Leaking Front Axle seals

[Mindbndr]

I had to take my truck to the dealer last week because my front axle seals are leaking. It started with the passenger side just weeping a little then got to the point where it was leaving small puddles over night. Then I pulled the 5th wheel from California to Vegas, then to Havasu. When I backed the RV into it's slot my wife noticed the drivers side axle puking oil. The truck only has 16,300 miles and has not been beat up off roading or anything. I got my truck back from the dealer on Friday after they replaced the front axle seals on both sides. I drove it home and parked it but woke up on Saturday with a large puddle under the driver side axle at the seals, so it will be going back to the dealer today. Any ideas on what might be causing the leaks?



Thanks

Erin

 

[Mindbndr]

Has anyone else experienced any leaks from thier front axle seals or am I the only one?

 

[n7gxz]

I had the passenger side seal on my '01 go out in the first 1500 miles. Dealer spraed some cleaner on it and said that the diff was overfilled and if it continued they would replace it, which then ended up doing.



It's possible that it was install wrong or damaged when the shaft was reinstalled. It could also be that the dealer did not clean out the axle tube and you're just seeing leftovers.



Kevin

 

[wcfred]

Is the vent tube clear, and not plugged ?

 

[JApol]

I just set up and appointment with the dealer for the drivers side front axle seal leaking. I never noticed an oil spot as it was leaking onto the tires. There are dirty drips all around the tire so it has been going for a while. Just 2,000 miles ago the hubs got changed and I bet they were either damaged during the R&R or were bad then.

 

[Mindbndr]

Vent tube is clear. I dropped it off at the dealer a couple of hours ago. Service writer said the axle housing might be bent a little and then starting asking question about the lift kit and if it was purchased with the lift. Sounds like they are going to try to blame it on the lift kit or something. He also asked me if I had jumped the truck and of course the answer is no. Should be interesting to see what the outcome is.

 

[sag2]

Most of the time it is left over oil the tech did not clean out of the tube. Drive it for a week or so then evaluate.

 

[Mindbndr]

I received a call from the dealer last night and they are going to change the axle housing because they think it is bent. They are covering it under warranty but say they have to charge me extra labor because of the 6" superlift kit. So I am looking at between $350 and $400 for the housing change. I have no clue how the housing could be bent but hopefully this fixes the leak.

 

[rbattelle]

Just 2,000 miles ago the hubs got changed and I bet they were either damaged during the R&R or were bad then.

It is possible to damage the seals when the axles are removed/installed, but they seem like pretty tough seals.



To replace them you have to remove the entire carrier, but fortunately a case spreader isn't required.



Ryan

 

[JApol]

the side that is leaking required 2 big bruisers with 15 lb sledges 45 minutes to remove the hub. I think I would be leaking to.