Sponsored

RDU problem I think.

warpig

First Edition
Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2021
Threads
7
Messages
50
Reaction score
42
Location
Louisiana
Vehicle(s)
Bronco Sport
So my 2021 First Edition is making a grinding noise at times. I never use 4 wheel drive but have been hearing a slight grind at times coming from under the car. I decided to put it in 4wd and going strait there is no noise. When I turned left it went to grinding pretty bad. Went back to 2wd and turns are okay.

I am assuming this is a RDU problem and I need to bring it in. I have the ESP warranty thankfully. Does this service bulletin pertain to my vehicle? TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN Chatter/Shudder During Low Speed Turning Events 25-2351

I ask because I read somewhere that the FE and Badlands may have a different type of RDU as stated in the bulletin. From the SB, Vehicles equipped with a single active torque RDU only.
Sponsored

 

V8 Yankee

Outer Banks
Well-Known Member
First Name
Harold
Joined
Feb 6, 2022
Threads
19
Messages
371
Reaction score
608
Location
Miami
Vehicle(s)
21 Bronco Sport
The 2.0 engine models have the dual clutch. The 1.5 Outer Banks have the single clutch RDU. My RDU was replaced while under warranty as well as the left axle. Since then I replace the fluid every 25 to 30 k, super easy job as long as you have ramps for all fours and a creeper. These RDUs are notorious for problems so regular fluid changes are highly recommended. Especially when out of warranty.
 
OP
OP

warpig

First Edition
Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2021
Threads
7
Messages
50
Reaction score
42
Location
Louisiana
Vehicle(s)
Bronco Sport
Thanks for the reply. Do you know if there is a service bulletin on the dual clutch system? That is a bummer that Ford built the system to fail so easily.
 

Whpony96

Badlands
Well-Known Member
First Name
Scott
Joined
Nov 19, 2025
Threads
0
Messages
180
Reaction score
414
Location
Nampa, Idaho
Vehicle(s)
2025 Bronco Sport Badlands, 2025 Bronco Sport Badlands Sasquatch, + 4 Stangs
Thanks for the reply. Do you know if there is a service bulletin on the dual clutch system? That is a bummer that Ford built the system to fail so easily.
What are your current miles on the OD and did you have the RDU serviced since you bought it?
 


OP
OP

warpig

First Edition
Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2021
Threads
7
Messages
50
Reaction score
42
Location
Louisiana
Vehicle(s)
Bronco Sport
What are your current miles on the OD and did you have the RDU serviced since you bought it?
Miles are around 34000 and no never did have it serviced. 34000 miles and you need to service the rdu. Really Ford dropped the ball. My 2 cents anyway. Problem I do not trust any of the dealers in my area to do the work correctly.

rugedraw
Thanks for the TSB
 

V8 Yankee

Outer Banks
Well-Known Member
First Name
Harold
Joined
Feb 6, 2022
Threads
19
Messages
371
Reaction score
608
Location
Miami
Vehicle(s)
21 Bronco Sport
Servicing the RDU is very easy. Just ensure you use Motorcraft RDU oil, one quart is more than enough. It contains a special additive and will ensure the RDU operates as designed.
 
OP
OP

warpig

First Edition
Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2021
Threads
7
Messages
50
Reaction score
42
Location
Louisiana
Vehicle(s)
Bronco Sport
Servicing the RDU is very easy. Just ensure you use Motorcraft RDU oil, one quart is more than enough. It contains a special additive and will ensure the RDU operates as designed.
Thanks I am going to bring it in and let the shop do it. I want to make sure there is no damage and if there is then they fix it. I do not know much about RDU's but when I her grinding like that something has to be messed up. I have rebuilt engines, front ends and mechanic work but just no experience with 4wd and RDU. I think I am going to have them change the transmission fluid also.
 

V8 Yankee

Outer Banks
Well-Known Member
First Name
Harold
Joined
Feb 6, 2022
Threads
19
Messages
371
Reaction score
608
Location
Miami
Vehicle(s)
21 Bronco Sport
Make sure you ride along with the technician. Even better to drive it yourself with the tech next to you to duplicate the grinding and shudder. In my case I had a obvious shudder when backing in reverse while turning full right, full left also but not as much. If the tech takes it by themselves then he may come back and say he didn't hear or feel anything. That happened to me. The second time, different dealer I drove. It took 3 minutes for the tech to confirm the shudder. Thankfully under warranty at the time.
Sponsored

 
 







Top