front differential venting, why?

[96kenex]

My 96's front transfer case recently started venting...I recently used the Auto-4wd on freeway during heavy rain, but that was weeks ago.
Any ideas? Is it something I should worry about? To me, any leak is cause for concern.

Appreciatively,

96kenex

 

[410Fortune]

Do you mean your rfont differential is leaking gear lube? If so where is it leaking from?

the transfer case is behind the transmission

 

[IZwack]

Are you able to make tight turns ? Like when your parking at a shopping mall?

 

[matt98sport]

why use 4x4 in rain? i usually dont use it even in snow, unless i cant make a hill, otherwise 2wd is good enough ? no?

 

[gijoecam]

why use 4x4 in rain? i usually dont use it even in snow, unless i cant make a hill, otherwise 2wd is good enough ? no?

His 96 4wd is actually 4auto, not 4high.

IIRC, there was a TSB on that particular issue... I'll see what I can dig up at work tomorrow AM.

-Joe

 

[96kenex]

"Do you mean your front differential is leaking gear lube? If so where is it leaking from?

the transfer case is behind the transmission "

Yes, propably better put as differential...only the front drive shaft inserts into it.
/////////////////

"IIRC, there was a TSB on that particular issue... I'll see what I can dig up at work tomorrow AM.

-Joe"

Any luck with the TSB Joe?

All the input is GREAT.

 

[410Fortune]

front differential is leaking fluid from where? the vent tube or the rear pinion seal (where the driveshaft goes in)

 

[96kenex]

front differential is leaking fluid from where? the vent tube or the rear pinion seal (where the driveshaft goes in)

Good question. From the vent tube.

 

[Turdle]

I edited thread title--

 

[96kenex]

Are you able to make tight turns ? Like when your parking at a shopping mall?

Yes, no problem with tight turns. Put into low 4wd today on a gravel road just to exercise. Had a slight whining sound...almost like no fluid in front differential, but have experienced no major oil stains and am unable at this time to determine if the venting is still occuring. Probably need to hit the undercarriage with some degreaser and see if new lube appears.

Again, I'm just not sure if venting of lube is normal after a freeway use of Auto4WD...maybe there was too much lube in front differential for freeway speeds?

I'll deffinetly plan to check the lube level next maintenance.

BTW...thank you JT for the title edit. Hopefully this thread will be searchable and help others with the new appropriate title.

96

 

[410Fortune]

check the level if possible (gen II trucks are a PITA)
when it is spitting out of the vent tube it usually means the fluid has over heated, but this should not be happening after using your 4x4hi on the highway for a bit unless there is a problem (too much or too little fluid, something binding up in the front end, etc)

 

[Turdle]

check the level if possible (gen II trucks are a PITA)
when it is spitting out of the vent tube it usually means the fluid has over heated, but this should not be happening after using your 4x4hi on the highway for a bit unless there is a problem (too much or too little fluid, something binding up in the front end, etc)

Different wear pattern on tires-diameter off?

 

[410Fortune]

its an open diff so that shouldnt matter a whole bunch ??

 

[Bobby D Crawley]

I have seen a few that would vent a small amount of fluid while at higher speeds with the tranfer case in 4 wheel, 40 mph and higher.

 

[gijoecam]

No luck on the TSB... it was for the F-150, not the Explorer.

Sorry...

At any rate, the venting is not normal. It should vent warm air as it expands in the housing, but it should not force gear oil out with it.

-Joe

 

[410Fortune]

might check the vent line itself make sure its not blocked partically, requiring more pressure to blow through