Grinding sound from differential

[Modum82]

I have a 2021 Bronco Sport Base model.

I started hearing the grinding that people are hearing coming from the rear differential about a month ago (and 25k miles in). It sounds like the noise that tires make when they're spinning out of gravel and kicking up a bunch of little rocks.

From what I've read, I understand that there's really no fix to the issue, not even from Ford themselves. Is that about right?

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[Georgecantwait]

They can fix it with a new diff.

 

[AndyMac204]

is it all the time, or only when you are spinning per se? mine will make a similar noise when slipping on ice or snow which i have attributed to the traction control system.

 

[69cuda340s]

Could be rear drive shafts making noise? When you take to dealer have a service tech ride with you and acknowledge the noise. Otherwise they will say didnt hear anything. Then you'll have to deal with that run around multiple trips cat and mouse game.

 

[Modum82]

is it all the time, or only when you are spinning per se? mine will make a similar noise when slipping on ice or snow which i have attributed to the traction control system.

It's only when I accelerate quickly, and when I turn. Sometimes is doesn't even make the noise at all in either situation.

 

[Modum82]

Could be rear drive shafts making noise? When you take to dealer have a service tech ride with you and acknowledge the noise. Otherwise they will say didnt hear anything. Then you'll have to deal with that run around multiple trips cat and mouse game.

This is exactly what I'm gonna have to do.

 

[Modum82]

They can fix it with a new diff.

I thought this might be the case, but I did read a thread where someone's diff was replaced by Ford, and the sound still didn't go away. Maybe they had a different issue altogether? I'm certainly hoping so.

 

[Mark S.]

It's only when I accelerate quickly, and when I turn. Sometimes is doesn't even make the noise at all in either situation.

Are you sure it's the rear diff? The base model does not use a twin-clutch rear diff--as far as I know it's a simple open diff. The power transfer unit, on the other hand, DOES use clutches. The drive system in the Bronco Sport is essentially an on-demand AWD. It's full-time front-wheel-drive unless the front wheels lose traction, then the power transfer unit automatically engages those clutches to transfer power to the rear wheels.

Are you hearing this noise while accelerating on dry pavement?

 

[Ford Motor Company]

I have a 2021 Bronco Sport Base model.

I started hearing the grinding that people are hearing coming from the rear differential about a month ago (and 25k miles in). It sounds like the noise that tires make when they're spinning out of gravel and kicking up a bunch of little rocks.

From what I've read, I understand that there's really no fix to the issue, not even from Ford themselves. Is that about right?

Hey there! I can look into your Bronco’s noise concerns on my end if you’d like. Will you send us a private message with your VIN and dealership info?

 

[69cuda340s]

Someone had an issue a while back where a heat shield rubbed the shaft going from PTU to rear diff. So only heard noise when power was sent to rear wheels.

 

[joe_april]

Someone had an issue a while back where a heat shield rubbed the shaft going from PTU to rear diff. So only heard noise when power was sent to rear wheels.

Wonder if this is what my problem is or is it really the rear diff. If only I can get the local dealer to actually look at the car. Seems my dragging grinding noise is happening most times when I pull out of a gas station. I am thinking it has to do with the pavement and tracking forcing the vehicle in 4wd.

 

[toddedmond]

It was me that had the heat shield rubbing the rear drive shaft. I noticed that the drive shaft had a "shiny ring" around it because of the rubbing. I originally thought that I had a rear diff problem. It only made the noise on hard acceleration. I was able to duplicate it a lot when in Sport Mode, it kicks in the rear more often.

 

[scaryhours]

Wonder if this is what my problem is or is it really the rear diff. If only I can get the local dealer to actually look at the car. Seems my dragging grinding noise is happening most times when I pull out of a gas station. I am thinking it has to do with the pavement and tracking forcing the vehicle in 4wd.

if you turn off traction control, does the noise go away?

 

[carlea_w]

I have a 2021 Bronco Sport Base model.

I started hearing the grinding that people are hearing coming from the rear differential about a month ago (and 25k miles in). It sounds like the noise that tires make when they're spinning out of gravel and kicking up a bunch of little rocks.

From what I've read, I understand that there's really no fix to the issue, not even from Ford themselves. Is that about right?

I am getting a new rear differential installed this week on a 2021 Badlands. It was a quick decline after hearing the grindy-gravel type sounds. It turned into a clunking within a week. They tried to say it was the brake squeak issue, but it clearly is not. They are repairing under the power train warranty as I am over 36k. They were not quick to diagnose it and I feel like they are hoping this solves the problem. Me too. I hope you are able to get yours fixed. It sounded dangerous to drive.

 

[slazernomad]

Hi, does anyone has news? A have an issue on my 2021 escape as well. Sounds like from RDU with quick acceleration and weird sounds from rear right if I turn on snow/sand mode and slowly move with max right angle.

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