Symptom Chart - 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: Specifications . | |
| 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: Drive Pinion . | |
| Excessive gear wear | INSPECT all the axle gears for wear or damaged. INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to: Drive Pinion . REFER to: Differential Carrier . | |
| 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: Ring Gear Backlash Adjustment . | |
| Broken gear teeth on the ring gear or pinion | Overloading the vehicle | INSTALL a new ring and pinion. REFER to: Drive Pinion . REFER to: Differential Carrier . |
| 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 . | |
| ELD does not engage in snow, mud or on ice | Mode switch | Refer to ELD DTC chart. REFER to: Electronic Locking Differential (ELD) . |
| Differential | Refer to ELD DTC chart. REFER to: Electronic Locking Differential (ELD) . | |
| Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM) | Refer to ELD DTC chart. REFER to: Electronic Locking Differential (ELD) . | |
| Wiring | Refer to ELD DTC chart. REFER to: Electronic Locking Differential (ELD) . | |
| Gray or milky axle lubricant in low mileage vehicles | Marking compound in axle fluid | Inspect axle housing and vent for damage or leaks. Refer to Axle Fluid Analysis . |
| 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. |