[theboneman]

I have a 04 explorer. Yesterday it started to drip a little gear oil out the left hand axle seal. There has been a little funny noise coming from the rear end for a long time, like thirty thousand miles. I have heard and read that this year car has a history of rear end problems. So...............Just looking for ideas on this, what may be wrong, cost, etc. So if any of you has some ideas I would happily accept and appreciate.
Thank you much...theboneman

[lmsport]

Solid axle or IRS?

Solid axles trucks have very few problems in general, but if its making noise and now leaking, you probably have a axle shaft seal bearing problem.


The IRS units have lots of carrier bearing issues and will make noise for a while and might cause the stub shaft seal to leak if the bearing started to fall apart. I rebuilt the IRS units regularly and if is just making noise its a few hundred dollar repair.

[theboneman]

Thankyou for the response! It sounds like its time for parts. Would this stuff be best bought from the ford dealer or if there is a better aftermarket spot would you please maybe post a supplier or vendor for these parts. Thankyou...theboneman

[lmsport]

Online, you cant beat Rockauto.com. Site has a great catalog of part numbers and great pricing. Dealer pricing is all over the place and depends on the exact part. For 9.75 Fords, you can buy the rebuild kits with gears and bearings cheaper than any aftermarket source and its high quality OEM parts.