A couple months ago I changed out my rear differential pinion seal. When I got it all apart it was obvious the seal was shot. I installed a new pinion seal, put everything back together while using RTV as my gasket for the cover. The problem is that I’m still throwing fluid? I can’t see where fluid could be leaking from the cover and the pinion seal doesn’t look like it has fluid coming from it. But Every time I go for a drive I can smell the fluid being burned onto the exhaust pipe and there is fluid splattered all underneath. I can’t figure out where it’s coming from? Is it possible the pinion seal is still leaking or could there be a crack in the case up top where I can’t see it? Should I just go thru replacing the pinion seal again?
Rear differential still leaking fluid
- Thread starter Slalomboy
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- leak rear differential
Shwiftypickle
TJ Enthusiast
There is a black hose(or should be) on the top that runs up and is zip tied to the gas filler hose.
it is only 2 feet long or so...it has a little plastic deal on the end...it allows the expanding hot air to escape so it doesn’t build pressure and push fluid out when things get hot ...and they do.
Dirt Daubers, links, etc are what to watch for.
It runs up so water can’t enter the differential easily.
it is only 2 feet long or so...it has a little plastic deal on the end...it allows the expanding hot air to escape so it doesn’t build pressure and push fluid out when things get hot ...and they do.
Dirt Daubers, links, etc are what to watch for.
It runs up so water can’t enter the differential easily.
The vent is on top of the axle tube on the driver side, it’s in the same block as the brake lines.
So I checked the vent tube and it looks clear. Although, the tube is shoved up in the body above the gas tank so I can’t get it out to check the other end. All I can figure out at this point is that I didn’t get the pinion seal in right the first time. Guess I will break it all apart and do it again. I will probably cut the vent tube and spice in a new one as well in case it is stopped on the other end. So frustrating.
If you haven’t removed the gas tank, leave the vent tune alone.
Check if the fluid is coming out the pinion nut side.
Check if the fluid is coming out the pinion nut side.
Shwiftypickle
TJ Enthusiast
Something went wrong with the pinion seal looking at your pics, pull the yoke, check it for burrs or grooves. If there is anything abnormal, Sand it down or replace the yoke, if not put in a new seal reinstall the yoke, I always put rtv on the back side of the nut, they used to supply a rubber splined ring but lately in all my install kits I havent seen any. That's why i went to rtv on the nut. Get a can of brake clean clean all that gear oil off, drive it for a week and report back
Shwiftypickle
TJ Enthusiast
And make sure that pinion nut is torqued with lock tight where it needs to be, seen them back out after they have been removed as they are supposed to be replaced after they are removed.
Really appreciate that feedback! I plan on breaking it down this week and following your suggestions. I will let you know how it works out, thanks again!
So yesterday I pulled the differential cover, drained the fluids and cleaned the gears with brake cleaner. Today, I pulled the driveshaft and when I backed off the nut for the yoke, some fluid immediately ran out which makes me think that the leak was coming thru the splines. At this point my concern is before I owned the jeep, someone may have over tightened the yoke causing the crush sleeve to crush even more which is resulting in the leak. Would this even be a possibility or am I over thinking things? The seal that I replaced a couple months ago looked just fine so I can't figure out why it was leaking otherwise? The yoke seems ok, there is a very tiny groove but not enough for a fingernail to catch. I am waiting on a new seal and nut from Quadratec that's supposed to be delivered today. Most likely will button it back up tomorrow.
HardSell
TJ Enthusiast
Spellcheck may have changed what I was trying to say...Changing the subject are you talking about ARB lockers? I’ve got some that are Pushing fluid out of the compressor solenoids.
HardSell
TJ Enthusiast
That's not good. Through the 15 years I tolerated 'em, I did not have that problem....probably every other problem though. Are you just resigned to let it go if they still lock and unlock?
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