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About a month ago my 23 2.7 Badlands started making a bit of a rhythmic oscillating whirring noise. I originally thought it was an exhaust leak, but adjusting the exhaust never fixed the issue. It progressively got worse and became apparent it was drivetrain noise.
While looking for the source, I noticed at the output shaft for the Xfer case there was a bit of seepage of fluid. I took it to the dealer, they verified the Xfer case was fine, not leaking, defined by Ford as drops of fluid, not seepage. They said seepage is acceptable and that driving up hills a lot would naturally cause seepage in that area. I gladly thanked them for not actually working on my Bronco and got it back.
I've continued to diagnose and it seems the noise is coming from the drive shaft or rear diff. It is difficult to tell exactly where. We placed it on jack stands and tried to replicate the noise but it was a very different sound and very difficult to determine location while on jackstands.
The rear diff has fluid and was changed 6 months ago. The driveshaft has some rotational play while off the ground, but minimal on the ground. There is a fractional amount of in and out play.
I'll hold my theories for now, but would greatly appreciate any feedback or thoughts from the group.
I'm currently at 35,500 miles, so I'd love to get this sorted before crossing 36k.
Thanks in advance.
While looking for the source, I noticed at the output shaft for the Xfer case there was a bit of seepage of fluid. I took it to the dealer, they verified the Xfer case was fine, not leaking, defined by Ford as drops of fluid, not seepage. They said seepage is acceptable and that driving up hills a lot would naturally cause seepage in that area. I gladly thanked them for not actually working on my Bronco and got it back.
I've continued to diagnose and it seems the noise is coming from the drive shaft or rear diff. It is difficult to tell exactly where. We placed it on jack stands and tried to replicate the noise but it was a very different sound and very difficult to determine location while on jackstands.
The rear diff has fluid and was changed 6 months ago. The driveshaft has some rotational play while off the ground, but minimal on the ground. There is a fractional amount of in and out play.
I'll hold my theories for now, but would greatly appreciate any feedback or thoughts from the group.
I'm currently at 35,500 miles, so I'd love to get this sorted before crossing 36k.
Thanks in advance.
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