Axle seal leaking big time

[Shelby Griggs]

Took a trip yesterday, (to Jefferson from Bend for ya locals) of about 150 miles. When I got there the RR is leaking my precious synthetic 75-90 all over the ground. No sign of a leak before this. Bought a funnel and a couple of quarts and limped home, checked it a couple of times on the way, and took it to the dealer today. It acted like there was no seal at all, probably lost over a quart in the 300 mile trip. What a mess, I requested that they steam clean the undercarriage as a part of the repair.



I did stop in Albany at the Dodge dealer and the mechanic said this was the first disk brake equipped rear axle that he had seen leaking. I know it is/was somewhat common on the previous generation of axles. Anyone know if the bearings and the seal setup is the same?



I will update when I get the truck back.



Shelby

 

[Steve Campbell]

Shelby, I am sitting here at a loss as to why or how a seal would fail that completely, that quickly. Could a wheel bearing have loosened up? Could something in the oil have gone through the seal? (A yes answer here does not sound good. ) Please inform us of what the seal looks like once you have it replaced!!!

 

[Shelby Griggs]

Steve,



The dealer replaced the seal and rear brake pads for free under warranty. The work order said deformed seal. I did not see the seal. It was leaking pretty good, I could get a 6" puddle of oil with a 30 min stop or so, but apparently the volume was not too huge, as they said the rear axle was full before and after they did the repair. I know 3/4 or better through my trip it was down maybe 1/4" from the bottom of the fill hole, so I guess they are calling this full. I still think it lost about a quart in 300 miles or so. Since I don't have a FSM (looks like maybe I should), could someone let me know what the acceptable fill level is? When I put the synthetic in this summer, I filled that sucker to the bottom of the hole, but it appears it can be some below this and still be acceptable to the dealer. They made a half a** attempt to steam off the undercarriage, but it will need a lot more cleaning to suit my standards, but I will have to wait for warmer weather.



Shelby

 

[WyoJim]

Overfill??

Shelby..... Seems I remember my manual said fill to within 1/2 inch of the fill hole. Thats where I filled to with Amsoil and have had no problems yet in a year, and 15000 miles.

 

[Texas Diesel]

Last time I was at the dealer there was a new 3500 and an older 2500 (both Dana 80's) getting the right rear seal replaced. Wonder what the deal is. This is interesting because the 2500 has Dana 70 axle tube "ends". Seems like lots of people have this replaced on the right side.