noise at the rear differential

2002 FORD EXPLORER
43,245 MILES
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BERSYL671
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when i drive the vehicle it makes this thumping noise and it sounds like it skips. the faster i go like 20mph or less it makes that noise like thump thump thump. i put it on jack stands and put it on drive it sounds like its coming from the differential pumpkin. what should i do?
Jan 26, 2012 at 6:47 AM
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RASMATAZ
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Sounds like there's a problem-Inspect the drive pinion/gear
Jan 26, 2012 at 7:05 AM
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CJ MEDEVAC
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LET'S LOOK AT THE U-JOINTS 1ST---ALL OF THEM!

LETS GRAB EACH WHEEL,SEE IF IT HAS "SLOP", UP AND DOWN, AND LEFT AND RIGHT (REALLY WORN OUT WHEEL BEARINGS)

CHECK YOUR DIFFERENTIAL JUICE---PULL THE PLUG--IT SHOULD RUN OUT, OR BE ON THE VERGE OF RUNNING OUT

IF NOT, FILL IT UP TILL IT DOES W/ PROPER OIL (SEE OWNERS MANUAL)---NOTE HOW MUCH YOU HAD TO PUT IN, LET US KNOW

YOU CAN GET A PUMP SIMILAR TO MINE TO HELP INSTALL IT W/ OUT MAKIN' A BIG OLE MESS

ARE YOU SURE ABOUT DIFF?--NOT WHEEL OR TIRE NOISE? SWAP REAR TIRES TO THE FRONT, BUT ONE AT A TIME AND DRIVE IT. DO THIS BEFORE MOVING THE OTHER ONE FORWARD-----BUT ONLY IF YOU ARE NOT SURE. I'M NOT HERE TO WORK YOU TO DEATH!

RESULTS?

THE MEDIC
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Jan 26, 2012 at 7:11 AM
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CJ MEDEVAC
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FORGOT ONE

SEE HOW YOU ATTEMPT TO FLOP THE U-JOINTS TO LOOK FOR MOTION?

GRAB THE YOKE WHERE IT GOES INTO THE DIFF--PULL/ PUSH, ATTEMPT TO WOBBLE IT AROUND---IT SHOULD DO NOTHING BUT TURN! THERE SHOULD BE ABSOLUTELY NO SLOP/ WOBBLE/ OR MOVEMENT

THE MEDIC
Jan 26, 2012 at 7:18 AM