TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL BANG. THE VEHICLE CABIN WAS IMMEDIATELY FILLED WITH SMOKE AND THE CONTACT MOVED OFF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT WAS ASSISTED BY A STATE TROOPER AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE REAR AXLE HAD FAILED BUT DID NOT EXHIBIT SIGNS OF WEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE MECHANIC WHERE HE WAS AWAITING REPAIRS TO THE AXLE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF A CRASH HAD THE TRAFFIC BEEN HEAVIER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.