Symptom Chart - Front Differential
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
| Condition | Possible Sources | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Axle overheating | Axle lubricant low | CHECK the lubricant level. FILL the axle to specification. REFER to: Differential Fluid Level Check . |
| Incorrect or contaminated lubrication type | INSPECT the axle for damage. REPAIR as necessary. CLEAN and REFILL the axle to specification as necessary. REFER to: Differential Fluid Level Check . | |
| Bearing preload adjusted too tight | CHECK the ring and pinion for damage. INSPECT the ring and pinion wear pattern. ADJUST the preload as necessary. REFER to: Differential Ring Gear and Pinion . | |
| Excessive gear wear | INSPECT all the axle gears for wear or damaged. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Differential Ring Gear and Pinion . | |
| Incorrect ring gear backlash | INSPECT the ring gear for scoring. INSPECT the ring and pinion wear pattern. ADJUST the ring gear backlash as necessary. REFER to: Differential Ring Gear and Pinion . | |
| Broken gear teeth on the ring gear or pinion | Overloading the vehicle | INSTALL a new ring and pinion. REFER to: Differential Ring Gear and Pinion . |
| Differential side gears/pinion gears are scored | Insufficient lubrication | INSTALL new gears. FILL the axle to specification. REFER to: Differential Carrier . |
| Incorrect or contaminated lubricant type | INSTALL new gears. CLEAN and REFILL the axle to specification. REFER to: Differential Carrier . | |
| Front axle will not disengage | Mode switch | Refer to the DTC Chart(s) in Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Electronic Shift . |
| Wiring/relays | Refer to the DTC Chart(s) in Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Electronic Shift . | |
| 4x4 control module | Refer to the DTC Chart(s) in Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Electronic Shift . | |
| Shift motor | Refer to the DTC Chart(s) in Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Electronic Shift . | |
| Integrated Wheel End (IWE) | Refer to the DTC Chart(s) in Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Electronic Shift . | |
| Manual locking hubs | Refer to the DTC Chart(s) in Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Mechanical Shift . | |
| Manual shift lever | Refer to the DTC Chart(s) in Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Mechanical Shift . | |
| Front axle will not engage | Mode switch | Refer to the DTC Chart(s) in Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Electronic Shift . |
| Wiring/relays | Refer to the DTC Chart(s) in Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Electronic Shift . | |
| 4x4 control module | Refer to the DTC Chart(s) in Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Electronic Shift . | |
| Shift motor | Refer to the DTC Chart(s) in Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Electronic Shift . | |
| Integrated Wheel End (IWE) | Refer to the DTC Chart(s) in Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Electronic Shift . | |
| Manual locking hubs | Refer to the DTC Chart(s) in Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Mechanical Shift . | |
| Manual shift lever | Refer to the DTC Chart(s) in Four-Wheel Drive Systems - Mechanical Shift . | |
| Gray or milky axle lubricant in low mileage vehicles | Marking compound in axle fluid or water contamination | Inspect axle housing and vent for damage or leaks. Refer to Axle Fluid Analysis REPLACE axle fluid as necessary. |
| Lubricant leaking from the pinion seal, axle shaft oil seals or support arm to the housing | Vent | CLEAN the axle housing vent. |
| Damage in the seal contact area or dust slinger on the pinion flange dust shield | INSTALL a new pinion flange and the pinion seal if damage is found. |