Grinding noise from front differential

Tiny
SURGEIMPULSE
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
I recently purchased the vehicle listed above and the differential has recently started to groan, and the vehicle would feel like it does not want to move when turning far to the left with 4x4 off. It does do the same turning in both directions and more severely with 4x4 high on. I purchased it from a family member, and they said it only did that with 4x4 activated and I asked when it had its fluid changed and they said never in the car's life. I quickly changed the fluid, but the problems remains. I am just wondering what exactly could be causing this or if I will have to replace the whole differential? Thanks.
Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 AT 6:55 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
SURGEIMPULSE
  • MEMBER
  • 67 POSTS
I am unable to really pinpoint where the sound is coming from but here's a quick clip of what it does. The rear wheels do not want to spin when turning hard left, as you will be able to hear. This is what it sounds like on 4x4 HI, but it does sometimes still occasionally do it but much less severely with 4x4 set on auto. I'm guessing it's drivetrain binding.
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Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 AT 9:55 AM
Tiny
SURGEIMPULSE
  • MEMBER
  • 67 POSTS
Looks like I managed to get it fixed. Did have some pretty bad snowstorms come through so I'm guessing I ended up winding it up driving it. Turns nicely now.
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Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 AT 11:11 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

Wow, I heard that. What was the actual cause of the noise?

Joe
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Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 AT 7:51 PM

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