Update to my original post!

I drained the tranny, and torque converter, installed a new filter, cleaned the solenoid and added 14 quarts of Tranny fluid. I did notice quite a bit of grayish black mud attached to the magnet in the transmission pan. I am assuming that my tranny has seen better days? I drove the beast and it didn't help the rumble noise.

I talked to a friend at the ford dealer and he said to "put 2 bottles (8 oz.) of Additive Friction Modifier into the transmission fluid and I guarantee that will stop it".

He went on to say that they used the same clutch packs in the tranny as they did in the rear ends and this stuff is used on certain limited slip differentials to reduce hypoid gear noise levels. He's been working there for 15 years, but I'm hesitant on whether or not I should do that. I have the 2 bottles he gave me, but I thought I would ask here first.

 

its ok to put friction modifier in the trans. Usually a real good drain and fill (or a running flush would be better) will fix the shudder with just the new fluid. If it doesnt, then put in the friction modifier. If that doesnt do it, time for a new converter.

 

My 99EB is doing the same thing, it has 41k miles . I'm calling Ford tomorrow and see what they charge for a tranny flush. With all of the Expeds with this problem Ford should step up to the plate and take care of this problem

 

Intermitent shifts and slipping equaled a rebuild on mine @ 31K.
Have fun. That's why I ALWAYS buy the ESP!

Keith
99 EB
52K

 

My only problem is that I don't trust a soul to work on my vehicle. They could tell you they did a flush, when they actually just did a drain and fill. I did the work myself, except I didn't do the flush. The Ford place wanted almost $300, I did mine for about $40 and the gasket is a reuseable gasket so it just bolts right back up! I just drained the torque converter (easy to do) and drained all the fluid from the tranny pan. 14 quarts total and cleaned the magnet and reinstalled a new filter.

This didn't fix my problem, but I added 1 bottle of friction modifier as stated above and the rumble has gone away.

I NO LONGER HAVE A PROBLEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Yeah, thats great when you can get the ESP. Mine already had 57,000 when I bought it, so Im SOL trying to get any extended warranty. Besides, I already know that those warranty's are just like walking into a Doctors office with insurance. Sometimes they get too happy with your vehicle just because you have "insurance" and they decide to do all kinds of work. It may end up hurting you later on!

 

I usually do all of my own work...built a few high power race cars...crewed a Top Fuel funny car for 2 seasons. But since I moved here to New Jersey it is to friggen cold...and I haven't had a chance to pave my driveway yet. So, I have an appointment at Cottman Transmission Saturday to get the tranny serviced $60 for a fluid change, filter and 20 point inspection. Not too bad.

 

99 Bauer:

You're not necessarily hosed on an ESP, a couple of aftermarket companies are pretty reputable if you do the research. For what I've gone thru between my previous Voyager: 4 transaxles, Windstar: 2 transaxles and engine work, my wifes Explorer: eavporator replacement and intake manifold gasket replacement, and now the Expy: tranny rebuild, rear wiper motor, multi stalk replacement, 6 CD changer replacement, tir rod ends replaced, #4 coil pack replaced + more, well I'll take the chance with the ESP insurance. I was under the delusional belief as you (and your kids) got older, you had more time for the DIY projects (yeah right).

I see it as a small comfort in our chaotic lives.

Keith

 

Yeah, I hear you, I wouldn't mind an ESP for mine, I'm not saying its easy to work on these vehicles, especially these newer cars, but it has been my experience that they always find some way to void your warranty or tell you that X isn't covered. Its sad.

I would be interested to know who would warranty my vehicle and for what price?

 

Good luck, I'd be willing to bet that for $60 bucks they don't drain the torque converter and probably won't change the filter although they will say they did. I work in the Automotive industry and I couldn't tell you how many times this happens to people!

I paid $1.83 for 1 Quart of Havoline Brand transmission fluid
$12.99 for a filter
Reused the reusable ford tranny gasket

14 Quarts of Tranny fluid = 25.62 + tax
Filter = $12.99 + tax
Total Price = approx $40.00

 

I asked the manager about that and they said they would use 12 qts of Mercon 5, change the filter and perform a 21 point inspection. I thought it was pretty cheap also, I will definitly watch to make sure they do what they say. I have done my share of mechanic work...trannies, rear ends, motor builds etc. My current weekend car that I built in my garage makes 600rwhp and has been featured in 10 magazines.....I'm by no means car stupid.

 

99 Baurer:

Go to Edmunds.com and there are links to some aftermarket ESP providers. I had one on a Contour covering the "Big Three" good up to 100K.