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Satriana Vai Posted on Mar 22, 2014
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Disconnected rear differential

My rear differential for my 2003 Ford Escape was making huge noise. The mechanic disconnected the rear differential. Not sure what it means. I told him I don't have the 2k to fix it. Is my car safe?

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fordexpert

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  • Ford Master 5,692 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 22, 2014
fordexpert
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Joined: Apr 20, 2009
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You must have a 4 Wheel-drive. You should have a driveshaft for that end of the vehicle and you should not let the Mechanic keep it. The rear unit must have a bad Pinion bearing or more damaged parts. Some of parts can "freewheel" without having power going through them.

But the metal shavings from broken parts can travel inside the differential and cause more problems. You don't always need the 4-wheel drive function and you do not have it since the Mechanic disconnected it.

Sometimes it can be what is called an "axle" bearing. Each side has this part so you have 2. The noise levels for this part can also change when the 4 wheel drive is engaged.

Make sure the rear differential has lube. Read the Web for articles about your vehicle. Search "2003 Ford Escape rear differential".

There is a Salvage yard site called Car-parts.com which is good for locating used parts like differentials. One would need to match the same gear ratio as the front.

5 Related Answers

propilot5

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  • Posted on Oct 08, 2008

SOURCE: knocking noise

Your Front Sway Bar Links May Be Bad. I have a 2004 Escape, The links on mine started making noise at approx. 60,000 miles.

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Anonymous

  • 187 Answers
  • Posted on May 08, 2009

SOURCE: Rear differential / axle noise and vibration.

A drive shaft that has lost a balancing weight will vibrate between 40 and 50 mph. If not corrected this could damage the input shaft bearing and seal on the differential causing oil leakage. Differentials are fairly indestructible but if run without oil will fail.
As for the front end you should never run the 4wd on dry pavement. The front differential is a posi traction unit that will turn both wheels at the same rate unlike the rear diff that will allow the inner wheel to turn slower than the outer on turns.

Anonymous

  • 95 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 21, 2009

SOURCE: refill gear oil in rear differential on 2003 ford mustang gt

The differential will have a plug in the driver's side of the housing that is removed with a 3/8" drive ratchet or square drive. Be sure you know what type of fluid is recommended for your vehicle. It will depend on whether it is a locking differential or standard.

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Dec 04, 2009

SOURCE: lift gate latch of 2003 Ford Escape

I just want to know if there is any manual to disarm the lift gate and check for the problem. Currently my door is lock and cant open, how you force it to open?

Anonymous

  • 507 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 12, 2010

SOURCE: rear drum brake noise on my 2003 ford focus

either the brakes need to be replaced or there is alot of junk built up inside. Either way rear drums need to be taken off, cleaned and shoes inspected for wear.

Testimonial: "thanks."

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