the color of gear lube in front axle of a4X4

[wernergerman]

What color should be the gear lube in the front axle of 4X4 2500. I’m new to this stuff,but recently opened the axle housing at the shift motor and out run gear lube of light grayish color. What do you guys think,is the lube of this color OK,or old/contaminated. I bought the truck used with 70k miles on it I know nothing about this truck’s former life.

Thanks for your knowledge.

Werner

 

[Timinator]

Light gray does not sound like a proper color. It's cheap and easy to change it, so why not do it?

I would expect it to be golden, (or blue in my case).

 

[illflem]

Mine turned a grayish-white color when water got in the differential, sounds like you have the same problem. My source was a hole in the 4wd axle shift actuator, probably caused by a flying rock. It's thin pot metal. Manual says that the front and rear differentials should be drained and refilled every time you drive though water deeper than the middle of the wheels. This could also be a source of your contamination. It took me three fluid changes to get the oil looking right again.

 

[pathaymond]

I would agree that water has entered the picture I have a case loader that will at times allow water into the chain drive case and the oil is white to gray colored get it out of there. . Good luck

 

[wernergerman]

txanks ,but

but how to get the lube out of the axle?is it possible trough the shift motor opening?

Werner

 

[illflem]

You have to remove the cover on the differential to drain it. Good idea to jack one side at a time for an hour for the oil to drain from the axle tubes to the center. Use a clean lint free rag to sop up as much residual fluid as possible and plan on changing the oil again till it looks normal. No gasket is needed for the cover, just silicone gasket maker on clean surfaces. Draining is best done after driving awhile to warm the fluid. Take care of it, water in the fluid will cause rust.