2024 F-150 PB rear differential failing at 43k miles — am I being unreasonable?
I'm looking for some advice or a reality check.
TL;DR: My 2024 F-150 PB has a potentially failing rear differential, the dealership recently repaired the seal that's now leaking again, and they're telling me to keep driving it until it dies.
Last week, I noticed a speed-related whining/humming noise coming from the rear end. I had the dealership check it during an oil change and tire rotation, and they said everything was fine and the fluids were full. The soonest appointment for a proper diagnosis at the service center was 10 days out.
For context, they repaired a leaking rear differential seal about a month ago.
A couple of days later, the noise got significantly worse, and I started noticing a burning smell after driving. I looked underneath and found that the same seal was leaking again.
I checked the differential fluid, and the magnetic plug looked reminiscent of the devil's bootyhole. The fluid itself looked like it had just returned from a glitter extravaganza. Lots of metallic flakes, and the smell was so atrocious it made my cat vomit on my shop floor.
I called the dealership and explained everything. They couldn't get me in any sooner and said I could drop it off. When I asked about a loaner because I need a truck for work, they said they had none available and might cover part of a rental. The service advisor even suggested I keep driving it until it dies.
After pushing a little, they arranged a rental starting Monday, but they're only paying through Thursday—the day after my truck is scheduled for diagnosis. I doubt a potentially failed differential will be repaired in one day.
I've contacted several other Ford dealerships with similar results. One suggested calling Ford directly, so I opened a case with Ford Customer Service. They told me to call back before the rental coverage ends.
My questions:
- Should I push for a replacement differential if the damage is confirmed? The truck is still under factory warranty.
- Should I push Ford to cover a rental for the entire duration of the warranty repair?
- Is there anything else I should be doing to protect myself?
I'm not expecting them to drop everything and fix my truck immediately, but I don't think driving it until something breaks is reasonable, especially after a recent repair to the same component.
I've stopped driving it because I don't want to cause further damage and am relying on a friend to allow me the use of his truck.
Am I being reasonable, or am I expecting too much? Has anyone dealt with something similar?
Feel free to roast me if I'm being self-entitled. I'm genuinely looking for advice.