2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission axle leak after new brakes

[CThomsen]

Had new brakes and rotors installed on my truck last week. Now the passenger side axle is leaking. Shop that did the repair said this was normal because they had to pull the axle to replace the rotors. I'm no mechanic but this doesn't seem right to me. Put the truck in 4x4Hi 2 days later and it started hopping violently while turning. Took out of 4x4 and still have some hop while turning and a rubbing noise. Any thoughts. Thanks

 

[CThomsen]

Truck is a 1997 3500 xcab 4x4 auto. Stock for now

 

[Joe G.]

Just another example of why I do all my own work that I possibly can.



They may have messed up something in the device that connects the axles when the truck is in 4X4.



You can check it out by jacking up the front axle and putting it on axle stands. If you turn the passenger side wheel by hand with the transmission shifter in P and the 4X4 shifter in 2 wheel high the other wheel should not turn.



Then turn the steering hard over. The passenger side wheel should turn smoothly. If there is any grinding or other odd behavior the passenger side axle U-joint may be damaged.

 

[tp0d]

When you tested the 4x4... did you do it on a hard surface (asphalt) or somewhere on loose dirt/gravel? That could be the hop... you dont have to completely remove the axle to do the brakes though... sounds like the shop you use doesnt know exactly what theyre doin... I`ll have to echo Joe and say that the only way to do it right is to do it yourself. .



good luck...



-j



**edit** ohya, some leakage after completely removing the axle is normal, some oil leaks past the inner seal and can drip out for quite a while... if its just a drip I wouldnt worry about it too much, but if its really runnin out... i`d have some harsh words for that mechanic... .

 

[CThomsen]

Was on asphault then in a grass pasture, hop was the same in both places. I've already had some harsh words for the mechanic and won't be taking anything back to him. Thanks for the help

 

[GrantP]

The "hop" in 4 wheel drive while turning is normal. This will happen unless the terrain you are on is slippery enough to allow the wheels to spin and release the bind that is created in the drivetrain when turning in 4wd. This should not happen in 2wd.



You don't have to pull the axleshafts to do a brake job, but sometimes while separating the hub from the axleshaft the axleshaft will slide out (there's nothing left to retain it). This will allow some oil past the seal. There may not be anything wrong, it's just residual oil. Give it a few days to see if it dries up.