Explorer 4WD V8-4.6L (2008)
Drivetrain - Rear Axle Seal(s) Leaking
TSB 08-19-3
09/29/08
UNITIZED SEAL DIAGNOSIS - LEAK / GREASE OIL
SEPARATION - AXLE BEARING SEAL 8.8 IFS, 8.8
IRS, AND 9.75 IRS AXLES
FORD:
2002-2008 Explorer
2003-2008 Expedition
2006-2008 Explorer Sport Trac
LINCOLN:
2003-2005 Aviator
2003-2008 Navigator
MERCURY:
2002-2008 Mountaineer
This article supersedes TSB 06-22-05 to update the model years, Part List and Service Procedure.
ISSUE
Some 2006-2008 Expedition, Navigator, Explorer, Explorer Sport Track, and Mountaineer vehicles equipped with rear axle unitized cartridge seal,
2007-2008 Expedition-Navigator AWD equipped with front and rear axle unitized cartridge seal.
2003-2005 Expedition-Navigator, 2002-2005, Explorer-Mountaineer, 2003-2005 Aviator equipped with unitized cartridge rear axle seal, may exhibit oil
separation from the internal lube found in the unitized cartridge seal. This oil separation appears to be, and is often misdiagnosed, as an axle lube leak.
The majority of the vehicles with this condition will be located in northern Canada and Alaska due to the extreme cold weather.
ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE
DO NOT REPLACE THE UNITIZED CARTRIDGE SEAL UNTIL YOU COMPLETE THIS DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE PROCEDURE. FAILURE
TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE MAY RESULT IN UNNECESSARILY REPLACING THE SEAL, RESULTING IN A REPEAT
CONCERN.
NOTE
THIS DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE IS ONLY NECESSARY ON VEHICLES WITH THE NEW UNITIZED CARTRIDGE SEAL. THIS SEAL
HAS BEEN USED IN PRODUCTION FROM 2006 MODEL YEAR TO PRESENT, HOWEVER, SOME VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 2006
MODEL YEAR MAY HAVE THIS NEW UPDATED UNITIZED CARTRIDGE SEAL INSTALLED AS A SERVICE
REPAIR.
1.
Raise vehicle, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 100-02.