Front diff leaking

[Jason_S]

After months of having the fluid in the front diff, what color would it be by now? It rained yesterday and it had fluid on it this morning to the point of almost dripping to the ground. However the fluid feels thin and is still amber in color not brown. I did have the brakes bled today but I dont see how that fluid could have gotten down there. If my some chance there is a way for it to get there it would make sense why it was thin and amber. This whole leaking thing is getting on my last nerve.

Gear oil has a fairly distinct odor. Depending on brand, it could have an amber color. Also, it could look as thin a cooking oil, depending on the weight of the oil.

What color is your power steering fluid?

 

[byrds6]

The power steering fluid is kinda reddish brown. As for the diff being amber I just figured it would be browner after being in there for months. I dont use 4WD but I know the axle spins regardless.

 

[byrds6]

A mechanic told me today unless it starts dripping and hitting the ground he wouldnt worry about it lol. I think its just the fact I know its not supposed to. Still wish there was a way to just remove it all.

 

[sprinter]

Good mechanic work is a very skilled trade. Although changing a seal is generally quite a simple task, checking for root cause and careful replacement is much more complicated and time consuming. What is the mileage on your truck? Has the front hub (bearing assembly) been changed yet on that side? I would bet that if the seal was installed correctly, the hub or bearing in the differential is bad or starting to go.

 

[byrds6]

124k miles on the truck. Both front hubs already been replaced. I hear no noise thst would sound like a bearing. If it was that, do you have to take the diff apart to change the bearing?

 

[sprinter]

Sometimes the noise on the hub is not noticeable but the hub is bad or starting to go bad. How long ago was the hub on the bad seal side replaced? Was the seal replaced after hub change or before. Was it an OEM seal? It matters a lot on who changed the seal and how it was changed. Bearing can be changed without tearing differential apart.

 

[byrds6]

The hubs were both changed a few months ago and I think the last time they did the seal was around thst time. Own seal was used the first time but not the last two.

 

[sprinter]

Was the seal changed before or after hub? My guess is probably before... enough time to impact the seal once again. If it's leaking significantly enough to actually drip, I would replace using a different mechanic. Explain to them the issue you had and the chronology of changed parts. It will help diagnose the real issue and hopefully end your leaky differential woes.

 

[byrds6]

Now thst I think about it I think the last time was after when I got the calipers changed. You might be right.

 

[sprinter]

Yep, I usually am. Your best course of action is to follow what I suggested. And don't worry, these issues can be solved by the right mechanic. If the right person gets his hands on it, it will not leak for a very long time. Good luck!