Leaking axle seal?

[2wheeltinker]

Update… 7k miles later and no issues after replacing with the aftermarket chromoly Dana axle shafts with the seals already on with delivery. I’ve driven HARD. Off-road, burnouts, Hard launches, etc

In my head this is a MOPAR issue. Be it whatever seals they use or whatever machine is installing them and the bearing.

Take my comment for whatever it’s worth to you.

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[Mojave2021]

I didn’t see this info in the thread but can someone please advise on how to replace the rear diff vent? For some reason I can’t seem to even find it on my JT. I picked up this replacement:

 

[Renegade]

I didn’t see this info in the thread but can someone please advise on how to replace the rear diff vent? For some reason I can’t seem to even find it on my JT. I picked up this replacement:

You don't know where your stock Gore Industries vent valve is even located, but you've decided you should replace it with that thing? Follow the vent hose from the passenger side axle tube...if you must.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I didn’t see this info in the thread but can someone please advise on how to replace the rear diff vent? For some reason I can’t seem to even find it on my JT. I picked up this replacement:

I have to ask - why?

Hmmmm, replacing an item that's not proven to be a problem (I said proven by professionals) All vehicles I am aware of that are 4 wheel drive capable (meaning SUVs, SUV wannabes, even my EAGLE, has a HOSE that runs the vent up into the frame. Been that way for many decades. Follow the hose - most vents are in the frame or waay up high in the back.
Front vents are often up in the engine bay.

 

[Renegade]

I have to ask - why?

Hmmmm, replacing an item that's not proven to be a problem (I said proven by professionals) All vehicles I am aware of that are 4 wheel drive capable (meaning SUVs, SUV wannabes, even my EAGLE, has a HOSE that runs the vent up into the frame. Been that way for many decades. Follow the hose - most vents are in the frame or waay up high in the back.
Front vents are often up in the engine bay.

It's above the frame crossmember, over the axle. I was actually considering extending mine, but decided it wasn't worth the trouble after I found out it was a Gore valve. I did extend the front vent up above the fender line, just to be extra cautious for deep water crossings.

 

[Mojave2021]

This was the part I was recommended. That’s why I posted it as I wanted to ensure it was the correct part - perhaps it’s incorrect then.

My understanding was that folks who had swapped the vent out didn’t see the re-occurrence of the axle leak so I thought this $5 part couldn’t hurt. Maybe I read that wrong. Just was asking for guidance as I’ve not replaced this type of vent before, and perhaps I shouldn’t bother.

 

[Renegade]

This was the part I was recommended. That’s why I posted it as I wanted to ensure it was the correct part - perhaps it’s incorrect then.

My understanding was that folks who had swapped the vent out didn’t see the re-occurrence of the axle leak so I thought this $5 part couldn’t hurt. Maybe I read that wrong. Just was asking for guidance as I’ve not replaced this type of vent before, and perhaps I shouldn’t bother.

The Gore vent causing the problem is just a theory, which was tested maybe once. That theory can't be confirmed without putting a Gore valve back on that Jeep to see if it starts leaking again after putting it back on. If the Gore valve is the problem, why does the axle leak disproportionately on the right side vs. the left. There isn't going to be a pressure difference between the two sides.

 

[DunChasnPyro]

Just joined the right rear axle seal leak club, 7000 miles. Dealer has parts ordered and said they should have them in a week. I like others would be interested in finding out the cause.

 

[Mojave2021]

The Gore vent causing the problem is just a theory, which was tested maybe once. That theory can't be confirmed without putting a Gore valve back on that Jeep to see if it starts leaking again after putting it back on. If the Gore valve is the problem, why does the axle leak disproportionately on the right side vs. the left. There isn't going to be a pressure difference between the two sides.

Ok thanks Renegade for the info.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

The Gore vent causing the problem is just a theory, which was tested maybe once. That theory can't be confirmed without putting a Gore valve back on that Jeep to see if it starts leaking again after putting it back on. If the Gore valve is the problem, why does the axle leak disproportionately on the right side vs. the left. There isn't going to be a pressure difference between the two sides.

If I recall, it was replaced in a case where the axle was already replaced. So it may well not have leaked anyway.
I found specs for Gore valves that MAY be what is used on these and the volume of air they move is pretty decent - measured at 1 psi, which is the limit of what most humans can blow out with their own lungs. (few can exceed that).
Seals like these - with a wedge-shaped lip, withstand 7psi - some more. To a point, pressure against the large backside of the lip pushes it harder against the axle shaft.
If the valve moves more volume than what an axle housing has, even at 1 psi, it tells me that it can move more air than the housing holds and at a pressure 6 psi lower than the seals can withstand at a minimum.

I need to go through all axle leak threads and set up a spreadsheet like I did on the trailer brake controller and other stuff - find the dates, models and other information and quantify things.
Right axle - why right? If in theory both seals are capable of handling 7 psi and the vent moves more air than the differential itself holds at a rated pressure of 1 psi - let's say 1 psi builds up, both seals can handle 7, then why only the right?
Even if you build up 5 psi (unlikely as the flow is rated at 1 psi) both seals should hold. Pressure against the wedge-shaped lip should seal it. So I believe it's not pressure-related at all, but a defect in the seal, the axle, the tube or the installation.
Replacing a vent after the axle is replaced doesn't prove anything.
Replacing the vent and saying "my axles don't leak" also proves nothing as they may well not have leaked anyway.
Even if the seal stops leaking if you replace the vent - doesn't prove that's THE issue as the left never leaked with the original vent. It likely only indicates that the right seal has a problem and can't handle ANY pressure at all, none, while it should handle several PSI - like the left one does.
So saying "I replaced the vent and it stopped leaking" doesn't say anything at all about the vent being the issue - it simply proves the right seal can't handle anything other than totally equal pressures when it SHOULD handle several pounds of pressure - the left one does.

 

[Renegade]

If I recall, it was replaced in a case where the axle was already replaced. So it may well not have leaked anyway.
I found specs for Gore valves that MAY be what is used on these and the volume of air they move is pretty decent - measured at 1 psi, which is the limit of what most humans can blow out with their own lungs. (few can exceed that).
Seals like these - with a wedge-shaped lip, withstand 7psi - some more. To a point, pressure against the large backside of the lip pushes it harder against the axle shaft.
If the valve moves more volume than what an axle housing has, even at 1 psi, it tells me that it can move more air than the housing holds and at a pressure 6 psi lower than the seals can withstand at a minimum.

I need to go through all axle leak threads and set up a spreadsheet like I did on the trailer brake controller and other stuff - find the dates, models and other information and quantify things.
Right axle - why right? If in theory both seals are capable of handling 7 psi and the vent moves more air than the differential itself holds at a rated pressure of 1 psi - let's say 1 psi builds up, both seals can handle 7, then why only the right?
Even if you build up 5 psi (unlikely as the flow is rated at 1 psi) both seals should hold. Pressure against the wedge-shaped lip should seal it. So I believe it's not pressure-related at all, but a defect in the seal, the axle, the tube or the installation.
Replacing a vent after the axle is replaced doesn't prove anything.
Replacing the vent and saying "my axles don't leak" also proves nothing as they may well not have leaked anyway.
Even if the seal stops leaking if you replace the vent - doesn't prove that's THE issue as the left never leaked with the original vent. It likely only indicates that the right seal has a problem and can't handle ANY pressure at all, none, while it should handle several PSI - like the left one does.
So saying "I replaced the vent and it stopped leaking" doesn't say anything at all about the vent being the issue - it simply proves the right seal can't handle anything other than totally equal pressures when it SHOULD handle several pounds of pressure - the left one does.

The same seals, bearing retainers, and bearings are used on both sides. Sport axle shafts are also identical on both sides, so why more leaks on the passenger side? It has to be something with the tube end, but why would they be different on one side? Maybe the brake caliper brackets are cast differently, but they also appear to be the same part on each side.

 

[NJKen]

Add my 8 day old 2021 Rubi to the list of leaking axles.

time to go bring it in tomorrow

Edit:

Brought the Jeep in, they looked at it and they ordered the new axle parts. No eta on parts...

 

[Dragonfly]

Mine is leaking on rear passenger. It is a Mojave 12-2020 build with 5,000 mi. I just had the oil changed and tires rotated. The dealership completed the "23 point inspection" and said all is good! Wow, they didn't even notice/mention the seal leaking!

Update:
They ordered a new axle and it took one week to get. It was installed and new brake pads were installed as well. Hoping the issue is resolved.

 

[flipmode]

My right rear axle and seal were replaced and I got the notice, similar to a lot of others, that my brakes needed to be replaced. Parts were not in stock so they were overnighted from another dealership and expecting to be complete tomorrow. However, they were not very specific as to which parts needed replacing due to damage from the leak, what are you guys seeing? Brakes and rotors only on the one side?

MFR: 10-20
MDH: 103102

Noticed axle was leaking, part ordered: 6/11
Parts arrived: 8/6
First available service, scheduled: 8/16
Completed: 8/19

 

[Mtpisgah]

Update:
They ordered a new axle and it took one week to get. It was installed and new brake pads were installed as well. Hoping the issue is resolved.

I took my Mojave in two weeks ago and they said there were 64 replacements ahead of me and the part was on backorder.

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