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Leaking rear differential

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Old Nov 25, 2021 | 09:54 AM
  #1  
Elanham59's Avatar
Elanham59
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Leaking rear differential

I’m completely stumped, recently re did the rear dif, used a lube locker and good fluids. Bolts are torqued down to 35ft lb. prior to that I had a weird leak, that actively dripped from the top bolt area of the pumpkin. Took the cover off and it was sealed perfectly. So I was confused as to why it was leaking!

just did a four hour round trip and noticed it dripping from the same spot at the top of the pumpkin, yall ever experience this? Is there some weird thing I don’t know of? Should I slap a new diff cover on?

I can’t see fluids seeping through a bolt hole but I believe anything now a days

once again any help is great
 
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Old Nov 25, 2021 | 09:58 AM
  #2  
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crop harvester
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I would check the breather first,gear boxes build up pressure if not vented.
 
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Old Nov 25, 2021 | 10:23 AM
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What Crop Harvester said!

You can see the top of my vent hose in the picture below with the screen wrapped over the end in order to keep insects and debris out. If it has been a while since you checked the hose, you may just want to remove it from the fitting on the axle (driver side of the differential) and make sure the fitting is free and clear as well. I put some reinforced hose on my vents as I did not want the hose to become compromised during an "off road" session.


 
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Old Nov 25, 2021 | 11:07 AM
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Elanham59
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Originally Posted by Sous
What Crop Harvester said!

You can see the top of my vent hose in the picture below with the screen wrapped over the end in order to keep insects and debris out. If it has been a while since you checked the hose, you may just want to remove it from the fitting on the axle (driver side of the differential) and make sure the fitting is free and clear as well. I put some reinforced hose on my vents as I did not want the hose to become compromised during an "off road" session.

you always come to the rescue!

so I attached mine to the top of the pumpkin, so it would make sense that It could leak from there. The diff leak was much worse before I did the differential service, but when I drained the diff it seemed full, I got an appropriate amount of oil out.

however does gear oil come out of this vent a lot? There is gear oil on my trailer hitch, even on the rear end!
 
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Old Nov 25, 2021 | 11:15 AM
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I only try to pay back for all of the help I have received along the way. Besides, Crop Harvester was the first to offer this idea!

As for the vent hose, I would not attach the vent hose to the top of the differential if that is what you are referring to as the pumpkin. We never cannot be too sure when a word like pumpkin is used...

It really should have a large radius bend up to the top flange of the frame. This way the "venting" can take place quickly and easily. Also, as long as the hose is in good condition around the fitting, it should create a water tight seal in the event the differential is exposed to a large amount of water or has a lot of water blasted onto it.

The gear oil should not come out of the vent, if the hose is routed appropriately and is of appropriate height.

Regarding the gear oil on your hitch and other areas, check the vent fitting to ensure it is not plugged up, ensure the hose is sealed tight and well around the fitting, route the hose up to the top flange of the frame, clean the area with a degreaser and then keep an eye on it.

You may have a leaking pinion seal as well if the vent was clogged, but we can address that after you make sure everything else is at it should be.

 
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