OK early prod 300A's...Axle Poll Please

[SlkMerc]

I would like to know who among my early production (build dates in '02) 300A brethren have had the rear axles done. Those of you that did, how did you diagnose the problem?


Thanks!

Don

[Raudermaster]

Mine was built in 6/18/02. I have had no problems with mine and don't know what you're talking about lol.

[mrjones]

Build date 06/02. Had my axles, bearings, and ring and pinion replaced under warranty 01/07, right at the end of my warranty period. Complained of a rumbling noise from the rear end. They checked it out, found the problem and did the replacement.

[chader]

I did not hear or see anything but was changing the gears and thought I should be ready.....I was correct the right side was real bad and the left had just started...44,000 miles....after doing a mental pole from all on this site I suspected this is about the mileage

[sailsmen]

6/02

Changed Diff fluid and noticed the carrier spider gears were chipped.

Also chk axles and bearing surface gauled.

Had 64K of which 20K S/C & 150 runs down the 1,320'.

No symptoms.

[bigmerc'03]

when the gears got changed it was noticed and changed now for a bit more protection i had the axles and the differential upgraded to 31 moser and 31 eaton differental with 410 gears

[snowbird]

Mine was one of the last 03, built in Feb03. Never raced it but with a blower and lots of mods.

I thought mine wasn't part of the softy batch when I redid it recently to 31T but it was starting to have a problem at the right bearing seat at 53 000 klms (~ 35 - 37 000 miles).

Kind of hard to judge: 28T get upgraded everyday on older 5.0 Mustang and they have almost 1 000 pounds less weight to carry and almost 275 less crank HP to throw at the driveline. You just have to compare the Mosers 31T to the stock 28T side to side to start wonder: The stock ones looked so weak, i was glad they didn't break before.

IMO, even NA, these Moser puppys are what the Panther platform need to have some kind of a cushion. Ford seems to agree since I think they had upgraded to 31T from the factory now. They probably did it through the limo line part bin, which is still weaker than those Mosers but better than 28T. Don't wait until they shrapnell in the case and don't bother about warranty unless you married the dealer owner daughter ...

[MERCMAN]

06/02 build, had mine replaced around 20k. They were worn!!

[magindat]

6/02.
Replaced when gears changed. both sides were starting. 43K miles.

[gmtech]

8/02 build ..axles worn ..making noise ..just waiting for the time to replace them w/ the tsb kit..dealer says price of 270 dollars

[crouse]

Build date: 7/16/2002. I just bought new axles when I had my 4.10's installed. They were scored but no indication they were bad. My local Ford dealer had the axles for about $130 for the pair. Found out after my warranty expired that there was a TSB.

[SlkMerc]

I got some really good advice as to diagnosing the axle problem from you guys. When she's up in the air, Im going to get a good look back there and check for leaks, then in neutral, check for the bearing noise.

[Raudermaster]

Hmm, so I'm assuming mine may have the same problem down the line? If I take it to a Ford dealer is this something they would replace as a recall issue?

[MERCMAN]

recall issue? No. there is a TSB out for it though. If you are still under warranty take it in and have it done

[Marauder386]

With MM's produced in June,July and August '02 I checked them all after DR did the swapout on 'Pig 1 ... all showed the signs of "soft axle" and where promptly replaced...


:cool:

[Raudermaster]

Isn't a TSB pretty much a recall? Well, do you think I'll have a problem since I bought my car from a Cheby dealer? I have an extended warranty on it.

[HwyCruiser]

06/02 build, mine were replaced under warranty when the gears were done the first time around at about 20k. Running Moser axles now.

[MERCMAN]

I think a TSB is somthing they are aware of, but don't have to replace it for free after the warranty is done. I could be wrong and need someone that works for Ford to confirm or deny this

[Mad4Macs]

Isn't a TSB pretty much a recall? Well, do you think I'll have a problem since I bought my car from a Cheby dealer? I have an extended warranty on it.
Noop... In a recall, owners are notified of the problem by the manufacturer, and it's a Really BiG Deal.
In a TSB... IF you have a problem and IF you know about it and IF you bring your car in and tell the dealership about it, you MIGHT be lucky enough to have it checked out and fixed. IF you're still under warranty, that is...
A TSB is a (S)ervice (B)ulliten that is offered to (T)echnicians as a resource. TSB's are issued, as necessary, to guide technicians with additional procedures to fix issues as they arise, and if you come in, after you're out of warranty, they're not obligated to repair TSB complaints.
As for my axles... there was differential oil all over my wheels and brakes. The dealership said that there was metal particles mixed in with the oil, due to my axles being chewed up, so they looked it up, found a TSB, then replaced them under my existing warranty.

[Illss]

I'm still ok i'm assuming since my seals arent leaking an when the car is in air there isnt no play with the axles ! But ima change the fluid this weekend see what it looks like inside.

[greggash]

the diagnosis on mine was:

upon deceleration at about 30
windows up
I could hear a rubbing in the rear (low groan)

brought it in under warranty right at the end and told them to do the TSB

[Glenn]

MM built 12/02 and I had the axles replaced at about 30,000 miles under the TSB after a very noticeable noise. Both axles were soft and bearings and races were pitted badly. Covered under warranty.

Glenn

[rumble]

Build date 08/02. replaced under warranty at
about 10,000 miles.

Went "wonk" wonk" "wonk" at low speeds.

Get next to a building or wall, drivers window down,
drive very slow, listen closely.

[Raudermaster]

Thanks Mad4Macs for the info. But, would a GM dealer do this for me as a TSB, or is this something only a F/L/M dealer could do for me.

[Murader03]

Mine were replaced in '06. First heard rumbling from right rear. Took the car in and told the service rep I thought the bearings were bad. They checked it out and said the differential was causing the noise, and rebuilt it. I drove out of the service area, down the road, and turied around. Problem still there. Took the car back in, took tech for a ride, he heard the noise and they advised me to drive it a week to see it the noise went away since the gears were rebuilt. Took it back the next week, another tech looked at it and blew his stack. Both axles were bad, which should have been caught when the 1st guy pulled them. So, Axles, bearings, rear end all replaced or rebuilt, under warranty! Car had about 85K at the time.

[cruzer]

Built 10/14/02-----had a "wow-wow" when driving next to walls, buildings, etc---dealer used stethescope to hear rumble on left rear---both axles scoured--replaced under extended warranty at 70,000 miles--all is well now

[EbonyMarauder03]

I had mine done last fall, und ESP. I had a noise...put one of my best techs in the driver seat and said let's go. He thought it was a pinion noise...ended up with all new bearings, seals and shafts. Magically some 4:10's fell into too. :shake: :banana2: :rolleyes: :D :burnout: :burn:

He did some acceleration then put it into neutral and shut the car off to isolate engine/trans from axle. I was probably hearing the axle bearings because I'd hear a light grinding sound on turns when the weight transferred onto them.

Lidio's tune for the 3:55's was nice, but the gears and his 4:10 tune brought the car to life. If only 93 octane was cheaper. :censor: :mad2:

[Bigdogjim]

8/13/02 build date no issues to date with axles.

[3rdcoastmrauder]

had mine redone a month after I got the car ....because I broke the damn things hitting a curb (understeer is a *****). Didn't know it was a problem at the time but when my uncle began dis assembling what was left of it he said we could still use this but I don't recommend it. I told him to do it right and be done with it.

[BUCKWHEAT]

I replaced mine at about 42000 miles when I grenaded three teeth off of the pinion gear. Replaced the 28 splines with 31 Spline Mozers. One of the original axles showed some scoring.

[BruteForce]

I have an 8/02 build. Switched to Moser 31 spline at 11K miles. The OEM axles still looked like new. Anybody wanna buy 'em?

[RoyLPita]

My dealer replaced Ghost 03s axle shafts while installing his 4.10s at 20k.

[lwblumjr]

Hi all,

I started getting a faint noise from the right rear area that sounded like it could be the bearing. Of course, at that time I knew nothing about the TSB. Also, I was at about 62K miles and my extended warranty had just run out. Took it to a local garage (actually a service station) that does small repairs (no internal engine stuff) and they replaced the right rear axle and the water pump at the same time since it was giving me some trouble, too. Of course now I wonder if the other side is going to go out on me. No hint of a problem there yet with 84k on her.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Mine were shot at 25k miles and were noisy. Awesome Ford quality.

[Local Boy]

300A - Build date 7/02 - 32,000 miles on the clock - Still running great! Will do a gear change (4:10's) if problem starts.

[Vortech347]

300A, Not sure of build date I can check tomorrow.

Auto-x'd, daily driven, drag raced. ABUSED....

No axle problems, although I did have a control arm bolt get loose and I THOUGHT...I had the axle problem...

[chapel1]

I have a 6//02 build and have had no rear axle iissues yet? Just returned from a S.C. run and the Marauder ran fine. Top speed going down was 106mph, and my mpg was 22 to 24 using Shell and BP .

[LordVader]

Second owner here with build date of 06/02. According to the Oasis report (courtesy of RoyLPita) the axles were replaced around 10K. So my guess is mine was one of the first to have them replaced.

[wm1964]

Pinion seal leak found while I was under the car at 10,000 miles ,:mad: dealer repaired. 20,000 miles a slight whine developed. :mad2: When I took it to the dealer I mentioned the TSB. The dealer replaced everything but the housing. :beer: Car now has 53,000 miles and no further issues.:banana:

[whd507]

just had mine done at 90k miles, it was howling when I got it, I thought it was tires, but when I read about the TSB here, I went in, was the worst case the dealer had ever seen.

silent and awesome now, wish I had gotten 3.73s, but still awesome.

[Vortech347]

Update. I jinxed it. Mine are screwed....

[CRUZTAKER]

Mine was built in 6/18/02. I have had no problems with mine and don't know what you're talking about lol.

August '02...two LSD's and one motor later...no axle issues.;)

Gotta be the next thing to go. :rolleyes:

[3rdcoastmrauder]

did mine a month after i got the car (48,XXX)

Problem was diagnosed when i slammed into a curb at about 35 mph.

broke the axle and slightly bent the rim.

[Vortech347]

I build was August 02 and has 52k on it right now.

I'm not excited to drive it 40 miles to my perferred dealer next week. Its not leaving my driveway untill then. It sounds aweful.

[mrjones]

As an update on mine, which were replaced under warranty Feb 05, along with the gears... The replacement gears started making a lot of noise. The dealer took it back last month and was going to replace the gears again. They did the work under warranty again, but I bought 4.10's and they installed them for me instead. It was a pretty good deal, since all I had to pay for was the gears, and I've got the brand new 3.55's riding around in the trunk.

[EbonyMarauder03]

Mine was done with less than 40K on it last fall. I got one of the dealership techs to take it for a ride. He did acceleration, coast and engine off coasting. He was pretty sure it was pinion bearings...turns out all the bearings were toasted and took the shafts with them. Total rebuild with a side order of 4.10's and the tune I had been holding from Lidio for them. Build date was 6/02.

[Gre8one7]

So went to put my 4.10s in yesterday. Noticed the spider gears were chipped and didnt really look around any more, put the cover back on and that. How did you all fix these problems? Upgrades or OEM parts?

[EbonyMarauder03]

Mine was covered by ESP. All Ford parts.

[JCMM]

Noticed gear oil on inside right wheel when changing over from snows to summer wheels. Unfortunately, snows were on black steel rims or I might have noticed earlier. Earlier would have been better, changed over at 62k, extended "certified used" warrenty ran out at 60k.

Never heard anything, shop told me they had to whale on axles to pop them out of the bearing groove just to get the C-clips out.

Local shop did work with Ford parts. Shop was suprised axles were in stock, same day delivery. Guess that tells you the dealers are swaping a lot of Crown Vic PI axles. Cost with new axles, bearings, diff fluid, etc and an oil change was $1300

I understand CVPI, Lincoln Town Car- Taxi and hearses all got recalled, wonder why we didn't? Just a stinkin' sneaky TSB!

[Local Boy]

When changing to 4:10's (@35,000 miles), pulled the axle bearings and found gaulling and pitting where the bearing rides on the axle...Changed axles...All good now!

ALOHA

[musclemerc]

I have 57,000 on my 03 and i have'nt had a problem yet. I also don't race the Merc since i did buy it for the wife.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Local shop did work with Ford parts. Shop was suprised axles were in stock, same day delivery. Guess that tells you the dealers are swaping a lot of Crown Vic PI axles. Cost with new axles, bearings, diff fluid, etc and an oil change was $1300

Are you serious? The parts cost lke $250, and it would only take me a couple hours to change them out without a lift. I would have sold the car before paying $1300 to swap out axle shafts. Holy crap. I should do side jobs if people are willing to pay this much for a job like that.

[Tony_the_Brit]

I had mine done when I changed the RAR to 3.55's (120k). They were on their way out but not too bad.

I replaced them with 31 splines.

[GreekGod]

Are you serious? The parts cost lke $250, and it would only take me a couple hours to change them out without a lift. I would have sold the car before paying $1300 to swap out axle shafts. Holy crap. I should do side jobs if people are willing to pay this much for a job like that.

$1300? ....yep, that's about right...Bro, if you ever end up chasing women like I have over the years, that kind of money is a drop in the bucket...dealer overhead is a huge expense, and someone has to pay...

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

if you ever end up chasing women like I have over the years, that kind of money is a drop in the bucket...

LOL I'm married so there is no "chasing" anymore. I feel better reading posts like these that I don't let the dealer gouge me.

[1of327]

I wonder, do I fall into this catagory, and If so...who could give me a ball park of what type of cost I'm dealing with...and is it something that I can do myself?:"

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

A B should not fall into that catagory, but have someone check based on your build date. You should be able to do this yourself if you have any level of car repair expereience. The only special tool you will need is to go borrow Autozone or Advance Auto Parts' loaner axle puller kit (it will have swivel-lookin' wheel bearing pullers that work great). Take diff cover off, take ABS sensors out of backing plates, slide axle shafts in until C clips can be popped out with a screw driver, take axle shafts out, pop wheel seal and wheel bearings out, reinstall bearings, seals, shafts, and c clips. Install cover w/ grey permatex, fill diff, done.

[1of327]

A B should not fall into that catagory, but have someone check based on your build date. You should be able to do this yourself if you have any level of car repair expereience. The only special tool you will need is to go borrow Autozone or Advance Auto Parts' loaner axle puller kit (it will have swivel-lookin' wheel bearing pullers that work great). Take diff cover off, take ABS sensors out of backing plates, slide axle shafts in until C clips can be popped out with a screw driver, take axle shafts out, pop wheel seal and wheel bearings out, reinstall bearings, seals, shafts, and c clips. Install cover w/ grey permatex, fill diff, done.


Fortunately I do have a bit of experience...sounds pretty simple actually, and I think my dad has one of those pullers. Now where do I find a set of Gears( are 4.10's okay for a daily driver?

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Talk to one of the vendors on the board. I would not run 4.10s in a daily driver because I consider 3000 rpms at 80 mph excessive from an engine wear standpoint, but many people do run them.

Setting up gears is not so easy (as I learned). The easiest way to do it is with the $$$$ Rotunda tool that I ended up buying. Otherwise I spent days pressing bearings in and out with a shop press, shimming, checking pattern, driving the car, noticing noise, taking it apart, rinse and repeat until I was happy.

[warren]

Posted 6/3/04
Rear End noise (Moaning) at 29K
<HR style="COLOR: #d1d1e1" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->All note: Ck. your rear ends prior to warranty ending.

Today I noticed slight moaning in the rear end as rolled at 25 to 60 mph.
Above that too much noise to hear. Thought it was a loose anti sway bar
again but indeed NOT.

There is a TSB (there is a thread on this ) on our rear ends.
Most FORD Dealers are very aware.
This Dealer, Walnut Creek Ford (lg.est Cobra & CV law enforcemant dealer in Calif.) was quick to test it this afternoon and yes new rear Axles & Bearings are on the way. Here tomorrow.
Also they said it happens often to CHP and Police cars.

They ordered a kit to fix it.
Detail reads---28887 SSM 03-5-5 on Oasis covers rear axle bearings and axle prematuer wear.

Glad I found it before the warranty was over!

WarrenB

[Mad4Macs]

How I knew?
I had STANK from burning lube on my brake pads, oil all over my rims, and drip spots of Heavy Weight on my driveway that (strangely enough) corresponded to where my rear wheels sat.
Rear axle replacement was one of a dozen or so repairs my MM has before I traded her in.

[marauderray]

hey... i have a question... i didn't buy my car new.... so i have no idea whats the manufacturer warranty. is it 60 thousand miles and 4 years or somthing else

[Illss]

Update at 64,000 miles an production of 06/02 finally the drivers side went an changed both sides with oem parts an rp fluid ....all is well now.

[Frank Androski]

D.R. :help: DID MINE WHILE INSTALLING MY 4/10S.
GOOD THING ,BECAUSE THEY WERE BOTH SCORED.
BAD PAINT -- BAD AXLES . THE REST IN BETWEEN, WELL YOU KNOW THE REST!:stupid:

[RF Overlord]

i have no idea whats the manufacturer warranty. is it 60 thousand miles and 4 years or somthing else3 years/36,000 miles.

[Blackmobile]

A year ago I took a trip up to NC and when I got there my other half says, "Is there suppose to be fluid on the inside of the tire?" I took it to the L/M dealer up there and Walla... after $509 later I'm good as new. This all took place at 78,500 miles. I now have a spare set of OEM axles just waiting for the other one to go, but i guess this has scared the other axle into wearing properly. I'm now at 120k miles and all is well...Knock on Wood.

[Marauder386]

Doc Reinhart did the swap out on RoadPig #1 when she was there for the major install in January '06 ... the originals where scored and looked NASTY. Havent had any problems with them since and all the work was done with 60k on the odie-o-meter at that time and just rolled 79k last night. The rest of the Pigs havent been driven enough to warrant a check and there are no signs of the problem...


:cool:

[EbonyMarauder03]

Mine was done in 2006. It was easy to tell...I don't have my radio often so I could hear it in the tunnel.

Total redo, too. Shafts, bearings, seals and.....oh...some FMS 4.10's. I paid the tech on the side to install them while Ford covered the rest of the shrapnel.

[computertech]

Hey Guys

So it was there, I fell in love with it and bought it, she is a 2003 with 31,500 miles on it.


I notice a high pitched "hooooooooooo" kinda sound comming from the rear @ speeds of 50 -75mph and it seems to go away when I come off the pedal and comes righ tback when i go back on. Is this the pinion ? Its got me worried >>>>>>......:help:




How can I find out if its still under warranty ??? I bought it privatly (not from dealership)

I would like to find build date and so on

I see your posts stating (300A`s) and so on , what does this mean ?

Thanks in advance

[Sinister]

I could hear a whine when driving next to a wall, like on the toll road. Took it to rear end shop and cost me $1200.
Oh, they jacked up the rear and ran It, then they grabbed the wheel and could wobble the axle in the shaft.

[boatmangc]

IIRC 07/02. Made noise at 29000, no leaks just a rumble on RR.

Replaced axles and bearings at 33000,
Should have done diff clutches at the same time just from all the metal I washed out of it.

[03blackmerc]

had both sides of mine done. first under warrenty after some pretty sweet dounuts. second side after a long trip with cruise set at 90MPH.

[RF Overlord]

Ancient thread alert.

[SC Cheesehead]

Ancient thread alert.

Uhhhhh, yup...