moaning noise in reverse

[jfordtruckman]

I have a 1997 ford exp and when I am backing up while turning i get a moaning sound coming from the front end. More recently I have now notice a grinding noise from the front end which sounds like brakes but is not. I also get a vibe when above 65mph and the faster I go the less noise until I let off the gas and the vibe comes back. I tore the front diff apart and found nothing in the fuild but I did change it a while back. Bearings seem? loose and there is markings on some of the parts like something scraped them. I never torn a diff apart to inspect it so I need your help. does that sound like a diff problem. Possibly slop in ring and pinion

 

[mrocks05]

I too have never torn a differential apart although I have replaced a few in tractor trailers. I would think that if there is play in a bearing it is probably bad especially if you see some scoring on them or any part in the dif for that matter. Just my 2 cents.

 

[stamp11127]

Had the same symptoms in a bus not to long ago, ended up being the pinion bearing was shot which took out the ring and pinion gears. Your probably looking at a total rebuild, not hard to do if you have the tools. There are a few how to's on youtube if your interested in tackling it. Keep in mind it does get really expensive if you don't set them up correctly due to the early failures it causes.