NHTSA ID Number: 10233577
Manufacturer Communication Number: TSB 22-2406
Summary
Some 2021-2023 Explorer Timberline vehicles may exhibit differential fluid venting from the differential fluid vent. The customer may notice differential fluid pooling below the vehicle or saturating the wheel well liner. This may be due to the differential vent tube not having enough positive incline. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the differential vent tube.
Model:
Ford
2021-2023 Explorer | Timberline |
Issue: Some 2021-2023 Explorer Timberline vehicles may exhibit differential fluid venting from the differential fluid vent. The customer may notice differential fluid pooling below the vehicle, or saturating the wheel well liner. This may be due to the differential vent tube not having enough positive incline. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the differential vent tube.
Action: Follow the Service Procedure to correct the condition on vehicles that meet the following criteria:
- 2021-2023 Explorer Timberline
- Differential fluid venting from the rear axle vent tube
Parts
| Service Part Number | Quantity | Description |
| N1MZ-4A058-A | 1 | Rear Axle Vent Hose Assembly |
XL-3
Genuine Ford Fluid XL-3 Friction Modifier Additive - 4 oz.
Last update on 2026-06-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | As Needed | Motorcraft® Friction Modifier Additive |
| XY-75W85-QL
Last update on 2026-06-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | As Needed | Motorcraft® SAE 75W-85 Premium Synthetic Hypoid Gear Lubricant |
As Needed indicates the amount of the part may vary and/or is not a whole number. Parts can be billed out as non-whole numbers, including less than 1.
Service Procedure
1. Remove and discard the differential vent tube. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 205-02.
2. Install the new differential vent tube. Make sure that the vent tube is routed correctly and maintains a positive slope on the curvature near the differential. (Figures 1-3)
NOTE: It may be beneficial to use a borescope to view the differential vent tube mounting and make sure the vent tube is fully seated and is sloping upward.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
3. Drain the differential. Refer to WSM, Section 205-02.
4. Add 85-100 ml of Motorcraft® Friction Modifier Additive to the differential.
5. Refill the differential. Refer to WSM, Section 205-02.
3 Affected Products
Vehicle
| MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
| FORD | EXPLORER | 2021-2023 |
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
22-2406
28 March 2023
- 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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TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN Timberline – Differential Fluid Venting From The Rear Axle 22-2406 28 March 2023 Model: Ford 2021-2023 Explorer Timberline Issue: Some 2021-2023 Explorer Timberline vehicles may exhibit differential fluid venting from the differential fluid vent. The customer may notice differential fluid pooling below the vehicle, or saturating the wheel well liner. This may be due to the differential vent tube not having enough positive incline. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the differential vent tube. Action: Follow the Service Procedure to correct the condition on vehicles that meet the following criteria: • 2021-2023 Explorer Timberline • Differential fluid venting from the rear axle vent tube Parts Service Part Number Quantity Description N1MZ-4A058-A 1 Rear Axle Vent Hose Assembly XL-3 As Needed Motorcraft® Friction Modifier Additive XY-75W85-QL As Needed Motorcraft® SAE 75W-85 Premium Synthetic Hypoid Gear Lubricant As Needed indicates the amount of the part may vary and/or is not a whole number. Parts can be billed out as non- whole numbers, including less than 1. Warranty Status: Eligible under provisions of New Vehicle Limited Warranty (NVLW)/Service Part Warranty (SPW)/Special Service Part (SSP)/Extended Service Plan (ESP) coverage. Limits/policies/prior approvals are not altered by a TSB. NVLW/SPW/SSP/ESP coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part and verified using the OASIS part coverage tool. Labor Times Description 2021-2023 Explorer: Replace The Differential Vent Tube Includes Time To Drain And Refill The Differential (Do Not Use With Any Other Labor Operations) Operation No. 222406A Time 0.5 Hrs. Repair/Claim Coding Causal Part: 4001 Condition Code: 55 Service Procedure 1. Remove and discard the differential vent tube. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 205-02. 2. Install the new differential vent tube. Make sure that the vent tube is routed correctly and maintains a positive slope on the curvature near the differential. (Figures 1-3) NOTE: It may be beneficial to use a borescope to view the differential vent tube mounting and make sure the vent tube is fully seated and is sloping upward. Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 3. Drain the differential. Refer to WSM, Section 205-02. 4. Add 85-100 ml of Motorcraft® Friction Modifier Additive to the differential. 5. Refill the differential. Refer to WSM, Section 205-02. © 2023 Ford Motor Company All rights reserved. NOTE: The information in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and equipment to do the job properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or provides information that could assist in proper vehicle service. The procedures should not be performed by “do-it-yourselfers”. Do not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a Ford or Lincoln dealership to determine whether the Bulletin applies to your vehicle. Warranty Policy and Extended Service Plan documentation determine Warranty and/or Extended Service Plan coverage unless stated otherwise in the TSB article. The information in this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right de this information with updates. The most recent information is available through Ford Motor Company’s on-line technical resources.
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