Symptom Chart: Differential
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2024 Ford Transit-350 HD, 2024 Ford Transit-350, 2024 Ford Transit-250, and 2024 Ford Transit-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
| Condition | Possible Sources | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 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. REFER to: Drive Pinion Seal | |
| Limited-Slip differential does not work in snow, mud or on ice | Differential | CARRY OUT the Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) Operation Check. REPAIR as necessary. 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 | |
| Axle overheating | Lubricant level too 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. 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: Differential Carrier | |
| 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. 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 |