2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front diff vent tube leak?

[DDunse]

I took my 95 1 ton 4x4 on a 200 mile round trip this weekend and when I got home I noticed a small oil leak on the driveway. It turned out to be gear oil coming from the vent tube on the inner fender for the front differential. I last serviced the front diff about 10k ago and I put new ball jounts on about 2k ago. Any ideas why all of the sudden it would decide to puke a little gear oil from the vent?

 

[tractorface]

My 99 did the same thing for a while. As soon as I stopped parking on the side of a hill the problem stopped. Look at your vent tube, mine is not coming from the differential like you would think. It comes off the axle tube close to the tire. Parking with that part of the tube downhill can fill the vent. The oil is thick and does not drain back well at all so the result is a big mess when you drive. I would bet you parked with the vent on the downhill side recently

 

[DDunse]

Yes, as a mater of fact it was parked on an angle all weekend in the camp site with that side lower. Hope that's all it was, I'll wipe up the mess and keep an eye on it. Thanks!

 

[tractorface]

Its likely to continue making a mess for a few days. Once that thick lube gets into the vent it takes a while to settle out. I would not worry though. Other than the mess you'll be OK

See Ya

 

[macdaddy]

I took my 95 1 ton 4x4 on a 200 mile round trip this weekend and when I got home I noticed a small oil leak on the driveway. It turned out to be gear oil coming from the vent tube on the inner fender for the front differential. I last serviced the front diff about 10k ago and I put new ball jounts on about 2k ago. Any ideas why all of the sudden it would decide to puke a little gear oil from the vent?

DD

My 99 did it for over 90K. Just make sure to keep the vent tube clear by blowing through it with compressed air every oil change or so, or you'll send your pinion seal to a early grave. the front D60 always had the proper level.

If you crawl under there you'll see that the vent tube takes off the front hub actuator at a spot that is lower than the level in the front live axel.



Mac