Front Differential(or Trans-axle) issues

[Bob Brown]

I fear my front differential is going out on my 2008 Ford Edge Limited AWD. I was driving down my road and I noticed what sounded like metal on metal then the front end started clunking really hard and pulled over right away, had a towing company tow may car to my house and there it sits. doing some digging around my CV axle (aka joints) seem strong and don't move when I try to move them with my hand, and when I put the car into drive and just roll very slowly the car seems like it hangs up on something then the "pressure" is released and rolls for another few feet and repeats the issue. could someone verify the issue? odometer reads 96k.

[WWWPerfA_ZN0W]

Very likely it is the PTU (front differential as you say) that is toast. Assuming no other damage, you are looking at about $700 in parts, plus the labor to R&R the unit. Make sure to check the fluid level in the new PTU once installed.

[Bob Brown]

thank you. I didn't know the PTU was the correct term. I see a bunch of more stories like mine.

[WWWPerfA_ZN0W]

Sadly, it has been a great source of misery for quite a few. Possibly all for the lack of adequate fluid to lubricate & cool the components.

[akirby]

Sadly, it has been a great source of misery for quite a few. Possibly all for the lack of adequate fluid to lubricate & cool the components.

 

Why Ford doesn't provide a drain plug and call for regular fluid replacements is beyond me.

[WWWPerfA_ZN0W]

That would mean acknowledgement of an existing problem, I guess! Maybe their contract with the supplier gives them lifetime free replacements

[enigma-2]

That would mean acknowledgement of an existing problem, I guess! Maybe their contract with the supplier gives them lifetime free replacements

More likely, the supplier is owned by GM. :~}

[D3vildog2015]

I just wanted to say thank you for the info. This is my daughters car, but I am the financier for repairs... She mentioned that she could smell what she described as burnt rubber when the car experienced the most recent event. I mis-diagnosed the problem as the CV axles, so I replaced them and still have the loud clicking and grabbing on both front wheels.

 

Is the PTU rebuildable, or is it a straight swap only part?

 

Thanks,

DJ

[macbwt]

Everything so far mentioned on the PTU is a swap. Thinking that if the issue is bad enough to have an issue that is noticeable then the PTU is most likely eating it's self alive inside.