New Ball Joints/New Leak

[MikeO]

OK, so I'm talking over my mechanical head again. I got new ball joints on front axle yesterday, picked up this morning. Now, there is (presumably) diff oil on the ground near driver's side tire ( a drip every couple of hours). I like this shop and all work is gauranteed. My Question: Should I go back immediately and have the seal checked/replaced, or is it possible that there is residual oil working its way out, and I should wait and see if it stops. Thanks.

 

[Shane Mckinley]

OK, so I'm talking over my mechanical head again. I got new ball joints on front axle yesterday, picked up this morning. Now, there is (presumably) diff oil on the ground near driver's side tire ( a drip every couple of hours). I like this shop and all work is gauranteed. My Question: Should I go back immediately and have the seal checked/replaced, or is it possible that there is residual oil working its way out, and I should wait and see if it stops. Thanks.

Sounds like an issue I have going on. For sure go back and have them fix it in warranty. Let us know what they say

It sounds like the inner axle seal. Is the oil really thick and sticky feeling?


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2005 RHD TJ Sport
2010 BMW 528xi

 

[MikeO]

The consistency of the leak is like clean engine oil. Not sticky.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Probably nothing wrong. The axle shafts have to be removed to replace the ball joints. That opens up the differential housing which can allow a little gear lube to slosh out over the inner seals and run down the axle tubes to eventually leak out. There is no seal on the outer ends of the axle tubes. Odds are that the dripping will stop within the next day or two.

 

[MikeO]

Will wait and see then. Warranty good for 6 mo. Thanks!