Adding Front Differental Fluid

[e200e]

My 1996 Ford Explorer XLT is leaking out of the front differential. I don't think the leak is that bad because I work in a garage and I've seen some pretty large leaks. I'm just a general service tech though but a mechanic told me its really difficult job and just to add some gear fluid. Where it comes out is a 1/4 or 1/2 inch drive it looks. The other general service tech told me I need a special tool though and I need a suringe. I'm thinking its not that hard given that I have the perk to lift my car up on a lift. Anyone have any experience with this or can help me sum anything up for me? My truck is 122k miles and I always keep it in good health and really has no issues other than my slight coolant issue. I just don't want this to lead to further problems if all the fluid leaks out.

 

[koda2000]

the easiest way to do this is to use a transfer pump. you can get a cheap one from most auto parts stores.

 

[drdoom]

Easy to open with a 3/8" drive ratchet. Use a piece of transmission cooler hose to make an extension filler that slips over the cut-off tip of a standard one quart gear oil bottle.

 

[e200e]

This is really going to help me out. Koda I think I am going to look for a transfer pump and doom thank you for the ratchet size and if I can't find a transfer pump i'll get the cooler hose.

Thanks guys this really helps and I appreciate it

John

 

[jremington59]

I'd hate to take my vehicle to this garage if this is the info you are getting from the "service techs" that work there. Anyways, where is it leaking? One of your CV end seals I assume? It's best to fix it. Gear oil stinks and it gets all over everything. There are good tutorials here about installing seals and other things. If the cap has never been out make sure you tap the extension in with a small hammer so it gets a good bite.

 

[e200e]

I'd hate to take my vehicle to this garage if this is the info you are getting from the "service techs" that work there. Anyways, where is it leaking? One of your CV end seals I assume? It's best to fix it. Gear oil stinks and it gets all over everything. There are good tutorials here about installing seals and other things. If the cap has never been out make sure you tap the extension in with a small hammer so it gets a good bite.

This is the garage I work at the mechanic that looked at it briefly showed me where it was leaking from. Its leaking on top of the hub where a tube is coneccted. Im not sure what it is called and the mech wasn't really intent on helping me too much. And the other people were general service techs like myself and dont really know much from oil changes and tires batteries basic stuff. This was at work and these are my coworkers so I guess I can't expect much. Does it sound like a cv seal and by hub I mean center between the two axles. I really appreciate the post jremington .

 

[DjDom]

Tell me how it goes. Mine has started leaking and I'm gonna have to fill it up too. And probably fix a seal somewhere..

 

[e200e]

sounds good DJdom I'll probably have a update in a couple days . With my lack of experience I have some figuring out to do.

 

[bill06447]

My front diff's been leaking for months from the output seals. I top it off with a small hose on the end of the quart bottle, give it a good squeeze. Even leaving a drop on the driveway now and then, doesn't add up to much. When it leaves a trail, then I'll reseal the tubes. At least it's not close enough to the brakes to cause any issue with the pads. Can't be any worse than replacing bearings and seals in a GM corporate axle....

Bill

 

[jremington59]

This is the garage I work at the mechanic that looked at it briefly showed me where it was leaking from. Its leaking on top of the hub where a tube is coneccted. Im not sure what it is called and the mech wasn't really intent on helping me too much. And the other people were general service techs like myself and dont really know much from oil changes and tires batteries basic stuff. This was at work and these are my coworkers so I guess I can't expect much. Does it sound like a cv seal and by hub I mean center between the two axles. I really appreciate the post jremington .

Sorry if I came off an ass in my last post. I just have OCD when it comes to leaks and I got one myself that I'd trade you for, lol. Can you get us a picture? By hub do you mean the front differential? Or is the leak near the wheel hub? A picture would be a great help.

 

[drdoom]

Sounds like he's talking about the vent tube?

 

[e200e]

little update

Hey im still working on this guys i was trying to upload the picture i took yesterday but i can't , but anyways it seems to be leaking or from the breather tube i think it is probably called vent tube so your probably right doom ? Tube connects to the differential (front) and goes up and stops doesn't connect to anything but its closed it looks like a dipstick on the other end but it didn't seem to come out at least easily. On another forum i believe someone referred to it as an overflow tube but there's grime (oil build up) all up this tube and the differential always seems moist with gear oil . Also the connected piece where it connects to the differential is a little wiggley. If it is a overflow tube then maybe for whatever reason it overflowed a couple times and that's why the oils there. I dont know its not like its ever visibly leaking on the ground . I think im going to fill it up today clean up the oil with rags and see if it comes back.

 

[jremington59]

Sounds like it needs to just be cleaned up and re sealed.

 

[e200e]

Yeah I think your right Remington what should I seal it with any recommendations ? Thank you all again I am new to cars this is my first and I've had it a little more than year I love my Dora. Im gonna try and give back to the community here everyone is nice and very helpful.

 

[jremington59]

Yeah I think your right Remington what should I seal it with any recommendations ? Thank you all again I am new to cars this is my first and I've had it a little more than year I love my Dora. Im gonna try and give back to the community here everyone is nice and very helpful.

Go buy a can of spray brake cleaner and clean it up real well. I don't know if there's a seal in them but you should just be able to clean it well and then seal around the outside with some permatex oil resistant silicone sealer. If it's rust you can carefully sand around it just make sure you spray it off with the brake cleaner when you're done. I don't think your problem is much at all if it's just the seal on the overflow tube. You can check the fluid level but I doubt it's lost enough to worry about. But better safe then sorry.

 

[e200e]

Excellent im going to do that thanks a lot

 

[bill06447]

That's not a seal in the end of the hose, the hose should have a baffle to keep dirt out but be open to the air so pressure doesn't build up and force the fluid out where it's not supposed to be.

Bill