'99 Explorer XLT Rear axle leak

[flezter]

I am buying a 1999 Ford Explorer XLT from work with 80K miles on it. The last 10L miles, it has developed a rear axle leak. The driver had the truck in 3 times and they replaced the rear axle seal 2 times. It still leaks.
Its not a large leak, but still leaks.


Does anyone have any idead what is causing this, and what a possible fix action would be?

Thanks
NH

 

[Alec]

Does it have the stock diff cover on? Is the filler nut making a good seal?

Where is it leaking from?

 

[flezter]

I haventactually gotten the truck from work yet. However from what I know its leaking from the axle seal/boot. Everything on the truck is stock, besides whatever the dealership may have replaced.
I will be driving the truck on Saturday, and will find out where the leak is from.

 

[flezter]

After driving the vehicle today, there was actually no leaking evident. The dampness on the rear differential (?) was from where the two halves meet. Seems to be just a minor leak, no fluid actually leaves (drips.)

Any ideas?

 

[dan leon]

The new seals may be leaking because the bearings and/or axles may be worn. My 96 XLT at 107k had the same problem, so I replaced the bearings and seals. Fortunately, the axles were ok. For all the labor that is required to get at the seals, it just makes sense to replace the bearings, too. My seals cost $4 each and the bearings were $20 each.

 

[sk1er17]

i think i have the same problem... except i replaced my axle seals and bearing already.. my leaks from my rear diffy-it doesnt drip, its just moist towards the left side of the diffy cover (mines still stock at 125K miles).. im due to change my oil in a few hundred miles and i was going to make sure i topped off my gear oil.. maybe i just need to re-do the RTV gasket?

 

[dan leon]

Same thing happened to me on the cover. When you remove the cover, be sure to let the housing drain for a while, then put on a latex glove on and try to scoop out the oil in the bottom of the housing. Otherwise, it will ooze onto the sealing surface.

Take your cover and thoroughly clean it. Apply a 1/8" bead of hi-temp red rtv between the holes and around the holes. Let it dry for about 20 minutes so its not too tacky, and then put the cover on and torque the bolts to about 25ft-lbs.

What kind of lube do you plan to use?

 

[sk1er17]

i think i used the mobile 1 pure synthetic gear oil last time (you have to use synthetic for LS rear ends)

yea, that oozing is probably what happened, messed with my seal.. ill fix it during my next oil change

 

[rikguy]

I'm leaking fluid from the rear pinion seal. I need top check to fluid level but, I'm not sure where the plug is to remove to check the level. Can anyone direct me ?

 

[dan leon]

The plug on my 96 XLT faces forward on the drivers side of the housing above the yoke.

My pinion seal is also leaking. From what I have read, it is possible to replace the pinion seal without tearing down the rear end. Check out a service manual. All I know is that the major nut that attaches the yoke is gorilla tight!! It also needs to be carefully retightened to the specified pinion bearing preload - with wheels and brakes removed.

 

[flezter]

Sounds like some have the same problem. It is "moist" on the drivers side and the bottom of the cover/seal. It was replaced twice supposedly: Included was R&R on both rear pinion bearings; R&R on both carrier side bearings; R&R crush sleeve and pinion seal... so It sounded like they tried to make sure the components insdie were not a factor.. maybe just a bad seal/RTV seal on the halves?

 

[dan leon]

You are right. Could just be the diff cover - hopefully.

 

[flezter]

TTT