Rear Axle Gear oil leakage

[g.wall]

I have had my 2005 ford explorer on the lift 4 times and the transmission garage has replace the seals, bearings and it still leaks gear oil. I am being told that they have replace everything and unable to find where the leak is coming from..There got to be an answer. Is this a common problem with Explorer's?

 

[01STrunner]

I wouldn't say it's a common problem. Where is it leaking from? Near the wheels? The differential?

 

[g.wall]

Axle Gear oil leakage

Differential

 

[01STrunner]

No external signs? Any loose diff bolts? Did they scrape all the old RTV off before putting new stuff on? It helps to seal the cover on and wait a half a day or so to fill it up so the silicone sets better.

 

[sr139fox]

Clean the outside real good. Top up the gear oil. Drive for a week. Inspect looking for where the leak originates. If no leak can be found, check again in another week or two. Dave P.

 

[HELMUT RONER]

Some guys get away with only using a thick bead of sealant. I swear by using the cover gasket AND sealant on both sides of the cover gasket and never have a problem with it. Also, many don't know that the cover bolts are supposed to be tighter than "snug." 32 foot pounds in a criss-cross pattern when tightening them.

RDS 55341 Rear Differential Cover Gasket

Torqued all cover bolts to 32 foot pounds on the 8.8 differemtial cover.

As already mentioned, the mating surfaces need to be cleaned of old gasket and sealant material to get a good even seal.

 

[g.wall]

Axle Gear oil leakage

Thanks for the insight and the pictures.