Leaking axle seal?

[Rusty Shackleford]

We’ll update on mine. Parts where supposed to be in on Thursday of last week. However ups lost em! A call to @JeepCares and the new one is being shipped with arrival on this Friday. Hopefully ups doesn’t steal this one! A Month with out it and getting worried it may be a while longer.

This has to be some sort of approved BS response. My truck was at the dealership waiting on the back ordered part. After 2 weeks of not hearing anything I called to check. They said the part had been ordered and they tried to track it down. Turns out UPS “lost” it somehow. I only half believe that was the case. They said that they reordered and after 6 weeks it was finally fixed.

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[Rusty Shackleford]

Update: I took my truck in to the dealership this morning. I showed them the leak, they disappeared for a while, came back out to tell me that they needed to keep my truck there until the part came in to get it fixed. Unfortunately, the backorder thing is true so there isn’t a good time estimate for repair. I asked if I could drive it home and put the truck in my nice, secure garage. They said if I did that it wouldn’t be in a priority status to get fixed and they wouldn’t cover a rental vehicle. So now my truck is sitting outside of the service department in a less than desirable part of town exposed to the elements for an undetermined amount of time. It’s frustrating because I don’t consider this a cheap vehicle and I have a garage to keep it out of the 100 degree sun and wildfire smoke but I can’t get the same warranty benefits if I take the truck that I make a payment on home with me? Here’s to hoping that some homeless tweaker doesn’t cut open my soft top and use my truck as a home for the night while I drive a crappy Kia that I can’t tow with. @JeepCares is this normal?

New Update: The shop called to tell me my truck was fixed. Great! After 6 weeks of driving a rental with a roof I can finally get my ride back and feel the wind in my hair. Before turning in the rental I found my Gladiator out in the lot and crawled underneath because it’s impossible to trust anyone these days. The axle leak appeared to be fixed and cleaned up. But wait, what is that other mysterious fluid pooled up by the rear passenger tire? I touched it with my finger and it was oily and yellow-green. When I looked up I saw it leaking from the shock. I went in and they said my truck was fixed and ready to go. I said probably not, grab a mechanic. They determined that my shock was blown, somehow after sitting there for 6 weeks waiting for the axle seal to be fixed, and that they would need to replace both rear shocks. They initially told me that I could drive it and they would call me when the back ordered (of course!!!) shocks came in. As I was getting in my truck and handing over the rental keys the guy said he had some bad news. They needed to keep my truck there until it was fixed because the leaking shock fluid might get on the brand new axle seal and deteriorate that and then that would need fixed again. So I have owned my truck for 3 1/2 months, driven it for 2 months, and it’s been in the repair shop the rest of the time. No ETA on shocks. I’m considering rescuing the hostage that is my own truck and buying respectable parts, like Bilstein.

 

[Blade1668]

Wow! Delivered my truck to the dealer for the front axle repair on April 8th an got it back yesterday. 19 Weeks Down!
Finally convinced them and FCA to change out the entire front axle and it was completed yesterday.

I'd been s###### bricks if I was waiting 19 weeks without my vehicle.

It takes a pretty good leak to get low enough to cause issues internally. In fact, it's more likely the leak will drop a bit in severity as the fluid gets lower. The pinion will still toss lube around inside and get things pretty well lubricated. I'd not tow or haul really heavy loads for a while, but I've serviced differentials that had totally greasy brakes, the wheels were a mess and there was fluid on the floor - but the level was down only a cup or so. (8 fluid ounces U.S. measure for the Brits and Canadians ? )

I can agree with you on that. A few weeks ago I finally swapped out the axle shaft(s) in my LJ that had a leaking seal, the parking brake pads was soaked in gear oil due to the leaking seal and pads on other side worn out (regular brake pads) I used 3 cans of brake parts cleaner, a qt of power cleaner and a lot of brushing to get most of the grunge off. It would have been less work to have stuck all of the parts in parts washer for a hour or so. So far my JT's axle seals are good to go.
I'm guessing that the axle supplier has had a bad batch of seals get in the supply line from a vendor or the wrong seals have been used.

And if a 2020 Max Tow owner without a leaking axle could see if theirs is same as mine as well. This may have nothing to do with anything but curious.

I'll try to check mine out and snap a pic.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

As I was getting in my truck and handing over the rental keys the guy said he had some bad news. They needed to keep my truck there until it was fixed because the leaking shock fluid might get on the brand new axle seal and deteriorate that and then that would need fixed again.

That is the BIGGEST bunch of hoey, bovine excrement, puppy poop, whatever you want to call it that I've seen yet today.
Seriously? Shock fluid going up, over, around corners and getting behind the rotor and outer shield and into a seal that's buried behind brake parts? Huh?
Even when driving the windage will blow the fluid back, not up, over, around corners behind the rotor and rotor shield, past retainers and to a seal in the axle housing.
Besides - if "shock fluid" could deteriorate an axle seal, those people have some very serious troubles! Because if it can damage an axle seal how the hell do they keep the fluid in the shocks? Magic, or - gasp - a SEAL?
What can damage or swell seals are solvents. You can soak those in brake fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid and it won't damage those seals.
No wonder so many Jeep people are getting frustrated and don't know who to trust working on these things - and so many don't trust dealer shops.
Unless shock fluid contains some sort of solvent and it can magically travel to locations you can't even see, several inches away - this is a good one. Leaking shock may damage an axle seal that's buried in an axle housing behind a lot of other "stuff".
No wonder your shock is leaking - the shock fluid damages seals! It ate the shock seals.

Tell the shop that the fluid leaking out of the shock is hydraulic fluid - same principal (but different specifics) as the fluid in hydrostatic drives, power steering, and other "Hydraulic stuff".
The shock works by forcing hydraulic fluid through valving and orifices' inside the shock body. It slows rebounding springs and absorbs the energy and dissipates it in the form of HEAT generated when the viscous fluid is forced under high pressure through tiny holes. (over-simplified, for sure - but that's the basics).
Since there are vales and seals inside the shock (to keep the fluid INSIDE the shock) it cannot contain any solvents that would harm rubber or other similar compounds or it would self destruct. I will guess it has compounds to keep the viscosity steady under different conditions such as ambient temperature changes and as it heats up internally through use on rough roads, perhaps anti-foaming qualities and such - but basically, it's an oil. It won't eat seals.

 

[NodrogRide]

...another one bites the dust... Right rear seal is leaking. Thought it was too much tire shine, but got down under it and it's definitely grease. Bought my jeep in June. Hope this hasn't been going on too long ? good thing I was playing with it trying to decide if I drive well enough to go to a jamboree ?

 

[Gladman]

That is the BIGGEST bunch of hoey, bovine excrement, puppy poop, whatever you want to call it that I've seen yet today.
Seriously? Shock fluid going up, over, around corners and getting behind the rotor and outer shield and into a seal that's buried behind brake parts? Huh?
Even when driving the windage will blow the fluid back, not up, over, around corners behind the rotor and rotor shield, past retainers and to a seal in the axle housing.
Besides - if "shock fluid" could deteriorate an axle seal, those people have some very serious troubles! Because if it can damage an axle seal how the hell do they keep the fluid in the shocks? Magic, or - gasp - a SEAL?
What can damage or swell seals are solvents. You can soak those in brake fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid and it won't damage those seals.
No wonder so many Jeep people are getting frustrated and don't know who to trust working on these things - and so many don't trust dealer shops.
Unless shock fluid contains some sort of solvent and it can magically travel to locations you can't even see, several inches away - this is a good one. Leaking shock may damage an axle seal that's buried in an axle housing behind a lot of other "stuff".
No wonder your shock is leaking - the shock fluid damages seals! It ate the shock seals.

Tell the shop that the fluid leaking out of the shock is hydraulic fluid - same principal (but different specifics) as the fluid in hydrostatic drives, power steering, and other "Hydraulic stuff".
The shock works by forcing hydraulic fluid through valving and orifices' inside the shock body. It slows rebounding springs and absorbs the energy and dissipates it in the form of HEAT generated when the viscous fluid is forced under high pressure through tiny holes. (over-simplified, for sure - but that's the basics).
Since there are vales and seals inside the shock (to keep the fluid INSIDE the shock) it cannot contain any solvents that would harm rubber or other similar compounds or it would self destruct. I will guess it has compounds to keep the viscosity steady under different conditions such as ambient temperature changes and as it heats up internally through use on rough roads, perhaps anti-foaming qualities and such - but basically, it's an oil. It won't eat seals.

The advisor might have had a tiny modicum of credibility if he has said they were concerned about the brake pads being soaked, but even with that Shadows points still stand.
Go back and ask them for a written explanation on how this is possible.

 

[BRMoose]

The advisor might have had a tiny modicum of credibility if he has said they were concerned about the brake pads being soaked, but even with that Shadows points still stand.
Go back and ask them for a written explanation on how this is possible.

Might be a good time to negotiate free installation of a 2” mopar lift…assuming it’s in stock

 

[Nuclear_Inc]

Hey folks I've been following this thread for a while. Time to unload my leaking issues as well. I took delivery of a 2021 Gladiator Overland M/T 3.6 in July 2021. Last month at 2500 miles I took it in for right rear axle leak. Dealer changed the right axle and 3 days later I'm back in the road. Dealer technicians didn't even have the decency to clean up the area. Mind you the inner rim and backing plate had thick crud. i had to wipe the backing plate when i got home in order to monitor for future leaks.

Sure enough around 3100 miles it starter leaking again. (2-3 weeks 5-600 miles since repair). It was a very light weep. I figured it might be residue and went ahead and de-greased and cleaned the whole area. When i finished I'd figure I should check rear diff oil level to play it safe until I could visit the dealer ASAP. Mind you I checked the area every single time I got out the truck since it started leaking like a hawk for the past 2-3 weeks.

Well what do you know. The diff ends up chugging a quart of gear oil. So out of 1.43 quarts I added 1 quart. The rear diff has been running on less than a pint for 2-3 weeks. The dealer technicians NEVER serviced the oil after replacing a LEAKING seal. Who is to say my internals didn't overheat or had excessive wear. Running on less than 30% of intended oil level. also noticed the diff cover bolts were pristine. The technicians never cracked open to inspect. I'd expect they should in order to inspect the inner axle tube seal when sliding the shafts out. They cloud be easily torn. The shop report stated they cleaned area which was BS. Nowhere did they put they added oil. I'm heading first thing in the morning tomorrow to the dealer. They need to inspect my rear diff assembly and take care of that leak. If they refuse I'd expect some type of extended warranty from FCA.

At this point I honestly would like FCA to replace the whole differential assembly as a piece of mind. My brake pads for sure have to be soaked and since I've owned the truck oil contaminating the tire. $61k Jeep might as well bought a Mercedes at this point. All car manufactures have issues. However this axle leak issue is getting out of hand. I shouldn't be constantly checking for leaks and double checking dealer work after dropping $61k for a vehicle. Sorry for the long post. However after days of reading this thread I feel like I needed to contribute as well. @JeepCares all I ask is for the integrity of my rear end after the reckless shop visit.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

The advisor might have had a tiny modicum of credibility if he has said they were concerned about the brake pads being soaked, but even with that Shadows points still stand.
Go back and ask them for a written explanation on how this is possible.

Oh yeah it’s pretty ridiculous and I made my frustrations known. It’s a no win for the customer really. Take them at their word and wait forever for parts that don’t exist or take your truck and they won’t fix it. Unfortunately it was just one guy low on the totem pole working Saturday. I am calling on Monday to talk to more experienced people. Honestly I don’t rate this dealership very high based on previous interactions and they just continue to do things that don’t seem right. We have another Jeep dealership in town so I might just tell the first one to forget it and start the process over at the other dealership. I hate to say it but I looked up my states lemon law and from what I can tell my vehicle qualifies. I’m not giving up on her yet though.

 

[mountainpass]

Hey folks I've been following this thread for a while. Time to unload my leaking issues as well. I took delivery of a 2021 Gladiator Overland M/T 3.6 in July 2021. Last month at 2500 miles I took it in for right rear axle leak.

What is your MDH#?

 

[ScottLars]

...another one bites the dust... Right rear seal is leaking. Thought it was too much tire shine, but got down under it and it's definitely grease. Bought my jeep in June. Hope this hasn't been going on too long ? good thing I was playing with it trying to decide if I drive well enough to go to a jamboree ?

Mines still not fixed and I'm going to Jamboree anyway.

 

[JeepCares]

New Update: The shop called to tell me my truck was fixed. Great! After 6 weeks of driving a rental with a roof I can finally get my ride back and feel the wind in my hair. Before turning in the rental I found my Gladiator out in the lot and crawled underneath because it’s impossible to trust anyone these days. The axle leak appeared to be fixed and cleaned up. But wait, what is that other mysterious fluid pooled up by the rear passenger tire? I touched it with my finger and it was oily and yellow-green. When I looked up I saw it leaking from the shock. I went in and they said my truck was fixed and ready to go. I said probably not, grab a mechanic. They determined that my shock was blown, somehow after sitting there for 6 weeks waiting for the axle seal to be fixed, and that they would need to replace both rear shocks. They initially told me that I could drive it and they would call me when the back ordered (of course!!!) shocks came in. As I was getting in my truck and handing over the rental keys the guy said he had some bad news. They needed to keep my truck there until it was fixed because the leaking shock fluid might get on the brand new axle seal and deteriorate that and then that would need fixed again. So I have owned my truck for 3 1/2 months, driven it for 2 months, and it’s been in the repair shop the rest of the time. No ETA on shocks. I’m considering rescuing the hostage that is my own truck and buying respectable parts, like Bilstein.

Hey folks I've been following this thread for a while. Time to unload my leaking issues as well. I took delivery of a 2021 Gladiator Overland M/T 3.6 in July 2021. Last month at 2500 miles I took it in for right rear axle leak. Dealer changed the right axle and 3 days later I'm back in the road. Dealer technicians didn't even have the decency to clean up the area. Mind you the inner rim and backing plate had thick crud. i had to wipe the backing plate when i got home in order to monitor for future leaks.

Sure enough around 3100 miles it starter leaking again. (2-3 weeks 5-600 miles since repair). It was a very light weep. I figured it might be residue and went ahead and de-greased and cleaned the whole area. When i finished I'd figure I should check rear diff oil level to play it safe until I could visit the dealer ASAP. Mind you I checked the area every single time I got out the truck since it started leaking like a hawk for the past 2-3 weeks.

Well what do you know. The diff ends up chugging a quart of gear oil. So out of 1.43 quarts I added 1 quart. The rear diff has been running on less than a pint for 2-3 weeks. The dealer technicians NEVER serviced the oil after replacing a LEAKING seal. Who is to say my internals didn't overheat or had excessive wear. Running on less than 30% of intended oil level. also noticed the diff cover bolts were pristine. The technicians never cracked open to inspect. I'd expect they should in order to inspect the inner axle tube seal when sliding the shafts out. They cloud be easily torn. The shop report stated they cleaned area which was BS. Nowhere did they put they added oil. I'm heading first thing in the morning tomorrow to the dealer. They need to inspect my rear diff assembly and take care of that leak. If they refuse I'd expect some type of extended warranty from FCA.

At this point I honestly would like FCA to replace the whole differential assembly as a piece of mind. My brake pads for sure have to be soaked and since I've owned the truck oil contaminating the tire. $61k Jeep might as well bought a Mercedes at this point. All car manufactures have issues. However this axle leak issue is getting out of hand. I shouldn't be constantly checking for leaks and double checking dealer work after dropping $61k for a vehicle. Sorry for the long post. However after days of reading this thread I feel like I needed to contribute as well. @JeepCares all I ask is for the integrity of my rear end after the reckless shop visit.

Hi, Rusty Shackleford and Nuclear_Inc.

If either of you still need assistance, please feel free to send our team a private message separately. We are happy to dig in further here.

Kate
Jeep Cares

 

[GotGladiator]

Now a club member of leaking axle! Appointment is one month out and 1.5 weeks just to get diagnosed. Ugh! Am following this thread...
DOM: 10/2020
2021 Sport with AT , Max Tow
5000k miles

 

[Jut60]

I’ll add another, JTM manual, 6500 miles, and with 11/2020 build. Appointment scheduled a couple weeks out.

 

[Maximus JT]

An update on mine, I am sitting at 6 weeks of my Glad sitting at the dealer service center (apparently mine was leaking a bit more than others and was deemed unsafe for driving) and now have been told there is no ETA on my replacement axle. I am also about to make my 2nd payment since my truck has been in the shop and I have not been able to drive it. It's starting to feel like I made a mistake by getting a Gladiator. Don't get me wrong, I love the thing but this has started to get a bit out of hand.

And before anyone comes in here and says "the whole country is on backorder", understand that I work in distribution and see raw material backorders all the time. That argument is null and void when you know people who took their Gladiators in for the rear seal after I did, and they have their trucks back with the new axles installed. Kind of getting the raw end of the stick it seems.

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