Constant Noise seems to be from rear side of the car

Tiny
ADRIAN BATTA
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 FORD TERRITORY
  • 268,000 MILES
Hello Experts,

My brother has 2004 Ford Territory RWD Wagon. When he drives the car it actually gives constant noise from rear of the car. I got it checked with 1 mechanic and he advised it is noisy Diff issue. Some other mechanic had a test drive and he thinks it is Ball Bearings issue. What advice you have got up for me. Has anyone of you had/have similar issue. I am confident it's not muffler issue as the car doesn't make any noise at starting the engine it only starts when it is in drive mode.

Your valued expert suggestions will be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Adrian
Saturday, September 28th, 2013 AT 6:14 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
MADMIKE1735
  • MECHANIC
  • 951 POSTS
It would need to be ran up on a lift, and listened to with a stethoscope. When is it loudest? When you accelerate, or whenever you let off the gas? Does it go away if you put the trans in neutral? Its possible the rear is worn badly considering the 268k miles on it. Has the fluid ever been changed, or the level checked?
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Saturday, September 28th, 2013 AT 6:21 PM
Tiny
ADRIAN BATTA
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
G'day mate,

Thanks for the reply. No it is on Petrol. It sounds like a truck when we r driving in any speed between 20-100. When u say about checking in Neutral, did u meant by while driving and just changing it from D to N? I haven't tried that if that's what u meant. It's been recently serviced and oil level is checked every week or so. Do you roughly how much does it cost if it is either case of Diff or Ball Bearing. What is the long term solution, to get it repaired or change the parts from Reckers or new parts?

Thanks

Adrian
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Saturday, September 28th, 2013 AT 6:51 PM
Tiny
MADMIKE1735
  • MECHANIC
  • 951 POSTS
Yes, while driving, put it in neutral, take the load off the rear, see if noise stays, or goes away. Just curious, why are you checking diff fluid level everyweek? Unless u have a known leak -like a pinion seal, it should be checked at every 5k. I wouldnt recommend just replacing yourbearings in the rear, as they are roller bearings, and mostlikely not even the cause of your noise. Most likely is a pinion bearing, at which point, you should have the whole diff gone through. Check for 6-10 thousandths freeplay from your pinion to ring gear. I usually set towards 6thousandths. But I think im getting ahead of myself hear. You need to verify exactly what is making noise.
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Saturday, September 28th, 2013 AT 9:05 PM
Tiny
ADRIAN BATTA
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Sorry mate, when I said I check the fluid level every week, I meant by engine fluid. Seriously, I didn't even know that Diff had their own fluid. I am starting to learn about the cars. Where is it located, if you know? I will try that Neutral thing soon and will let you know how I went about it. You mentioned about pinion bearing, what's the role of them in the car and are they cheaper to replace or repair?

Thanks
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Saturday, September 28th, 2013 AT 9:25 PM
Tiny
MADMIKE1735
  • MECHANIC
  • 951 POSTS
Its the roller bearing that sits torwards the front of the differential. Your driveshaft yolk is pressed onto this pinion. This pinion sits inside that bearing.
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Sunday, September 29th, 2013 AT 7:10 AM
Tiny
ADRIAN BATTA
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
G'day mate,

I tried changing to the Neutral from Drive mode. Didn't make any difference to noise. Still the same.

Cheers
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Sunday, September 29th, 2013 AT 6:47 PM
Tiny
MADMIKE1735
  • MECHANIC
  • 951 POSTS
Ok. If the noise is always there, then im certain its in the rear differential. You mentioned you didnt know much about cars, and were uncertain on checking the rear diff fluid level. Depending on how skinny you are, you may need to jack the vehicle up to gain access to underneath the rear axle. About 1/2 way up the differential, usually on the passenger side, will be an access plug. You may need to insert a 3/8" or 1/2" ratchet in to remove. This is where you check your fluid level. While your under there, check for any leaks. If its low, then it usually leaked out, or someone serviced the diff, and never filled it. Does this help?
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Tuesday, October 1st, 2013 AT 4:42 PM

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