Ford Explorer Differentials and Parts
Diagnosing and fixing problems like noise and difficulty steering into and out of turns can be difficult. Most people think those symptoms indicate that an axle needs to be replaced, only to find the problem continues or worsens after spending time and money on axle parts and components. The problem with your Ford Explorer may instead be a damaged or faulty differential or transfer case.
What is a differential?A vehicle differential is a component that drives either the front wheels or the rear wheels so that they can rotate optimally while you are making a left or right turn. It works by directing power from the engine to wheels so that they can rotate at different speeds.
Why do cars and trucks need a differential?All contemporary automobiles, including SUVs like the Ford Explorer, need a differential. Without it, your Explorer would be difficult to turn, especially on concrete pavement, and put too much stress on the axle. The Ford Explorer parts like the differential help the engine and transmission to turn the driven wheels.
Where is the Explorers differential located?The location of the differential, or drive axle gear assembly, depends on whether your Explorer has front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), or all-wheel drive (AWD).
- In FWD vehicles, the differential is part of the transaxle assembly.
- In RWD models, it’s located in the center housing that connects the driven wheels.
- In AWD vehicles, the assembly is situated between the front and rear differentials.
If you have difficulty turning or hear squealing, cranking, or clunking noises in the rear wheels of your Ford Explorer, then you need to check your differential or transfer case for damage. One of the main causes of differentials going bad in Ford Explorers is failure to service your differential oil at regular intervals like you do for engine oil and transmission fluid. Differential oil keeps the gears lubricated and prevents metal-to-metal friction in your drive and axle components. When the differential oil gets contaminated and depleted, you will experience accelerated wear and eventually permanent damage to your differential or transfer case.
Why do you need a Ford Explorer transfer case?- The transfer case synchronizes the rotation difference in the front and rear wheels in a way that is similar to how the differential works on a single axle. This is necessary to make your AWD function in normal driving conditions.
- It uses either a chain drive, hydraulic components, or gears to transfer power from the transmission to the front axles and rear axles.
- Transfer cases are generally used on off-road four-wheel drive vehicles. In a Ford Explorer that allows you to select between two- and four-wheel drive, your SUV has a transfer case. Even in models that don’t have drive selection, a transfer case may be the right part. AWD Ford Explorer models use a non-selectable transfer case.