Front Diff is Toasted

[Built2Wild]

After a trip to Death Valley I heard a squeaking noise while only applying the gas. When changing the oil, I noticed that the front diff housing showed signs of a leak. I took it to the dealer but decided to drive in 2H just out of curiosity and found the squeaky noise had ceased. When I got to the dealer I was able to pin-point the issue, today the Service Advisor sent me the message below. I followed up with a phone call and was told that the leak could have caused the issue since the fluid could have been low. I was also told to change all my fluid at 30k since I do get off-road at least once a month. Everything is going to replaced under warranty but what an experience!

“Technician found leak with front diff- drained fluid found metal debries in fluid. Took off diff case and found almost all bearings in front diff toasted. Per fords pinpoint test says to replace front diff assembly. I ordered one it is about 4-5 days out. You can keep rental until work is done. looking like mid next week for completion.”

Sponsored

 

[userdude]

And you get to keep the rental?? What dealership is that... lol

 

[Montana Bronco]

Cool that Ford is fixing it plus you got a rental to hoon around in for a week. Sounds like you are winning!

 

[BAUS67]

.............................. I took it to the dealer but decided to drive in 2H .......................

Just a curious thought. Do you normally drive in 4A all the time, no matter the conditions????

 

[Built2Wild]

Oh yeah, the rental is all on the dealership during the repair. Capitol Ford in San Jose, I didn’t buy my Bronco there due to markups but there service department is top notch.

 

[Built2Wild]

Just a curious thought. Do you normally drive in 4A all the time, no matter the conditions????

I do drive around in 4A no matter the conditions but I don't think that caused the leak in front diff. I read on other threads of people having concerns or issues but I never had an issue. I think the leak could of happened when I was driving on the wash in Death Valley and changing the G.O.A.T Mode to Baja while not being at a low enough speed.

 

[BAUS67]

I do drive around in 4A no matter the conditions but I don't think that caused the leak in front diff. I read on other threads of people having concerns or issues but I never had an issue. I think the leak could of happened when I was driving on the wash in Death Valley and changing the G.O.A.T Mode to Baja while not being at a low enough speed.

I was not saying that caused it, just the way you worded it I thought that was the case, I did not want to assume.

 

[Built2Wild]

I was not saying that caused it, just the way you worded it I thought that was the case, I did not want to assume.

No worries, I have seen contributors on some threads go over the top on responses to others. Who really know what caused the issue, I am glad it's being taken care of

 

[BAUS67]

No worries, I have seen contributors on some threads go over the top on responses to others. Who really know what caused the issue, I am glad it's being taken care of

I've seen 2021 front diffs grenade, so yeah, who knows why, could be anything.

 

[Roach011]

Just had my front diff replaced right before Christmas. Identified the front pinion leak and had that fixed earlier in the year. I'm assuming when the leak was fixed the front dif was not installed with correct spacing. My bearings and gears started howling a few months later, maybe 20k miles later. I drive a lot.

So far so good with the new front diff.

 

[Beach_Bum]

I've seen 2021 front diffs grenade, so yeah, who knows why, could be anything.

Yes, Ashley's front diff. grenaded. Probably search through her threads (Not her STIG photo dumps) and find some gnarly pictures. The term "grenaded" isn't hyperbole. Looks just like a bomb went off.

 

[Zzoop28]

Just had my front diff replaced right before Christmas. Identified the front pinion leak and had that fixed earlier in the year. I'm assuming when the leak was fixed the front dif was not installed with correct spacing. My bearings and gears started howling a few months later, maybe 20k miles later. I drive a lot.

So far so good with the new front diff.

Mine was just replaced by the dealer as well, I had had the front pinion leaking since it was new.

 

[BAUS67]

Yes, Ashley's front diff. grenaded. Probably search through her threads (Not her STIG photo dumps) and find some gnarly pictures. The term "grenaded" isn't hyperbole. Looks just like a bomb went off.

That would be the one I'm thinking of.

 

[flip]

There is less than a quart of fluid in the front diff. so just about any amount of leak raises the chances of catastrophic damages exponentially. While Ford says some seep or dampness around seals is OK so long as there's no drips. Due to the low capacity of the bronco front diff, no way would I take that chance. Even if you catch and fix a leak on these early, you really don't know how much you lost or if the bearing got hot between the time the leak started and was fixed. Bearings could've gotten hot enough to accelerate their failure but not go completely out and do the rapid disassembly thing.

If you do your own services, check this often as well as the fluid level. If you take it to a shop to have done, be sure to have them check all seals for seeps and leaks. Some places (we do it too) will clean off any wet looking areas, make sure the fluid in that assembly is topped off and notate it on the shop order so we check again next visit. Just remember, wet and full=OK, drip and low=not OK.

 

[userdude]

There is less than a quart of fluid in the front diff. so just about any amount of leak raises the chances of catastrophic damages exponentially. While Ford says some seep or dampness around seals is OK so long as there's no drips. Due to the low capacity of the bronco front diff, no way would I take that chance. Even if you catch and fix a leak on these early, you really don't know how much you lost or if the bearing got hot between the time the leak started and was fixed. Bearings could've gotten hot enough to accelerate their failure but not go completely out and do the rapid disassembly thing.

If you do your own services, check this often as well as the fluid level. If you take it to a shop to have done, be sure to have them check all seals for seeps and leaks. Some places (we do it too) will clean off any wet looking areas, make sure the fluid in that assembly is topped off and notate it on the shop order so we check again next visit. Just remember, wet and full=OK, drip and low=not OK.

Are the diffs covered under the 5yr powertrain warranty?

Sponsored