Anyone have a leaking front axle?

[Jefe1018]

I noticed this earlier in the week. I’m just at under 10k on the odometer with only minor off roading being done once. I have an appointment for next week to get it looked at. Anyone have a similar experience?

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[Hootbro]

Where is the actual leak you claim? Pic does not readily pop out anything that I see.

I would also add that Jeep and most other manufacturers will only define a leak as one that forms actual droplets for warranty consideration. Capillary staining only may not be a warranty claim they will cover.

 

[Rusty PW]

Need a better picture. Really can't tell anything.

 

[WhyNotJeep]

A diff cover leak is easy. Anything else is a real PITA.

 

[WILDHOBO]

I looked closely, but don’t see it. Can you please tell us where the leaks is in the picture?

 

[Jefe1018]

I looked closely, but don’t see it. Can you please tell us where the leaks is in the picture?

Maybe not a leak, more like a seep? The bottom two fasteners in the pumpkin have oily residue, I’ve cleaned once and after a month it was the same again.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Maybe not a leak, more like a seep? The bottom two fasteners in the pumpkin have oily residue, I’ve cleaned once and after a month it was the same again.

From that angle you can see it behind on the driver side as well. I’d say it’s at least worth checking. Maybe just carefully retorque the bolts for the cover to spec, then wipe away the oil residue and see if it returns.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

That's not really what the dealership would cover as "a leak". for something that minor, I'd not want them messing with it anyway. 1 single drop can make a mess that large and larger.

On my stuff, if I see something like that, I remove the lower bolts, wash up the cover really well, clean the holes out well, and put the bolts back and torque them to spec. Sometimes, depending on the casting and the differential itself, I'll clean the holes out with brake cleaner, put a bit of sealer in the bolt holes and then put the bolts back. More often than not that resolves things.

 

[WILDHOBO]

That's not really what the dealership would cover as "a leak". for something that minor, I'd not want them messing with it anyway. 1 single drop can make a mess that large and larger.

On my stuff, if I see something like that, I remove the lower bolts, wash up the cover really well, clean the holes out well, and put the bolts back and torque them to spec. Sometimes, depending on the casting and the differential itself, I'll clean the holes out with brake cleaner, put a bit of sealer in the bolt holes and then put the bolts back. More often than not that resolves things.

Great suggestion, and no need to drain fluid.

 

[Rusty PW]

Looks like a reusable rubber gasket. Ram AAM diffs use them. It's a rubber gasket with wire core. Those things know been known to weep from the bolts loosening up some. Torque the bolts and clean up the area.

 

[Jefe1018]

Thank you everyone. Every 4x4 I’ve ever had has looked like this, so I’m not overly concerned - obviously it’s not leaving the diff faster than I can fill it.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Thank you everyone. Every 4x4 I’ve ever had has looked like this, so I’m not overly concerned - obviously it’s not leaving the diff faster than I can fill it.

There are some days I'd question that for myself..............

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