Front differential on 4x4 blowing oil out breather tube.....

[TomGolden]

Howdy all,



Tonight after getting home from work, a 20 mile drive uphill in about 95* heat, I noticed a fresh puddle under the front of my truck. Checked it out, and found that it appears to have been coming out of the breather/vent tubs on my front differential (4x4). There was maybe 2 tablespoons of oil on the ground. Have never noticed this particular leak before.



Had the fluid in both differentials changed to Amsoil 75W-140 (may have the specific numbers wrong there, but it is the heavier weight oil people here use in their differentials) about 7000 miles ago.



I know it could most likely be just a bit too much oil in the diff, have not had cnahce yet to open filler plug on the diff and check the level. Was just wondering if anyone else has ever seen this on their trucks.



Thanks,

Tom

 

[Runaway]

Yep, when truck had just a few thousand miles on it puked oil out front diff. Was overfilled at the factory. You more than likely overfilled your diffs.

 

[mbrolin]

This seems to be an ongoing problem with the 4x4s. Mine has done the same thing. I did have another member tell me that the vent hose may be crimped to tight at the hold down clamp. This would restrict flow causing a pressure build up in the housing. The clamp is on the frame rail,right side. Havent made time to check mine yet.

 

[johnrv4]

I had it happen to my '98. It happens quit frequently. After it puked a little out, the level was fine and it didn't do it any more.

 

[Sky]

Mine did the same. Created quite a mess all over my truck and trailer.

 

[LandShark]

Mine does the same. It spits out about 1/2 a teaspoon every two years. Vent and hose are fine. Oil level is correct. Don't worry about it.

 

[TomGolden]

Ok guys,



Thanks a bunch for letting me know I'm not alone on this. Kind of makes me feel a bit easier about it.



Will check the fluid levels this weekend to be certain.



Tom

 

[MidwestMotorman]

front leak

Mine leaked too, but the oil was traced to the vacuum actuator for the 4wd. It seems it has an RTV seal, and that can leak. It was the first thing the dealer checked when hearing about the front end leak. They were right, and has not leaked in a year.

 

[mediccummin]

There is a TSB for this problem

My truck did this weekly and I took it to my dealer. They found a TSB on this and added the correct parts to control the problem. It is a catch bottle or sorts to catch and return the fluid. They told me they only do this if you complain about it, took a few trips back to dealer to get it taken care of. I don't have the TSB # but if I come up with it I'll post it. The bottle sits under the stock air box at the end of the tube. You think since this a continuing problem, they would put these on at production. Good luck. Dwayne

 

[SnoKing]

I will check my new 2001. 5, I saw that the hose goes up into that area under the air box when I was installing the transmission temp sender. Snow King