2004 Differential Ring & pinion / Where to find ? | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models

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2004 Differential Ring & pinion / Where to find ?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Taurus
  • Start date Start date
Taurus

Taurus

Bronze Member
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16
Thunderbird Year
2004
My 2004, 60.000 miles, makes this middle pitch whine when accelerating between ~ 35-50mph.
Goes away when letting off the gas.

Info in this and other forums mostly suggest the differential ring & pinion are worn and causing the whine.
When searching the part no XW4Z-4209-A it is discontinued, as expected.

Are there any aftermarket ring & pinion kits available ? (I have really tried searching...).

Or, would a differential from a 2004 Lincoln LS fit my bird?
A seller on Ebay states it does not fit.
Wonder if that is right...

// Stefan
 

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My 2005 with 48,000 miles has the same whine. I had my differential oil changed and the mechanic said if you don’t mind the noise there is no problem driving it. He said it would be very difficult to find parts as well. I know this doesn’t help you but at least you know someone else has the same problem.
 
I had a similar whine on my 2004 and it turned out to be bad wheel bearings. I had them replaced and everything quieted down.
 
booty_malone said:
I had a similar whine on my 2004 and it turned out to be bad wheel bearings. I had them replaced and everything quieted down.
Click to expand...

Was your car only making the whining noise between 35-50 mph? That is when mine makes the noise.
 
Tiger650 said:
My 2005 with 48,000 miles has the same whine. I had my differential oil changed and the mechanic said if you don’t mind the noise there is no problem driving it. He said it would be very difficult to find parts as well. I know this doesn’t help you but at least you know someone else has the same problem.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the info.
I dont mind the whine as long as it is ok to continue driving.
I hope my shop will come to the same conclusion as your mechanic.
// Stefan
 
Tiger650 said:
Was your car only making the whining noise between 35-50 mph? That is when mine makes the noise.
Click to expand...

Yes, only then.
I found that likely it is related to the differential.
... or a belt roller with a bad bearing that cause the whine.
... or low fluid in the transmission.
 
Dan Smith said:
Hello
If you find you need one I have a very good used one low mileage. Taken from a wrecked 04 garage kept car.
Dan
************
Click to expand...

Dan, thanks for your note.
The bird is in the shop now and I´m waiting for the verdict.
I´ll let you know if I need your part.
// Stefan
 
It will be interesting to know what the problem is. Please let us know as well as the repair cost if you don’t mind. Thanks!
 
Tiger650 said:
It will be interesting to know what the problem is. Please let us know as well as the repair cost if you don’t mind. Thanks!
Click to expand...

My shops head mechanic is not a specialist in Ford but he has experience from, so to say, different differentials.
He recognized the whine as one of the bearings connected to the differential.
He meant that as long as the whine don´t get louder or change character it is ok to drive for now.
But eventually it has to be taken care of.

He also mentioned that many GM and other makes of US cars and trucks has similar whine from when they are new. And that whine just keep on with everything else working fine.

Well, I hope for the coming summer with no more whine than is now.
If something change I´ll post.

// Stefan
 
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