Rear Axle R&R

[mtnh]

Does anyone who's had their axles replaced have a parts list of what needs to be changed when doing the job? Does the axle have a tendency to scratch the axle oil seals, do the bearings need to be changed, is there a gasket for the rear end cover needed? Thanks, I am sick of hearing that noise with 62K on it.

[RoyLPita]

The axle kit includes:
2 shafts,
2 bearings,
2 seals,
3 bottles of synthetic fluid,
RTV caulking sealant for the cover, and
a tag that states "synthetic fluid only".

Friction modifier (1 or 2 bottles) will be needed, too.

Hope this helps.

[SergntMac]

As I recall it, there was one part number for the rear end rebuild kit, which included hardened axles, seals, bearings, friction modifier, and so on. The OEM cover does not use a gasket, so, there's no part number for that. However, the popular aftermarket "girdles" uses a paper aftermarket gasket.

The kit P/N is listed in TSB 03-05-05.

If you have a pinion noise, those bearings and seals are not affected by nor included in the TSB

[mtnh]

Brian, Mac, thanks. Do we have the TSB on the forum, or can I get that part number for the kit? I have known that I needed this for a few years, and had tried to tune in to the discussions so that I could snatch a part number for a complete kit, but never recalled having a hit on that exact info. I'll do a search while I wait. :beer:

[RF Overlord]

Ask and ye shall receive:

3W1Z-4A109-AA $260.04 from Ray "The Dealer" (plus shipping)

[mtnh]

Thanks Bob. I called my local dealer and they have one on the shelf for list price. Since my need is rather immediate, I am going to procure locally. Thanks again.

[RF Overlord]

If you don't mind me asking, what is list price at your dealer? I know what my local Ford dealer quoted me, and it was outrageous...(I was asking on behalf of someone else)

None of my business, but you said you've lived with the problem for a while now...I bet Ray could have the kit to you in just a couple of days...patronise a board vendor...support the troops...etc...

[2003DOHC]

If you don't mind me asking, what is list price at your dealer? I know what my local Ford dealer quoted me, and it was outrageous...(I was asking on behalf of someone else)

None of my business, but you said you've lived with the problem for a while now...I bet Ray could have the kit to you in just a couple of days...patronise a board vendor...support the troops...etc...

Purchased the axle kit 03/20/06 from local ford dealer for $292.70. List price at that time $336.05.

[Bill Lalk]

Fella's, Can I save my rear end by changing to synthetic now, at 20K?

[RF Overlord]

Bill, the short answer is "probably not".

The TSB only applies to cars made before January of '03. Supposedly the issue was resolved in cars made after that. So if your car is one of the ones possibly affected, the axles are actually defective and simply changing the lube will in all likelihood do nothing, or perhaps postpone the inevitable for a very short time. Are you hearing any noises? (The correct answer is yes) Then bring it to the dealer and have them check it out. If they find evidence of excessive wear, they'll do the TSB for you. If they don't find anything unusual, you probably didn't get any of the bad batch of axles and should be good to go.