My feb 09 Plat has begun leaking rear diff fluid, from what appears to be the shaft input. I noticed it yesterday morning, driveway had a couple pool spots. With all the rain we have been getting , never noticed it until now.

Stopped into dealership this AM. schedueld an oil change. and repair. They ordered seal kit. I am also asking they remove rear diff cover and check gears.

It has been making a bit more noise going around corners lately as well. Im still driving it, might turn into a new gearset..

I could smell the fluid when i got to work this AM. about a 35 min drive. ill check parking spot when i pull out.
Maybe just a sign to trade in for a 2011? ill see what the wife says.
eveyone have a great week..

 

There's an easy answer to your concerns.

Does it still have the new truck smell?

If the answer is no, it's time to buy a new one.

 

I like the way you think.

 

The smell was probably the gear lube being slung off the spinning drive shaft and hitting your exhaust. The rear pinion seal went bad and depending on how bad it is leaking you should be fine.

Check your rear diff breather tube to make sure it is clear. 99% of the time a leaking seal is the cause of a plugged breather tube. If you check them at every oil change you will more then likely not have another seal failure.

 

ill check the brether tube.. my 99 had 246K when traded in. no seal failure..
seems this truck is in more than the last one. hopefully these gremlins all come out. and i can then drive with no worries..

ill let everyone know what they found the gear sets condition to be in .