JoeKWV Report post Posted January 28, 2021 (edited) Anybody have any experience with a rear differential replacement? I have a 2013 with about 100k on it and dealer says rear diff is bad. It has a growl like a wheel bearing coming from rear of vehicle. Dealer wants around $2k to for parts and install. I was thinking of buying parts, roughly $900 and installing myself. It doesn't look that difficult but I have heard that the computer may need reprogrammed once the new diff is installed? I know this is the Edge forum but mine has been a total disappointment. 2 major drivetrain failures (PTU and rear differential) within 100k miles......this will be my first and last Ford vehicle. Edited January 28, 2021 by JoeKWV Spelling mistakes Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
omar302 Report post Posted January 28, 2021 it is strange to require a new RDU (Rear Differential Unit) at 100K. Maybe your Edge went in deep water. I cannot comment on the labor required for changing the RDU, but the programming part is simply a code that needs to be entered into the PCM. The code would be on a sticker on the Active Torque Coupling (that is attached to the RDU). This can be done with ForScan, might need to email the developers to add it for your year if it is not their by default. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WWWPerfA_ZN0W Report post Posted January 28, 2021 new RDUs are expensive, compared to the PTU. The PTU is a simple gearbox, the RDU is like a mini transmission in that it has lubricated clutches and the ability to vary power to the wheels on demand. for a long time now, we have been trumpeting the need for regular fluid changes on these units, tho Ford only gives such guidance for police vehicles and vehicles in hot climates. basically every 2/30K or less for the PTU, every 4/60K or less for the RDU. shouldn't swear off Ford just for this. it is a well known problem, but can be easily managed. if you are thinking of doing the work yourself, you surely have the capability to refresh these fluids! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeKWV Report post Posted January 28, 2021 Reply to Omar302, the Edge has never been in deep water, we bought it new. And for the other comment, personal experience if dropping 2 major power train components in 100k is definitely enough for me to swear off Ford. I buy vehicles and maintain them properly with the intent of them lasting more than 100k. 99.9% of the miles on the Edge are interstate miles, which makes it even more frustrating. But back to my original question, does anyone know if computer needs reflashed after replacing RDU? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
omar302 Report post Posted January 28, 2021 (edited) 4 hours ago, JoeKWV said: Reply to Omar302, the Edge has never been in deep water, we bought it new. And for the other comment, personal experience if dropping 2 major power train components in 100k is definitely enough for me to swear off Ford. I buy vehicles and maintain them properly with the intent of them lasting more than 100k. 99.9% of the miles on the Edge are interstate miles, which makes it even more frustrating. But back to my original question, does anyone know if computer needs reflashed after replacing RDU? I did not defend Ford, just stated an observation due to how rare members departed failed RDUs on this Forum or several other Ford forums with similar powertrain designs (2011-2019 Explorer, Fusion, Flex, Taurus). Regarding the programming, see my post above, 2nd paragraph. In other words, yes, it needs programming as not entering this code might cause damage. The code needs to be entered in the PCM so it matched correctly due to manufacturing tolerances. Edited January 28, 2021 by omar302 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeKWV Report post Posted January 28, 2021 Thank you omar302. So what little $$ I may save on labor by doing it myself would be utilized to transport to FMCO shop and pay them to program. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CARR142 Report post Posted January 28, 2021 He doesn't say anything about programing it after the install. You could ask in the comment section. Best Wishes! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WWWPerfA_ZN0W Report post Posted January 28, 2021 you do have to reprogram the atc's strategy code into the system so the pcm/awd module make the correct decisions. much like the solenoid body in the transmission. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
omar302 Report post Posted January 29, 2021 9 hours ago, JoeKWV said: Thank you omar302. So what little $$ I may save on labor by doing it myself would be utilized to transport to FMCO shop and pay them to program. Or use ForScan and your programming cost will be limited to buying a compatible OBD adapter. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mithat Report post Posted March 22 I read in these forums that somebody was asking about changing his Ford Fusion 2.0 ecoboost Awd rear differential. Some guy called Omar stated that if you change your RDU you need to reprogram it through Forscan?? Does anyone has an idea how it's done? It seems unreal to me but I am sure if it's done someone has an idea how.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mithat Report post Posted March 22 On 1/27/2021 at 10:44 PM, JoeKWV said: Anybody have any experience with a rear differential replacement? I have a 2013 with about 100k on it and dealer says rear diff is bad. It has a growl like a wheel bearing coming from rear of vehicle. Dealer wants around $2k to for parts and install. I was thinking of buying parts, roughly $900 and installing myself. It doesn't look that difficult but I have heard that the computer may need reprogrammed once the new diff is installed? I know this is the Edge forum but mine has been a total disappointment. 2 major drivetrain failures (PTU and rear differential) within 100k miles......this will be my first and last Ford vehicle. Did you manage to program the PCM so your ford knows there is a new differantial? If so can you tell me how? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
