My wifes 2006 Escape Limited AWD makes a very bad growling sound from the rear end. I am pretty sure it is the read diff because when I pulled the plug there was alot of mettal chips in the gear oil.
I noticed that the rear sub frame was broke. Has anyone ever seen this or have experance replacing it?


Is it safe to pull the rear driveshaft and drive the car? I want to move it to a friends house to work on it. I do not want to drive it like it is becuase the noise from the back ir real bad.

 

The rear differential is going to move internally as long as the rear wheels are moving.
The only thing you might prevent is possible further damage and even then as long as the wheels are moving stuff could wind up getting ground up in there. You should be able to drive it in 4 wd with the rear driveshaft disconnected and removed. Go slow !

 

you may consider reporting the situation to safercar.ov