Hi all -
I need the hive mind to help me problem solve an issue with my 2016 AWD Titanium Escape aka The Silver Bullet (in homage to Bob Seegar, a Michigan native and resident!).
I took my Silver Bullet into my area Ford dealer 6-8 weeks ago to have the rear brakes worked on; they were grinding and the original brakes. Subsequent to picking up the Silver Bullet, my husband noted dark fluid on the garage floor. I've had the Silver Bullet back in x 3; the dealer determined the fluid was coming from the rear differential. This last time, they were unable to determine why the leak and indicated the next move would be to tear into the right rear differential.

I found a TSB Ford issued regarding the seals on the rear differential. I just find it ironic that this leak started after the brake job. Thoughts?

Thanks.

 

Obviously it's impossible to tell you whats leaking without pictures but I would guess most likely its one of the cv axle seals. Its possible the internal axle bearings are worn causing the seal to leak requiring the diff to be torn down to access said bearings. I find it very very unlikely that a rear brake job would have any cause on the diff leaking, my dealer turns the brake rotors at each brake job and I've never seen this cause any leakage, I suppose its possible that there was a small leak and somehow I cannot explain the brake job exacerbated it so now its noticeable. If its taken three visits to determine what is leaking you might want to try another dealer/indie shop, maybe its a very small leak they could not duplicate, maybe you didn't leave it long enough for them to really look it over, but three visits seems excessive to me.