fluid leaking from front diff

[fracapala]

have noticed oil spots on garage floor apear to be coming from front diff - anyone with any experience on this?

 

[irocdupi]

Yea it happened to me. It could either be you differential cover gasket, or a pinion seal. Mine was the pinion seal where the drive shaft from the transfer case connected.

 

[blackout881]

In both my explorers (98 AWD and 04 4x4) the axle seals gave me problems. Ive replaced 3 of 4 axle seals in my 04 with 88k on it.

 

[miker104]

Mine was the front pinion seal. Ford replaced the seal under warranty. A year or so later it was leaking again. Independent shop found that yoke was pitted and corroded and was preventing the seal from working effectively. New seal and yoke, no leaks.

Changing the seal does take some skill as the torque on the nut that holds the yoke in place puts the pre-load on the differential gears. It needs to be done correctly.

 

[fracapala]

Thanks BTW it's a '03 exp with 76,000 I bought new, maybe I'll get the seal and the rear panel crack fixed under warranty lol Haven't got the rear end whine yet but I know it's coming

 

[fracapala]

Oh I forgot - have already replaced the blend door actuator too. Thanks Sleb!