Front End Diff is leaking

[whj812]

I was under my truck this weekend cleaning up the underbody, and noticed that I have a small front end diff leak. I really dont know how long its been leaking. Its not a fast leak though. What should I do to replace the seal? I have never done that kind of work before. I also need to know how much this could cost. Thanks

Wes

 

[Robert]

Is it leaking from the very front (where the gasket and dif. cover is) or the back (where the driveshaft is)? If it is the front gasket, then I think you have to drop the differential to get to all of the bolts. Probably be a couple hours of labor and the gasket should be less than $10. If it is from the back, then it is the pinion seal. Leaks in the pinion seal are very common. Again, you can figure on a couple of hours of labor and the last seal I bought at Napa was $11. I gave up trying to change mine though when I discovered Ford had applied way too much torque on my pinion nut. Even with my parking brake set and a 3' breaker bar, I was about to pull my Explorer off my ramps. At that point I gave up and just make it a point of checking the fluid level every once in a while. All it is causing on mine is a mess from the oil getting sprayed. The fluid has yet to get noticeably lower. Either seal will probably cost you $100-$200 to have Ford replace.

 

[SWLathrop]

Not sure about your year model, but my '01 Sport was doing the same thing. There's a TSB about the front diff blowing lube out the blow hole. There is a revised front diff cover for our model axles that has an internal shield blocking the lube from entering the blow hole. One of the main symtoms is what appears to be a leaking front axle seal on the side where the axle breather tube is located.

 

[whj812]

Its leaking from the front, on the very bottom. I have a shop I can take my truck to work on it at. I can use the lift and tools and stuff. It looks like it might be difficult to get the front cover off. Anyone have any tips on how to get the cover off. Thanks

Wes

 

[TPLYNCH]

The pinion seals up front have a tendency to leak. How many miles on yours?? I'll have to check mine. I'm almost to 100K and my warranty running out..............

 

[whj812]

I have 80K on mine. Im just going to get the parts this weekend and do it. I dont think it will be that tough to do.