuming if there's no metal bits after a couple of days the axles/bearings are good?

[RF Overlord]

bobbyc, that's not a valid assumption. My car had bad axles and there was no noise and no metal in the lube. By the time you can hear them or notice wear metals on the magnet, it's WAY too late. Have a tech that has experience in setting up rear ends check it out for you, then if you actually have the problem, get it to a dealer that will work with you to have the TSB performed. Most dealers won't do the TSB on your say-so alone unless they can reproduce a problem (like noise)...

[sabtaj1]

Mine were alot worse. It is very common on the marauders and C.V's. The axles are made from junk metal from what I am told. I found a kit that you can purchase that moves the bearings out the width of the bearing. It relocates it outward. I got them from Carquest part# RP5707. You can go this route if you cant afford the axles right away. I just put 4.10's in yesterday and didnt have any idea what to do. I was told of this kit by a friend that works for ford. He said it works great. so I did it and its like new again. I have 51,000 on mine. He said he has had New P-71s with 10000 miles and have been shot. If you need more info let me know. Its a quick fix though. Good luck.

[DarthMarauder]

Mine were alot worse. It is very common on the marauders and C.V's. The axles are made from junk metal from what I am told. I found a kit that you can purchase that moves the bearings out the width of the bearing. It relocates it outward. I got them from Carquest part# RP5707. You can go this route if you cant afford the axles right away. I just put 4.10's in yesterday and didnt have any idea what to do. I was told of this kit by a friend that works for ford. He said it works great. so I did it and its like new again. I have 51,000 on mine. He said he has had New P-71s with 10000 miles and have been shot. If you need more info let me know. Its a quick fix though. Good luck.

I'm curious about this kit if it moves it outward wouldnt it interfere with the seal when I replaced the seal to check the axle I noticed the bearing is only about half the width of the bearing from the seal when the seal is fully in. So does this kit have some type of thinner seals so that the bearing will be able to fit. I may do this to at least stop my leak till summer when I can pick up the axles with all the other stuff I have to get.

[sabtaj1]

OK. with this kit you must remove the old bearing assembly with a slide hammer. Then the new kit you will install. its not just a bearing its like a whole new assebly for the bearing. It moves the seal to the inside of the housing. Its really slick. and you know if they made this kit there must have been alot of problems. But this will definately get you by for maybe 30 to 40 thousand miles. Its a one piece kit for each side. has bearings and everything inside you just need to put some wheels bearing greese on the outter diameter so it doesnt get caroded inside of the axle tube. Just hammer in (CAREFULLY). I should have taken pics. sorry. really easy

[DarthMarauder]

I will pick this kit up tomorrow if its not priced to high and check it out.

[sabtaj1]

cool. let me know what you think. I am not sure of the price. I used to work at the local ford dealer before the sheriffs dept. I paid like $28 a side. let me know.

[Marauderjack]

If you check the magnetic plug every 5K miles and only see dark "Graphite-Like" dust on it you can pretty well bet the axles and bearings are OK......If you see ANY shiney debris....BAD NEWS!!!:argue: :mad2: Mine had been roaring several weeks and I thought it was a tire but when I pulled the plug it had 3 inches of metal on it...PANIC!!!:help:

The magnetic plug is only a few bucks and cannot hurt a thing. In fact if you do have a failure it will help remove the :argue: debris from the housing.....As I stated before that is the hard part!!:mad:

The "Axle Savers" are complete bearing set with a race that fits on the axle....They use them a lot in Chevy applications!! I don't understand why Ford continues to run the bearings on the bare axle....except it's CHEAP!!!:shake:

If the axle is hardened properly it works fine but they must be getting batches that don't meet hardness specs!!??:argue:

Marauderjack:burnout: