HELP - Fluid Leak Diagnosis

[xxxj-va]

All,

Made my first long trip (150 highway miles) on my new rear end (Cherokee D44 with 4.56 and Detroit). Got home late last night and this morning I have significant amounts of fluid (?) on the inside of the driver's side rear tire and all splattered in the fenderwell, uniframe "rail", axle tube, gas tank...basically a mess. I haven't checked the diff fluid level to see if its leaking out the driver's side, and I haven't checked brake fluid level yet (had to get to work). What else could it be and if its the diff leaking, how to fix? What "seals" are in there both at the pumpkin and the outer shaft area? Something I can service without special tools? Thanks!

Pete

 

[Rev Den]

You really need to check what it is before diagnosing what is wrong. Diff lube has a very unique odor and can be ID'd easilly,check the level in the diff. Brake fluid can also be easy to ID, check the master cyl. level. my guess would be axle seals, you DID replace them when doing the rearend right? They are pressed on with the bearings, and will reqiure a press to replace.

Good luck,
Rev

 

[eric91xj]

did you overfill the rear and its shooting out the vent when it heats up? check that, but like he said figure out what kinda fluid ya got leaking first then go from there. Does your pedal feel really really spongy or is it tight? if you have that big a leak in the brake system your gonna know it when you hit the brakes.

Eric

 

[xxxj-va]

Well,

I'll post a picture when I have time. Diff fluid level was down bout 1" below the fill plug. Pulled the axle shaft and the bearing is SHOT....some of them fell out when I removed the shaft. Looks like there are 3 parts I'll need. The bearing, seal, and a collar. The race inside the axle tube feels smooth. Headed to the shop now.
P

 

[xxxj-va]

FWIW I'll post the pic. Shop has already fixed this up for me. Anyone in Richmond, VA that needs work done check out Broyle's.

http://www.kofira.com/gallery/bearings-shot.jpg

 

[Rev Den]

P L E A S E tell us this was the original bearing and not one that was just installed and failed. If it was original....now might be a good time to do the other side.

Rev

 

[xxxj-va]

It was the original. All fixed now. Time for dinner while the housing dries out, then RTV the cover and brand new Mobil-1 that hopefully won't be black in a week. Thanks!

P