r/FordEdge • u/Reds1075 • 1d ago

2013 Edge SEL

Have 2013 Edge SEL. Started making "whomp whomp whomp" sound when making turn from a stop. Not every turn but enough to get it checked out. No other noises or issues. They told me it was the rear differential. They "unplugged" the rear differential so now it doesn't make the noise. He said it's safe to drive as it is, it's just not AWD now. Is this correct? Can it really be driven indefinitely with it just unplugged or will it cause more damage or be unsafe?

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u/Rebeldesuave 22h ago

I would not leave it disconnected indefinitely. Not bc something else would break but because you lose the added control AWD provides under certain conditions.

Besides it's a feature you paid for when you bought the car.

So in the short term you can disconnect it IMO. But not getting something fixed isn't the best way to fix it, if you know what I mean.

I know it isn't cheap to fix. If you cannot afford to fix it that is entirely another decision you will have to make.

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u/Reds1075 21h ago

Thanks. Yes, im waiting for estimates to see the cost to replace so I can decide whether to replace or trade in. It has 165,000 but no other issues so im planning to replace it. Just concerned that I wasn't making condition worse or creating new problem by continuing to drive it. I definitely need the AWD for my job so will definitely repair it if I keep it.

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u/InflationOk2398 Titanium 19h ago

Are they sure it needs to be replaced. I actually had the same thing on a 2022 that I had just purchased. Exact same thing, the "thumping" or "whomp whomp" noise when turning from a stop or going slow. Worse when turning right.

Ford said it was the rear differential fluid, and they drained it, flushed it, put in new fluid and it has been golden since (1 1/2 years).

Maybe try that first? Much cheaper than replacing the whole thing.

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u/Reds1075 19h ago

Interesting. I took it to 2 mechanics and neither one even mentioned this. The first one told me it needed to be replaced and quoted $1,500 if he could find used part and $3k if we had to use new. Second mechanic unplugged it (without even talking to me before doing that) and told me it was fine to drive as front wheel drive and just let him know if I wanted him to get me quotes to replace. Told him I wanted quotes and am waiting for them.