NHTSA ID Number: 10243495
Manufacturer Communication Number: SSM 51917
Summary
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds. The concern may also be described as a grinding and/or chatter noise. If the Workshop Manual (WSM) leads to replacement of the rear axle, inspect the differential for damage and differential fluid for metallic chunks in the fluid. Note that some metallic flake in the fluid and/or discoloration is normal and the rear axle should not be replaced for it. If no damage is found to the rear differential, it is not recommended to replace the rear axle assembly. Refer to WSM Symptom Charts (Section 308-07A for 2020 model year; Section 307-07A for 2021 model year) for diagnosis of the transfer case instead.
6 Affected Products
Vehicles
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
SSM 51917
2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility – All Wheel Drive (AWD) – Binding/Shudders/Grinding/Chatter On Turns And/Or On Acceleration At Low Speeds
NHTSA ID Number: 10240575
Manufacturer Communication Number: SSM 51821
Summary
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds. The concern may also be described as a grinding and/or chatter noise. If the Workshop Manual (WSM) leads to replacement of the rear axle, inspect the differential for damage and differential fluid for metallic chunks in the fluid. Note that some metallic flake in the fluid and/or discoloration is normal and the rear axle should not be replaced for it. If no damage is found to the rear differential, it is not recommended to replace the rear axle assembly. Instead, refer to the Symptom Charts in WSM, Section 307-07A for further diagnosis of the transfer case.
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
SSM 51821 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility – All Wheel Drive (AWD) – Binding/Shudders/Grinding/Chatter On Turns And/Or On Acceleration At Low Speeds
NHTSA ID Number: 10205444
Manufacturer Communication Number: SSM 50321
Summary
Some 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD may exhibit a binding or shudder sensation while turning and/or while accelerating from low speeds. The concern may also be described as a grinding and/or chatter noise. If the Workshop Manual (WSM) leads to replacement of the rear axle, inspect the differential for damage and differential fluid for metallic chunks in the fluid. Note that some metallic flake in the fluid and/or discoloration is normal and the rear axle should not be replaced for it. If no damage is found to the rear differential, it is not recommended to replace the rear axle assembly. Instead, refer to the Symptom Charts in WSM, Section 308-07 for further diagnosis of the transfer case.
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
SSM 50321 – 2020-2021 Explorer/Aviator/Police Interceptor Utility – All Wheel Drive (AWD) -Binding/Shudders/Grinding/Chatter On Turns And/Or On Acceleration At Low Speeds
- SATISFIES REQUIREMENTS - for gear oil viscosity of SAE 75W80, 75W, 80W and 85W, as well as SAE 30 and SAE 10W30 motor oil
- APPLICATIONS - include differential oil, final drive oil, gear oil and transfer case fluid, this product is not designed for use in most manual transmissions or transaxles with synchronizers, as extreme slipperiness may cause shifting problems
- CONTAINS - additional friction modifiers for suitability with clutch-type limited slip differentials - for most LSDs, no additional friction modifiers are required, known formerly as LightWeight Gear Oil
- POPULAR GEAR OIL FOR - in many late model BMW, Dodge, Ford
, GM, Jeep, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Ram, Toyota, also popular in many Formula racing transaxles, including Hewland LD-200 and FTR sequential - WHY RED LINE - Established in 1979, Red Line Products perform & protect better than any on the market. No compromises
- SATISFIES REQUIREMENTS - for gear oil viscosity of SAE 75W80, 75W, 80W and 85W, as well as SAE 30 and SAE 10W30 motor oil
- APPLICATIONS - include differential oil, final drive oil, gear oil and transfer case fluid, this product is not designed for use in most manual transmissions or transaxles with synchronizers, as extreme slipperiness may cause shifting problems
- CONTAINS - additional friction modifiers for suitability with clutch-type limited slip differentials - for most LSDs, no additional friction modifiers are required, known formerly as LightWeight Gear Oil
- POPULAR GEAR OIL FOR - in many late model BMW, Dodge, Ford, GM, Jeep, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Ram, Toyota, also popular in many Formula racing transaxles, including Hewland LD-200 and FTR sequential
- WHY RED LINE - Established in 1979, Red Line Products perform & protect better than any on the market. No compromises
- API GL-5 GEAR OIL FOR DRIVETRAINS: Designed for differentials, transfer cases, and gear systems in a wide range of U.S., European, and Asian vehicles
- OEM SPECIFIC FORMULATION: Delivers performance equal to or better than OEM fluids, ensuring smooth gear operation, frictional stability, and gear functionality while preventing shuddering, sticking, and slipping
- OUTSTANDING EXTREME PRESSURE (EP) PROTECTION: Exceptional shear stability and friction control for seamless gear transitions, torque transfer, and superb performance in high horsepower, high-speed, sustained mechanical and thermal loads
- ADVANCED METAL PROTECTION: Formulated to protect brass, copper, and aluminum alloys, outperforming many OEM and premium brands in severe service conditions
- ALL-CLIMATE PERFORMANCE: Superior performance in both extreme heat and cold, down to -50°F, and supports lifetime fill unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer
- SATISFIES REQUIREMENTS - for gear oil viscosity of SAE 75W80, 75W, 80W and 85W, as well as SAE 30 and SAE 10W30 motor oil
- APPLICATIONS - include differential oil, final drive oil, gear oil and transfer case fluid, this product is not designed for use in most manual transmissions or transaxles with synchronizers, as extreme slipperiness may cause shifting problems
- CONTAINS - additional friction modifiers for suitability with clutch-type limited slip differentials - for most LSDs, no additional friction modifiers are required, known formerly as LightWeight Gear Oil
- POPULAR GEAR OIL FOR - in many late model BMW, Dodge, Ford, GM, Jeep, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Ram, Toyota, also popular in many Formula racing transaxles, including Hewland LD-200 and FTR sequential
- WHY RED LINE - Established in 1979, Red Line Products perform & protect better than any on the market. No compromises
- FlexFill squeezable pouch releases 2X more fluid with less effort for 3X faster filling vs. traditional bottle packaging
- Contains limited slip for optimal performance of the clutch pack, while also delivering 30% better protection against towing and heavy loads and 1.5X better gear wear protection
- Advanced full synthetic helps prevent noise and reduce chattering, while protecting gear teeth from wearing out prematurely
- High and low temperature protection ranges from -50F to 300F degrees for cold temperature fluidity and high temperature performance
- Fights rust and corrosion with corrosion inhibitors and safeguards against impurities, oxidation and thermal breakdown
Last update on 2026-06-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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