Rear end leak

[EMDDIESEL]

Ok my rear end is leaking (on my truck). I noticed it is all wet and has gear lube dripping from the cover. What should i do? have the dealer do it? or wait till i get the Mag Hytec cover and do it then?

 

[KDRABIK]

I have the same problem with the rear and front on my truck! I spoke with the service department at a local dealer, and he stated during assembly a lot received poor sealant application prior to assembly. He then stated to bring the truck in right around the time for scheduled fluid replacement, and warranty will cover it! I suggest the same thing for your predicament!!

 

[John Berger]

It depends on how long you plan on waiting to get the Mag-Hytec. My only concern would be how much fluid was put in at the factory and how much you are losing. If the sealant was applied wrong, then so could the amount of fluid that was put in. If it were my truck and I couldn't get the Mag-Hytec right away, I would probably pull the cover, drain the fluid and reinstall the cover myself. Then add four quarts of synthetic gear lube and save your pennies to get that Mag-Hytec. At the very least, check the fluid level. That should give you some peace of mind. Hope my . 02 helps.

 

[Alan Reagan]

EMD, When I changed out my gear lube a while back, I thought all was well and life was good cause I didn't have any leaks. New synthetic in the differential made me a happy boy. Then, several days later it started dripping, slowly at first. Drip, drip. What the heck, I'll "drive it to work one more time and pick up the lube tonite" were nearly my famous last words. When I got to the parts store that afternoon I was going from quick drips to stream. Two miles to the house and Syntek was going everywhere. When that lube gave it up, it went "down the drain" in a hurry. Just thought I'd pass that tidbit to you. Keep an eye on it.

 

[Riflesmith]

I would take care of it immediately. It is not that big of a job, and the peace of mind it will give you is well worth it. The lube installed at the factory is junk. Mine was very dark in less than 10,000 miles. Install a good synthetic lube(I use Amsoil series 2000 75W90) and be done with it. For me, the Mag Hytec is overkill. My temperatures never exceed 160 degrees even in the summer after a hard pull. They were higher before the synthetic oil however.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

Ok, who has the cheapest price on the Mag Hytec rear cover? i guess ill order it now

 

[SFord]

I assume your truck is under warranty, if so go ahead and let the dealer do his thing. It will only give you new fluid for a while plus the dealer will clean out all the old mess in the housing. In other words just let him flush the thing out with his fluid and then when you get your Mag-hytec change it again as you were going to do in the first place. You wont be out anything except not having your truck for a little while.

 

[Sled Puller]

With a good synthetic, the Mag- Hytec is overkill, but dern it, it shore looks good under there!



I have noticed in the past that a little leak makes a big mess, but does not really put you in the danger zone. Not a rule. Just my experience.



In construction, the Bosses favorite line to tell us is:



" Run it, but watch it. "



Gene

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I know the Mag Hyec is overkill, especially since i dont even tow anything, but it looks really nice, thats why i want it, also i like the dipstick and drain plug.

 

[KatDiesel]

I'd just order it from Geno's, I am not "aware" of any specials on the MagHytec rear cover right now. I know Woodlawn RV did one on the transmission pan a while back. I got both my transmission pan and rear cover from Geno's.



The going price seems to be $225 for the Dana 70 cover. Checked 3 different vendors.

 

[JJW_ND]

If you get along with your dealer pretty good, bring the fluid of your choice to the dealer to change under warrenty.



Based on oil sampling test from my 96, the factory fluid wears out pretty fast. DC, I believe is still using plain old hypoid 90wt. Ford and GM factory fill with synthetics and require for warrenty complience.



I would change both diffs at the second or third engine oil service. Then change the rear (if pulling) ever 40 - 50K after that.



After servicing them several times, it is as easy as doing an engine oil change. Never had a leak with orange, blue and black sealent. Lots of Brake clean on the cover and sealing area.



If you like to do your own engine services, differentials are no harder and just as enjoyable.



jjw

ND

 

[WOWZY]

If this is your first time changing the lube in the rear, don't waste your time like I did trying to find a gasket for the stock cover. They only use silicone.



Also I noticed that the stamped numbers under the cover on the housing had kinda knurled up the metal. I filed the raised areas flat before I reinstalled the stock cover. I know that some have said that if you don't file them down it can interfere with the Mag-Hytec seal.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I know about the lack of a gasket, but you have a point about the stamping of the cover, thats where the leak is coming from. I will investigate further and let you know.

 

[jwgary]

I have the same leak (on the left side). I will get a M-H pan eventually, but I need to wait until my Geroge Bush refund comes in September.

 

[SHOOT1SAM]

Gosh, it's good to post a suggestion for once, instead of a question!!



I just installed a Mag-Hytec last week, and there is no freakin' way that the O ring supplied would have sealed the diff cover, because of the way the diff cover was off center. Mag-Hytec suggests a good test to verify whether the O ring will seal, so have some silicone handy in case it won't. I tow occasionally, but I really like the ease of servicing the diff now with the drain plug. For what it's worth, mine took 5 quarts of oil and 8 oz. of friction modifier.



If you are going to change it to solve the leak, but won't be adding the Mag-Hytec for a while, I wouldn't fill it with synthetic as you'll just lose it when you add the Mag-Hytec.



I put Super Tech from Walmart in for a week until I got home and was able to get synthetic. I replaced the conventional with Red Line 75w-140, and I swear the truck runs smoother 2 others have agreed with me, and it seems my mileage is going to be somewhat higher since doing so. Haven't run a full tank yet, but got 227. 8 miles on the first quarter tank-usually around 196

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I am going to get the cover with any luck, early next week. In the meantime, i am going to top off what in there with conventional Gear Lube. 75W90 ok?