Flushing Differential Cooler

[BierGut]

Had the diff fail - axle pump was inoperable; for how long who knows. (no error code or warning) Now I'm told they (dealer service department) are trying to figure out how to flush the diff cooler. Is this even a procedure? The dealership service department has said they needed to reach out to Ford Engineering for the proceedure as the shop manuals have nothing listed. That tells me this is not something that is customary -- i.e. the cooler should be replaced.

Thoughts? Experiences?

Sponsored

 

[Andrew@Lethal]

Had the diff fail - axle pump was inoperable; for how long who knows. (no error code or warning) Now I'm told they (dealer service department) are trying to figure out how to flush the diff cooler. Is this even a procedure? The dealership service department has said they needed to reach out to Ford Engineering for the proceedure as the shop manuals have nothing listed. That tells me this is not something that is customary -- i.e. the cooler should be replaced.

Thoughts? Experiences?

I would assume a simple couple blows with an air compressor would do the trick.

 

[1 old racer]

I flush mine by putting a part time hose( attached to main hose going to the cooler), into some fresh gear oil and disconnect the return line at the diff and started the pump. when it came out clean, it was flushed.

 

[11GT50]

Download ForScan and get yourself an OBD port interface. You'll be able to operate the pump and do as mentioned above. The dealership should be able to operate the pump using the IDS system.

 

[Saxgod]

I think the bigger problem is not “knowing how to flush” it’s whether flushing is going to remove all contaminants from the failure. There is a risk of reintroducing said contaminates into a brand new diff and it failing again. Probably why they want the actual procedure from ford.

 

[BierGut]

I think the bigger problem is not “knowing how to flush” it’s whether flushing is going to remove all contaminants from the failure. There is a risk of reintroducing said contaminates into a brand new diff and it failing again. Probably why they want the actual procedure from ford.

Bingo!!!

This is my concern.

I'm guessing the reason the dealer does not have the procedure is there is not one. I.e. replace the diff cooler.

This is what my race shop says (replace), BUT the car is under warranty.

See my conundrum??

 

[Saxgod]

Bingo!!!

This is my concern.

I'm guessing the reason the dealer does not have the procedure is there is not one. I.e. replace the diff cooler.

This is what my race shop says (replace), BUT the car is under warranty.

See my conundrum??

I’m definitely with you. I think it needs to be yanked.

 

[Epiphany]

The dealership service department has said they needed to reach out to Ford Engineering for the proceedure as the shop manuals have nothing listed.

Direct from the factory service manual. Your dealer needs to read more carefully.

This is the flush procedure.

205-02 Rear Drive Axle/Differential
General Procedures

	​

 

[BierGut]

Direct from the factory service manual. Your dealer needs to read more carefully.

This is the flush procedure.

205-02 Rear Drive Axle/Differential
General Procedures

	​

Thanks for this.... Can't believe a web forum has the answer. I need a new dealer to handle warranty issues.

 

[Epiphany]

I suspect the time allowed for this specific procedure isn't the greatest. Hence the lack of motivation to "find" the recommended procedure.

 

[galaxy]

Even though there’s a procedure, I’d still want to replace it if risk of actual metal flake contamination. Kinda like an AC compressor and condenser should be married together. But you should be able to inspect or analyze the gear oil that came out to help with a determination.

 

[BierGut]

Direct from the factory service manual. Your dealer needs to read more carefully.

This is the flush procedure.

205-02 Rear Drive Axle/Differential
General Procedures

	​

In giving some thought to your reply ... I believe the flush instructions you posted are to make sure to get out all the old fluid for a general service and NOT a flush to make certain any metal contaminants are left deposited in the cooler.

This brings me back to my concern -- metal remaining in the old cooler. I may or may not have mentioned the BMW factory instructions if a differential has been toasted on one of their cars is mandatory replacement of the cooler as well. They will allow a flushing of the lines, but that's it.

At this point, the car has been held hostage at the dealer for 36 days... Can't seem to get any kind of a straight answer and feel like I am dealing with the government. (incompetence all around and no one takes responsibility)

I am trying to keep my cool, but I am ready to become the a$$hole.

 

[Tomster]

Direct from the factory service manual. Your dealer needs to read more carefully.

This is the flush procedure.

205-02 Rear Drive Axle/Differential
General Procedures

	​

If i am reading your reply correctly, I would disagree. If the differential needs replacing, I would replace the cooler as well if there was any concern over contaminants due to damage.

 

[BierGut]

If i am reading your reply correctly, I would disagree. If the differential needs replacing, I would replace the cooler as well if there was any concern over contaminants due to damage.

We're on the same page -- the instructions for flushing is for a service only. In my case the diff failed and I believe the cooler should be replaced.

 

[Tomster]

We're on the same page -- the instructions for flushing is for a service only. In my case the diff failed and I believe the cooler should be replaced.

Tob is a good guy. Don't read anything into his reply. I am just applying common sense to the problem and there is no way I would allow the dealer to slap the old cooler onto a car that might have had any contaminants coming out of the diff.

Sponsored