Symptom Chart - Driveline

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
Traction-Lok® does not work in snow, mud or on ice	Differential	CARRY OUT the Traction-Lok® Differential Operation Check under Component Tests . REPAIR as necessary. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR article.
Lubricant leaking from the pinion seal, axle shaft oil seals or support arm to the housing	Vent Damage in the seal contact area or dust slinger on the pinion flange dust shield	CLEAN the axle housing vent. INSTALL a new pinion flange and the pinion seal if damage is found.
Differential side gears/pinion gears are scored	Insufficient lubrication	INSTALL new gears. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR article. FILL the axle to specification.
	Incorrect or contaminated lubricant type	INSTALL new gears. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR article. CLEAN and REFILL the axle to specification.
Axle overheating	Lubricant level too low	CHECK the lubricant level. FILL the axle to specification.
	Incorrect or contaminated lubrication type	INSPECT the axle for damage. REPAIR as necessary. CLEAN and REFILL the axle to specification.
	Bearing preload adjusted too tight	CHECK the ring and pinion for damage. INSPECT the ring and pinion wear pattern. ADJUST the preload as necessary.
	Excessive gear wear	INSPECT all the axle gears for wear or damaged. INSTALL new components as necessary.
	Incorrect ring gear backlash	INSPECT the ring gear for scoring. INSPECT the ring and pinion wear pattern. ADJUST the ring gear backlash as necessary.
Broken gear teeth on the ring gear or pinion	Overloading the vehicle	INSTALL a new ring and pinion. REFER to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 8.8-INCH RING GEAR article.