Front Differential Leak has stopped. My theories.

[wicsmith1997]

I purchased my 1997 Explorer in April 2010. It has had a dif leak since I purchased it (Doesn't make a puddle but it drops a few drops; enough to wet the pavement and get it on your finger if you touch the spot). I took it out for its first long road trip this past weekend. Prior to going I topped off the front Dif and it took about half a quart sized bottle of 80w90. When I arrived at my destination I expected to find a few drops under it after being parked for a time. I saw nothing, Now that I've returned home parking it on pavement and on sandy gravel I'm still not seeing any signs of a leak.

I will be checking the fluid level this weekend, followed by engaging 4X4 for a short drive on a dirt road.

My theories are:
1) Its leaked all out driving it 70mph on the interstate for a prolonged time.
2) The previous owner had too thin a oil that was getting past the seals and the 80w90 is thick enough to not leak
3) Its only leaking out what gets circulated when 4x4 is engaged and once that's leaked out it stops, least till 4x4 is used again and the oil is circulated into areas where its leaking.

I'm doubting theory 1, theory 2 I'm not sure but feel it may be possible, theory 3 I think is the most likely.

Any Ideas?

 

[Equnoxe]

I doubt it just stopped on its own, but you never know. the entire front drive train still turns whether or not it is in 4x4 or not. when 4x4 engages it is at the transfer case, not the axles. (in my 97 it is like this)

were is it leaking from?

the seal for the back of the diff (where the driveshaft comes in, is easy to replace and pretty cheap)

and the diff cover is also cheap to fix, a little more involved to get out, but cheap.


i would strongly recommend fixing it, its alot cheaper then constantly topping it off, or risk running the diff out of fluid and having to replace it.

 

[wicsmith1997]

My intentions is to fix it come Tax money again.

I believe its leaking where the drive shaft comes in. It slings it all around the underside of vehicle.

"is easy to replace and pretty cheap)" My understanding I have to pull the pumpkin and crack it open which sounds pretty involved to me. Am I mistaken?

 

[Equnoxe]

yea, this is how i did mine

remove the front drive shaft from the front diff, you don't need to take it off the tcase but it will give you more room to work with.

on the flange count the # of threads from then end of the stud to the start of the nut (to reset the preload) and using a 32 mill socket (i belive its a 32) take off the bolt and pull the flange out. (may need a tap with a hammer.

using a screwdriver pry out the old seal. and then gently tap in the new seal in a circular fashion, put the flange back on, and hand thread the nut back on. using a impact gun, very carefully burp the nut back on, constantly checking for the number of threads, making sure you have the same as when you took it off.

put your drive shaft back on and fill her up.

this is just a skim, but all the main points are there. if you want a writeup there are probably a few with pictures. i don't have a link though.

 

[wicsmith1997]

Wow. I'll search for a more detailed write up. That sounds like a Job I can tackle. I wasn't looking forward to taking out the whole Diff without a lift now I don't need too. Thanks.

 

[Equnoxe]

np, there are very few things you cannot do yourself on an explorer. I've found anyways. this site is an EXTREMELY good resource for everything.