Deep water damage to axles?

[MojaveJoe]

I recently did some driving through a flooded stream that had water above the center line of my axles, and flowing quit fast. Wondering if I may have gotten water in my axles or anywhere else I need to inspect or drain?



All advice and experiences welcome.

 

[Grizzly]

If it were me I'd drain and refill, just to be safe.

 

[GHarman]

Use it hard, maintain it more often

I'd second that recommendation. Back home, in old West Virginia, we had to cross creeks many times during heavy rains. That was back in the old days with jeeps 'n such. Always had to drain and refill axle pods and repack wheel bearings several times a year. 'Course seals are much better now, however, I wouldnt chance it in case one leaked. Its the cheapest maintainence you could do and it will tell you straightaway if you took on water. Dont wait to long after the fact! GregH

 

[Prairie Dog]

I third this and do it fast!

 

[jelag]

The seals on the axles are designed to prevent water/dirt from entering the axles, and that's why the vent to the axles goes up, and is high... . If you just gave it a bath, once or twice through the stream I wouldn't worry about it.....

Over the years I've had many of the trucks I own in deep water... . often to 1 or 2 " below the door... . I've never even thought about it or worried about it... .

The only thing I'm careful about is not getting the fan into the water... . the engine fan is not designed to move through water and I've seen them bend and do damage when in deep water... .

Hope this helps. .

 

[AH64ID]

I have submerged axles many times with extended breathers and not had an issue... But I don't recall the height of the breather on the stock axle... . so to be safe I say drain and fill.

 

[MVenditti]

If you do it often extend your vent lines to a higher level with a loop so rain wont get in.

 

[Road Dog]

There's a vent and rubber hose on the diffs & transfer case & transmission. The rear diff is vented to the top of frame and the others end higher in the engine compartment. Normally it's a non-issue but if a seal leaks oil out then it'll leak water in. If you're concerned then open the fill hole and stick your finger in. If the fluid is milky then drain and replace. If it's just gear oil then go do it again.

 

[WRStrong]

I launch a boat with mine and get in water over the axle centerline way more often than I'd like. Changed the axle lube recently and saw no signs of water in it. If it's due for a change, I'd go ahead and change it but I wouldn't expect it to be urgent... on the other hand... like someone else said, it's cheap insurance.

 

[steved]

Instead of guessing, at least inspect the fluid... if its looks like a milkshake, you've got water. Typically synthetic gear oils are tolerant of minute amounts of water, its when they become emulsified that you have problems.

 

[MLee]

Just be safe and extend the vent tubes. There should be a little cap on the end to stop foreign items from entering the hose. Be safe and sure.

 

[bighammer]

I'd say if you didn't go deeper than the vent and aren't due for a change of axle lube anyway, I'd not worry about it.

 

[S.Morris]

As long as your seals are not leaking oil they should not let water in... AS long as you don't stop submerged and allow chance of warm axle being cooled to draw a vacuum.
Keeping moving in deep water rarely gives issue if vents are high enough. Stopping and sitting in deep water is riskier.
I have had my diesel LandCruiser in water above headlights many times over the years without issue.
Steve