Front axle vent leak

[Muleskinner]

My 2001. 5 2500 4X4, built 10/2000, is leaking axle oil out of the front axle vent tube. #ad


I checked the front axle to see if it was over filled from the factory. The fluid level is correct.

I drove the truck off road for about five miles in four wheel drive last weekend. This leak is new. Has anyone had this problem? Any ideas?

[This message has been edited by Desert Rat One (edited 01-20-2001). ]

 

[illflem]

Most every Ram 4x4 I know of will puke oil a couple of times. I wouldn't say it is normal,but it is a common occurance. Just clean it up and hope it doesn't happen again,sure makes a mess,but is nothing to worry about.

 

[Muleskinner]

No I would say this leakage is not normal. But after a lot of thought and a trip to the dealer, (Funny to watch. They had no clue) here is what I think is causing the problem.

In all my years of working on and owning vehicles, I have never seen an axle with a vent mounted on the side of the axle housing.

It stands to reason this will cause oil to go into the vent tube and be blown out by the preasure generated in the axle housing.

The fix,,,I will plug off the vent opening currently used and will use my angle drill to put the vent tube hose where it belongs. ON TOP OF THE AXLE HOUSING.

I believe this will stop the problem for good.

 

[Michael Hughes]

My 1997 2500 4X4 gaser did this all the time. I haven't checked to see if my 1999 2500 4X4 diesel does it, but I am sure it does.

Let us all know if this fixes the problem.

 

[illflem]

DesertRat,may I suggest that if you relocate the vent that you do it on top of the front differential or even on the cover. If you do it on the cover will won't have to lay under the the truck to do it,you can use a bulkhead fitting. You will lose your oil(change to syn?) but it will be much easier to keep metal partials out of the front axle. You really don't want to replace the axle seals,it's a bit¢h. Good idea relocating it though,especially if your travels take you on side tilts a lot.

 

[Muleskinner]

Originally posted by illflem:
DesertRat,may I suggest that if you relocate the vent that you do it on top of the front differential or even on the cover. If you do it on the cover will won't have to lay under the the truck to do it,you can use a bulkhead fitting. You will lose your oil(change to syn?) but it will be much easier to keep metal partials out of the front axle. You really don't want to replace the axle seals,it's a bit¢h. Good idea relocating it though,especially if your travels take you on side tilts a lot.

#ad
Good idea. My 1951 Willys jeep uses the cover on the front for the vent. It will make the job easier to do also.



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[Larry Willard]

The dealer should have a anti foaming additive, they put it in mine several years ago and didn't have any more problems.
Larry