The noise I am hearing from my rear axle started around 70,000 miles and is getting louder and louder. It sounds like a bearing, whrrrring that gets higher pitch with speed. Is not effected by braking or acceleration. My dealers service adviser, Pete, says I need a new rear axle, $1200 part plus labor. He says it is an independent rear axle. I can't imagine I need an entirely new axle, maybe axle bearings, maybe differential bearings etc. If it has half shafts like a FWD maybe I could replace them. My U-Pull-It wants $100 for an axle which is in my budget. Pete says these independent Explorer axle problems are common. Is this so? Is this something a shade tree mechanic can tackle on his own? I've replaced a few transmissions, master & wheel cylinders, radiators, etc. What can you advise a budget minded driver. Thanks for your consideration.
Nov 14, 2009 at 8:03 PM
