Leaking differentials- Is it normal?

[Coolslice]

Leaking differentials- Is it normal? (pics)

I have noticed that both my front and rear differentials are leaking in the area where the drive shaft connects. There are actual drips in the rear. I think it is odd that both the front and rear are leaking. Is this something I should have looked at? Thanks.



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Bottom side-

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[HOBrian]

Not normal. Wet okay. Drip not okay!

 

[RBell]

My front diff. just started leaking a few weeks ago, about 26000 on the truck. Does anyone know if this seal come out from the outside or do you have to open the diff. It would be great if you could just pop in a new seal without going to the dealer. If it's an hour fix I would rather do it myself, to much trouble going to the dealer. .

 

[radar doctor]

at 26,000 miles aren't they in warrenty?????

 

[radar doctor]

at 26,000 miles... is there warrenty on them????? DOC

 

[Coolslice]

I'm no expert, but this doesn't look like something that would be an easy fix in the driveway, not for me anyhow. :-laf BTW- My front has been leaking for some time and I only have 27000 miles.



I'm hoping this is normal, but I just don't see how it could be. It looks like another trip to the dealer is in order. My patience is wearing thin with this truck already. I've been VERY easy on it and have maintained it to a higher standard then is called for by DC. I'm fairly certain new U-joints are needed as well. I'd hate to see what would go wrong with it if I actually worked it hard. :-laf

 

[Coolslice]

at 26,000 miles... is there warrenty on them????? DOC

Yes, they should be covered by warranty. It's just another hassle that I honestly don't have time to deal with and I shouldn't have to deal with it for the amount of money I paid for this truck.

 

[rjohnson916]

I wouldn't say normal. Here is a picture of mine with 24K miles on the truck to comapare.





Heres my rear diff.



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Heres My front diff. *note The little bit of solution on the top off the front diff is my from the fuel filter drain tube, I have it to drain behind the diff cover instead of where the factory has it to in front of the diff cover.



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-Ryan

 

[CumminsBu]

Mine just went at 35,500 mile. The Manager took one look and said bring it in on Tuesday. I heard to check the diff breathers and keep them clean to help the seals from going out.

 

[Cattletrkr]

I've had pinion seals and front axle seals leak for brief periods of time and then the leak just stops. Maybe a little piece of dirt got in and then worked its way out or something. This happened on both my '01 and the 04. 5. The '04. 5 hasn't leaked an actual "drip" in a long time, say 50K or so, but it's always damp everywhere.

 

[JStieger]

My rear axle looks like your first picture, but the whole front half of the pinion housing is damp since 3,000 miles and it doesn't drip at all. I'm on my 3rd rear pinion seal and one new yoke installed at 10,000 miles. The seep seems to spread more in the summer than the winter.



My front axle looks exactly like your first picture without the drip though.



I have 60K on my truck now. If it was actually dripping oil on the ground via the axles I would be planning on changing the seals - otherwise not. Everytime I check the axle oil level it's good.



I do agree that it is a PITA. I too would sooner fix it myself than take it in and deal with the all righteous and all knowing local dealer, warranty or not. My old '95 Ford F250 never had any visible oil seeps except around the 351W oil pan!

 

[radar doctor]

i agree with COOLSLICE, He shouldn't have to do anything to the seals at that mileage. . i wonder if there is a market out there where we could get a different unit that we could grease??? DOC

 

[1Tufdsl]

My truck has done the same thing since new. It seems to be worse when towing but not enough to actually leave drops of oil in my case, or noticeable changes in fluid levels. I just had the rear pinion and yoke seal changed to see if it was actally a bad seal but it still has some seepage. I'm not going to worry about it unless I see drops of oil on the housing or driveway, or a decrease in fluid level.



Karl