LEAKAGE. Do not know wur its coming from

[JHarris1385]

So I have noticed a leakage on this part shown below (via thanks for ascinders photo.) The leak might be from above dripage. But it looks like it is coming from the area of connection between the green piece (sorry for lack of names of parts) and the plate that it connects to. I will try to take pictures of mine tonight but it is REAL dirty underneath from a O/R trip yesterday with Joe = JKstephens on here.

I also seem or might be making up a noise now from that location when slowing down or coasting I beilive.

What could cuase this or what could be leaking onto it?

[Triathlete]

Sounds like you may have a bad seal in there allowing your diff fluid to leak out.

[JHarris1385]

Where would you get a seal for that and would the seal go between the green round part and the plate? Part numbers would be nice too but thats asking for a lot. How easily replaceable is a seal there? I plan on doing my diffs and trans this weekend. I do hear noise from the front axel.

If it is not that and dripping from above what could it be? I plan to wash it well tonight and take a look agian tomorrow to further diag it. IT does seem to be oil colored.

Thanks for the help.

[Dino]

I'm pretty sure it's the axle seal. Any oil coming from above would have to get past the hot exhaust manifold and it would produce smoke. Smell the fluid and you'll know. Gear oil has a vey distinctive smell.

It's a big job involving the removal of the drive axle. The seal goes into the axle housing, then the axle goes in.

The seal is a common part and should be available in any auto parts store by application... i.e. year, make, model.

It is Timken part #710516. I checked with my parts guy here. Costs less than $20.

You have probably lost some diff oil and that's why you're hearing noise. Be sure to look at the fluid you drain from the diff for metallic glittery stuff, in which case, you've worn the gear faces on the ring and pinion gears. Not the end of everything, but not good either. Let's hope that's not the case.

Good luck!

[JHarris1385]

Not to sure if I am up to the challenge of the adding that seal? Willing to learn. How hard would that be?

I might as well go look at it tonight and change the oil? 75W90 right? How many bottles?

If it is the seal is there a temporary fix?

Thanks for the info and the diagram.

[Chopper]

You may want to go 85 or 90/140 this time of year, go back to 75/90 in winter.The job itself is a fairly complex and time consuming one. If you are totally green on 4x4 front ends, it would be a good idea to,at the very least, have some help from a bud who has cracked one before. You may want to farm this one out...it won't be cheap though. If you had the Helm manual, and a decent set of tools(snap ring pliers, torque wrench etc.) and a bunch of time, you could do it. Second time through, it goes much more quickly How are your CV's, tie rod ends,wheel bearings and such...you'll be in there anyway Good luck either way you go. Wayne

[Dino]

Most likely the seal in the axle housing. #6 in the drawing here...




CHECK THE FLUID LEVEL IN THE FRONT DIFF ASAP!!!!