Ford Falcon car owners in Australia often face problems related to the differential. The differential is an important part of the car that allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds. The AU model has been particularly popular in Ford Falcon. But its differential often has problems. Therefore, all Falcon owners should know about the AU Falcon Diff. With proper care, this part works well for a long time. It will be beneficial for every owner to know about the care of this AU Falcon Diff. Apart from this, regular inspection is also necessary to avoid problems.
The AU Falcon Diff has several important parts that help it work properly:
Ring and pinion gears: These gears transmit power from the main driveshaft to the wheels.
Side gears: These gears divide the power between the two wheels.
Bearings: These support all the rotating parts.
Differential case: This holds all the parts together.
Oil seal: This keeps the oil in and dirt out.
Common problems in AU Falcon Diff
- Noise problems
The AU Falcon Diff often makes strange noises. There can be many reasons for this:
Humming sound: This sound is often caused by bad bearings.
Clicking sound: This is caused by broken or worn gears.
Rumbling: This can be caused by lack of oil or very old oil.
These noises should not be ignored. Show it to a mechanic immediately. These sounds can be a sign of a bigger problem.
- Oil leakage
Oil leaking from the AU Falcon Diff is a common problem. There can be several reasons for this:
Old seals: Seals dry out and harden over time.
Loose bolts: Bolts on the cover plate may become loose.
Cracks: The differential housing may crack.
- Locking or sticking
Sometimes it locks up or sticks. The symptoms are:
Jerking of the car while taking turns
Tire screeching even on a straight road
Difficult steering
This problem can be dangerous. So get it repaired immediately.
Regular care of AU Falcon Diff
- Oil change
Changing the oil is the most important part of AU Falcon Diff care:
– Change the oil every 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers.
– Always use the oil recommended by Ford.
– Clean the differential thoroughly when changing the oil.
– Check the oil level regularly.
- Check the Seals
The oil seals are important for keeping the oil in the AU Falcon Diff contained:
– Check the seals at every oil change.
– Check for any cracks or hardening in the seals.
– Replace the seals when needed.
– Keep the area around the seals clean.
- Check the Bearings
The bearings are important parts of the AU Falcon Diff:
– Check the bearings regularly.
– Pay attention to any strange sounds.
– Check for any vibrations or jolts.
– Replace worn bearings immediately.
Upgrading an old AU Falcon Diff can improve its performance:
- Stronger gears
Installing stronger gears instead of the standard ones has several benefits:
- Gives more strength.
- Longer life.
- Helps in towing heavier loads.
- Performs well even at high speeds.
- Stronger gears are very beneficial for heavy duty.
- Limited slip differential
Installing a limited slip differential (LSD) instead of the standard differential:
- Gives better grip.
- Helps in off-road driving.
- Gives faster acceleration.
- Get better control on slippery roads.
- Cooling system
Installing an additional cooling system in the AU Falcon Diff can be beneficial:
- Reduces excessive temperatures.
- Extends oil life.
- Helps gears and bearings last longer.
- Ideal for heavy duty use.
Professional repair of AU Falcon Diff
For some AU Falcon Diff problems it is better to seek professional help:
Complete rebuild: Completely disassemble and check all the parts and reassemble.
Gear setup: Correct setup of the pinion and crown wheel is an expert’s job.
Bearing pre-load: Special tools are needed to set the bearings with the correct tension.
Backlash adjustment: Accurate measurements are needed to maintain the correct space between the gears.
Tools for AU Falcon Diff
- Socket set: To open various bolts.
- Torque wrench: To tighten the bolts with the correct tightness.
- Gear puller: To remove the gears.
- Dial indicator: To measure the backlash.
- Plastigage: To measure bearing clearance.
- Seal puller and installer: To replace seals.
Final Tips
- Get regular oil changes.
- Do not ignore any strange sound.
- Use only the recommended oil.
- Take extra care if your car pulls heavy loads.
- Get regular checkups done by a professional.
By following these tips, you can extend the life of your AU Falcon Diff and avoid costly repairs. It is a complex but understandable mechanical system. With the right information and regular care, it can provide long-term reliable service. Owners should pay attention to its care to keep the car performing well and avoid unnecessary expenses.