That big *** leak goin on right there

 

Is the leak from the axle tube or the vent tube? Looks heavier toward the wheel on the top.

 

Check the lube level in the diff. Then wash the axle down with brake clean, and look for the leak over the next few days. If it's lube isn't low, I wouldn't worry about it. A small amount of seepage won't hurt anything. If it's the tube in the housing and the leak is significant, I'd get the housing welded to the carrier. The requires some knowledge to prevent warping the housing (weld short sections 180 degrees opposite until it's welded out. If it's the vent I'd try to seal it up using epoxy or silicone.

 

Have no idea really. It started more towards the differenntial and then leaked towards the wheel.

 

To me it looks like it's from the vent. I'd check the fluid, if it's good than I wouldn't worrie about it...

 

How/where dop I check the fluid. Im no very mechanicly inclined, ibve never dealt with this before.

 

You'll have to buy a bottle of lube, remove the plug and pour the lube in until it flows back out the plug hole, place some card board or something to catch the over flow. See how much is missing from the bottle and you'll know how low it is. Look at the medal tag on the cover; one will have the lube type on it. I think it will be 75W140 but check the tag to be sure.

 

I had a leak from the side of the tube going into the diff, and got the seams welded on both sides

makes the whole axle stronger too

weld, then cover welds with epoxy, then paint to blend it all in

 

mine kept coming off because i lifted my truck and diditn extend it thats just a breather for your axle...put a Zip tie on it

 

I've got a similar problem I just noticed today, but it's a lot worse. I topped off the diff. lube maybe a year ago. I just got back from a long trip last week I'm wondering if some blew out the vent on the trip? I'll check the fluid level and clean the oil off and check it again after a few days. Luckily no other symptoms, noises, runs fine!

 

This will be a dumb question, but I have an axle just like the one in the picture above, code H9 (3.73 I think), and I want to know if that's the 8.8, 9.75, 10.25 or 10.5-inch axle. I looked at the tags but of course they don't give any indication. I just popped my cover and drained my fluid and now I need to know this to determine how much friction modifier I need to add. Manual says 4 oz for 8.8 and 9.75-inch, 8oz for the 10.25 or 10.5-inch.

2002 SuperCrew 4x4 with a 5.4.

Thanks for the help and sorry if I am derailing the thread but I couldn't resist asking after seeing Jditta's pic.

 

The tag should have a 88, 975, or a 1025 on it somewhere. It will also say 3L55 (you have 3.55 limited slip if your door tag says H9). I *think* you have a 9.75 if you have a 5.4. One bottle should be enough modifier, but 2 won't hurt.

 

Great, thank you very much glc! I appreciate your help.

 

All non-7700 5.4's came equipped with the 9.75. You fall within that class range.

 

Remove the hose from the axle, undo the metal vent tube(should be 13 or 14mm), clean the threads and apply thread sealer, should take care of it. While the hose is off, make sure it's not restricted