Overflow from vent tube at 4x4 axle

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Need a bit of help here.
I recently took a trip and noticed enroute that the diff fluids from front axle were coming up and out of overflow tube. I did a fluid replacement a month or so ago and had no problems. Now while traveling I get this mess from front wheel all the way back. I checked fluid level again and it was down approx. 400cc's, so topped it back up and the thing still wants to do it only not as bad. Anyone got any idea of cause and cure? I'm using mobil 1 75-90 synthetic.

 

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Tom, I had the same problem after traveling thru 100 degree heat and up grade I found fluid all over fender where vent tubes were attached. It appears it was overfilled at factory since the level is still ok. I also had a rear output shaft seal on transfer case leaking. What it ended up being was that the vent on the tube was not opening to let pressure out so fluid was forced out of the seal.

 

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Tom,

This is a common complaint and does not indicate a problem. Under certain temperature change/air pressure/fluid level/driving conditions, the front axle will vent fluid. Oil venting is most likely to happen after oil has been added to the axle. After venting once or twice, the fluid level will usually stabilize. Dave

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1994 2500HD 4X4 modified for off-road camping
2001 2500 ETH/DEE QC SB 4X4
Fritz's Dodge Ram Tech Page

 

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My 99 has puked oil out the vent 3 times now and all of them while on long trips, hot weather or winding roads. Level still looks okay. Sure makes a mess #ad


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4-sale with less than 19,000 miles. '99, 3/4, QC, SLT, 4x4, ISB, 5sp, 3. 5xlsd, tow pac, HD tcase, tow mirrors, camper pac, White over driftwood, Mist gray interior.

 

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Ditto to the above posts, not a problem.

 

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Just got back from a 4,500 mile trip and noticed mine vented a little going up the mountains in the heat. Same thing happened last year, but this time it wasn't as bad.

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'98 4x4 12V QCab Auto (ready to BOMB)

 

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I've seen on 4x4s built up for intensive off-roading, in mud & deep water, the breathers for the axles and TC to be moved up higher like on the firewall or something. Most have had some small K&N breather. Think this may help?


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2001. 5 2500 4X4 SLT, HO 6spd. No BOMBs as of yet, 1K 091700

 

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Tom,

My 97 has done the same thing. I found that the factory spring clip that holds the rubber breather hose to the axil stop was pinching the hose shut. This kept the oil that got pushed up the breather and past the clip from returning. After a while, the top of the breather tub is filled and running over.

I cut the rubber hose at the pinch point and used a piece of copper tub to splice the hose back together. The copper will keep the hose from collapsing again. Another thing is to add some anti-foaming agent to the oil. Fixing the hose worked for me.


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Eric Horne

97 Ram 3500, 4X4, Extented Cab, 5 spd, US Gear Overdrive, 4:10 Rears, TST Plate and 16mm Turbo Housing.