Took the truck in for an oil change and tire rotation this morning. Dealer called back about 2 hrs later saying one of the front axle shaft seals was leaking, so I told them go ahead and replace it.

Get a call back about an hour after that, and service advisor told me the front diff fluid was really milky and nasty looking, and they wanted to know if I wanted to go ahead and change fluid in front and rear diffs.

Has anyone had their front differentials apart to see a "milky" fluid? I saw something on another forum that there is some chalk on the gears to make sure they set them correctly, but I'm not sure I buy that its still suspended after 60k miles. Milky fluid to me is water contamination.

Any thoughts?

DZ

 

I'd have the front diff serviced but I'd make the rear diff looks the same. These diffs have a 150K mile service interval and should hold up to that barring any contamination.

 

X2
If you have't traveled through any deep water....tell them to pound sand.

 

I'm not sure what the difference is between the 2010 and the 2012, but when I changed my gear oil, front and rear, the front was an off white milky color from the factory, and the rear was more like engine oil color. I changed mine from using a boat ramp frequently for my jet ski. I changed the front just because I was under the truck at the time. Is bet there was nothing wrong with yours except perhaps an inexperienced technician.

 

Possibly more...
If the front shaft seals are leaking out oil at the axle housing, then water, etc. could be getting in. Depending on how you've used your truck, this may explain the fluid contamination.

 

Thanks for the replies.

I didn't have long to think about it, as I needed the truck back the next day, so I went ahead and had them change it as well as the transfer case, along with front and rear diff's. Ended up being an expensive oil change...
1.) Oil and filter: $37.32
2.) Rotate Tires: $15
3.) Replace Front Axle Seal: $258.42
4.) Front Diff Service: $122.95
5.) Transfer Case Service: $163.39
6.) Rear Diff Service: $121.68
Total: $794.30 ($262 in parts, $456 in labor!)

Probably didn't need to do the rear diff or transfer case service, but got it done anyway.

Not sure what company my Ford Dealer is working with, but I guess they are the Pilot Dealer for a new service plan with them. By letting them service the diff's, TC, and the oil change, I have an extended 30k warranty on Front and rear diffs, TC, and on the internal engine components. The service manager said I have to change the engine oil by 5k at the dealer to stay under the extended warranty. I guess $800 is peace of mind for the next 30k miles.

DZ