Explorer Sport Trac 4WD V6-245 4.0L SOHC VIN K SFI (2001)
Differential Cover: All Technical Service Bulletins
Drivetrain - Front Drive Axle Vent Tube Fluid Leaks
TSB 05-6-20
04/04/05
FRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM VENT TUBE -
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4X4 OR AWD
FORD:
1995-2001 Explorer
1997-2005 Ranger
2001-2003 Explorer Sport
2001-2005 Explorer Sport Trac
MERCURY:
1997-2001 Mountaineer
This article supersedes TSB 03-05-08 to update the model year applications and to revise the Service Procedure.
ISSUE
Some Explorer/Mountaineer, Ranger and Explorer Sport/Sport Trac 4x4/AWD vehicles, may exhibit a fluid leak from the front axle vent tube. This may
be caused by fluid being thrown toward the axle vent by the gears during vehicle operation.
ACTION
Install a revised front axle cover kit. The revised cover has a baffle built in to reduce the possibility of fluid being thrown out of the vent during vehicle
operation. Refer to the following Service Procedure.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE
DO NOT FOLLOW THE SERVICE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THE DANA/SPICER INSTRUCTION SHEET INCLUDED IN THE COVER
KIT. FOLLOW THE TSB SERVICE PROCEDURE.
1.
With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, raise and support the vehicle.
2.
Remove the lower engine splash shield, if equipped.
3.
Index-mark the front axle pinion flange and the front driveshaft.
4.
Remove the driveshaft bolts and retainers. Discard the driveshaft bolts.
5.
Tape the U-joint bearing caps to prevent them from falling off the U-joint.
6.
Swing the driveshaft away from the axle pinion yoke and secure out of the way.
7.
Remove the three (3) axle support mounting bracket bolts from the axle housing.
8.
Position suitable jack beneath axle housing.
NOTE
PLACE FOLDED SHOP TOWELS OR SUITABLE SOFT MATERIAL OVER TORSION BARS TO PROTECT THE HALFSHAFT BOOTS
AND CLAMPS FROM DAMAGE.
9.
Remove the two (2) bolts and nuts from the front axle support bushings. Discard the nuts.
10.
Carefully lower and position the axle housing until it is resting on the torsion bars.
11.
Disconnect the vent hose from the axle housing.
12.
Position a drain pan under the axle housing cover. Rotate the axle housing slightly to allow easy access to the axle cover bolts. Remove the axle
housing cover and discard.
13.
Clean the axle housing cover mounting surface.
