OK had my ring and pinion replaced about 3K miles ago to fix the whine at 45-50MPH, and well it is back again, this was done in June, I notice there are some TSBs about this out now, details below:

Bulletin No: 17931

Date of Bulletin: 09/24/2004
Summary Description:

ENGINEERING IS CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING A REAR AXLE WHINE CONDITION. *TT

And

Bulletin No: 17702

Date of Bulletin: 07/23/2004
Summary Description:

AXLE WHINE 40-60 MPH. *TT

Anyone know the details ? I am thinking of subscribing to the Motorcraft TSB service for 3 days to download them all.

At my next 3K service I will complain about the whine again, I don't mind waiting for a fix, just will bring it up every time I go in for service.

Rich.

 

17931 2004 F-150 - REAR AXLE WHINE
SOME 2004 F-150 VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A REAR AXLE WHINE. ENGINEERING IS CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING THIS CONDITION. UNTIL A NEW SERVICE PROCEDURE AND/OR PARTS ARE RELEASED, PROCEED WITH NORMAL WORKSHOP MANUAL DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIR PROCEDURES.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/22/2004

17702 was something about the ring and pinion. The carrier is supposed to be measured for excessive runout, backlash and bearing preload is supposed to be checked, and depending on what's found, the ring and pinion is supposed to be replaced, along with the carrier if excessive runout is found. I can't find this one right now, if I remember, I'll look up the details when I get back to work tomorrow.

 

I believe those are ssm#'s, not tsbs. A tsb is a bulletin that tells a dealer how to fix a problem. An ssm (special service message?) tells the dealer that ford knows about a problem and are working on a fix. An ssm says basically here's the problem, a tsb is coming soon hopefully.

My guess is they're trying to come up with a fix that's cheaper than replacing an entire rear end assembly

 

How about putting the good ol' tried and true 9" rear end back into the trucks with a removable center section. That axle assembly can take anything these trucks can throw at it and then some. I have never had one of those rear ends howl unless the gears were setup bad. And that is a simple fix, new gear set and re-adjust. I had my 03 f150 howl between 45-50 and 80-85they replaced the R&P and were getting ready for the rear assembly when I traded in. My 04 has already had the rear axle replaced for howling (400 miles) and after a few thousand miles that is back as well. I want to tell the dealer to slam a custom 9" into the thing and be done with it forever.

Brian

 

Funny this post shows up right now....... I usually have my radio blaring, but due to a headache, I had it off and noticed a high pitch whine during acceleration.

 

Hey wamsleyb,

What are you going to do about the whine now, get another rear axle or wait until the final fix is found ? Wonder when the final fix will be out and what it will be.

Rich.

 

glad to see this post because i just noticed mine making the same "whine" noise at constant speeds......if i accelerate or let off the gas the noise goes away....im taking her in on wednesday and i hope they can do something to fix it....

 

I brought my Screw in for that whine and when the dealer checked they received a message that Ford is "working on the problem". hopefully there will be a fix soon.