Fluid Leak Near Rear Differential

[Dalmus]

I recently noticed a VERY slow fluid leak. Slow, as in after having the vehicle parked for 8 hours, there were 5-6 drops-worth of fluid... Directly below the rear diff.

I had replaced the stock oil with some heavier stuff to help with the dreaded growl about a year ago(which helped a lot), so I thought maybe I didn't tighten things up as much as I should have...

After crawling under the car, I find that the fluid is actually originating from the area where the drive shaft enters the rear differential, and is just dripping down the back (well, front, I guess) of the diff.

Somebody told me "its probably just the pinion seal."

Just looking at how it goes together, this sounds like something that will be a sizable amount of labor. Obviously I will have my buddy mechanic look at it, but should I be prepared for an obnoxious repair bill on this one? Or is it possible its something else?

 

[xlt03]

If you're gonna to replace the pinion seal you may as well rebuild the darn thing. Hope your friend is good with rear ends. You only want to do this once, lots of work.

 

[Ronin8002]

I could be wrong but I had the same symptom on my front differential about a year and half ago. I don't recall it being all that expensive...but all they did was replace the seal, not rebuild the diff.

 

[matt0248]

The pinion seal is not too bad to replace with the proper tools. for a shop to do it is probably an hour job.

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

It is the pinion seal, and is not too tough. I am almost finished with a write-up on how to do it...if you are pressed for time, PM me and I can toss it together in a PDF for you.

 

[Dalmus]

I wouldn't mind taking a look at it at a walk through. While he had it up in the air, he said that the front diff was leaking, too. He quoted me $200 parts and labor to do both the front and the rear pinion seals.

He said that while it isn't too difficult, its one of those things that if it isn't done right, it can wreck the diff... So I'm torn on whether I want to attempt it or not!

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

I wouldn't mind taking a look at it at a walk through. While he had it up in the air, he said that the front diff was leaking, too. He quoted me $200 parts and labor to do both the front and the rear pinion seals.

He said that while it isn't too difficult, its one of those things that if it isn't done right, it can wreck the diff... So I'm torn on whether I want to attempt it or not!

$200 to do both ends is a steal. Just let him do it!

 

[Dalmus]

Point taken... I'll go ahead and let the pro do it!

Thanks!

 

[mwant0276]

i crawled under my ex yesterday and noticed theres a pretty good leak coming from where one of the axles and the differential meet. is that seal a pain to replace?

 

[Ronin8002]

i crawled under my ex yesterday and noticed theres a pretty good leak coming from where one of the axles and the differential meet. is that seal a pain to replace?

It is fairly labor intensive, but you'll likely save some good money if you can tackle it yourself.

Here's a how-to thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=318515&highlight=axle+seal:

 

[mwant0276]

thanks ronin

 

[blackout881]

ive replaced all 4 axle seals on my explorer due to leaks. At least once a week i crawl under my truck and check the pinion seals. 4 axle seals, 3 wheel bearings and a transmission later I tend to be paranoid all the time! and all this was with 88k

 

[ekerekes]

It is the pinion seal, and is not too tough. I am almost finished with a write-up on how to do it...if you are pressed for time, PM me and I can toss it together in a PDF for you.

I would like to get that PDF

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

I would like to get that PDF

Since posting that a year ago I have since completed the write-up.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=326205