When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hey everyone, I need help/advice. I disassembled my 9”, replaced axles with new ones (including bearings), removed and cleaned 3rd members and cleaned out all the old gear oil. After reassembly, I let it sit for more than 24 hours so the silicone could fully cure. I then added a little more than 3 quarts of gear oil,(maybe 3.5🤷🏼♂️) because that’s how much it took to come out of the filler hole. I drove it around my neighborhood and to the grocery store, less than two miles and didn’t go over 30mph. Everything seemed fine, no leaks or weird noises. I parked the truck for about a week and tonight I noticed a fresh wet spot on the driveway. It’s leaking from around the nut that holds the yoke (I think that’s what it’s called) to the center section. I did clean a BUNCH of dirt and caked on mess from around there. How do I stop it from leaking? Thanks for any advice and sorry for the long story, I didn’t want to miss any needed information.
I did not. I removed the center section as one piece, cleaned it and reinstalled it. My issue was with the axle bearings, so I didn’t want to mess up what wasn’t broken.
Where mine is showing a leaking pinion seal, not from the nut itself. The nut is hidden by the universal joint. It's been a leak since a long time, but it is a very slow leak.
I've heard of seapage past the nut, but unless the nut is loose I would think that would be very slight.
I not long ago checked my fluid levels, it's about full where it is, but that stuff hangs on. Mine may very well be the result of a clogged vent hose that doesn't vent freely, which will create pressure in the rear axle from it just warming up, then that pushing a little out past the seal. Our Mustang did it, it's '08, had a vent valve that had a disc with spring on it. It was meant to close up if no pressure so water couldn't get in. Now a hose that goes up into the frame, no valve, it stopped leaking.
I always make sure the vent tube is clean and clear.
Then during assembly apply a LITTLE sealer on the threads.
I also do this on the TF case and flywheel bolts where sometimes leaks from around the threads.
Don't know how but it happens at times..
Where mine is showing a leaking pinion seal, not from the nut itself. The nut is hidden by the universal joint. It's been a leak since a long time, but it is a very slow leak.
I've heard of seapage past the nut, but unless the nut is loose I would think that would be very slight.
I not long ago checked my fluid levels, it's about full where it is, but that stuff hangs on. Mine may very well be the result of a clogged vent hose that doesn't vent freely, which will create pressure in the rear axle from it just warming up, then that pushing a little out past the seal. Our Mustang did it, it's '08, had a vent valve that had a disc with spring on it. It was meant to close up if no pressure so water couldn't get in. Now a hose that goes up into the frame, no valve, it stopped leaking.
mine is definitely leaking from the nut, not the pinion seal like your picture. Now that someone mentions the vent … I remember while cleaning everything I caped it. 🤦♂️ mine was/is missing the hose/tube. Where should that be routed? I really hope my stupidity is the cause, cause that’s an easy fix!
On mine the vent hose runs straight up from axle, through a hole in the cross member the rear gas tank mounts to on the driver's side. The hose rests inside the frame rail pointing towards the rear of the truck and it's partially protected by the gas tank.
You can route it however you choose. If you plan to go through deep water/mud at any point you might want to route it higher than the frame. That hose will start sucking air if you rapidly cool the differential which happens as soon as you get into the deep water and the rear end housing cools down.
I've thought about routing mine into the rear stake pocket to get it as high up as possible.
Not a bad idea to add a filter of some sort to keep dirt and bugs out regardless of where you route it.
I haven’t driven the truck in about a week, so it should be cool, BUT I live in Florida and it’s already getting warm. I just removed the cap on the vent and it hissed for about 5 seconds. Definitely think I found my problem. Thanks for the help guys. Hopefully someone can learn from my mistake. If it continues leaking, I’ll come back and update.
Ahhhh Florida....... Love it.. born and raised in Tampa.
Miss the sand drags, and off road racing, with my 77 CJ5 with a 68 Chev Camero 302Z engine Muncie 4 spd, and Jeep TF case...
Naples mud racing and all the good times.....
Lots of mud holes and sand to play in with your 4x4.......
Run the hose ... (with slack to allow axle drop) ... up to the frame / bed floor, turn the top end downward or use a U shaped tube to create an airlock, high enough that no danger of water intrusion from splash or fording the Mississippi. My Mustang used a newer vent with valve as said, I changed to a hose fitting, run it's hose up to floor over axle, then a ways into a frame hole, zip tied. Leave the tube open to breathe in / out.
If your was not dripping before you plugged it, then you drove it, then it leaked .... it's almost for sure a pressure leak.
At least it leaked from the pinion seal and you found it quick, versus leaking from the axle seal and it leaking all over the brake drums.
I searched and searched amazon a few months back looking for small breathers exactly like I see at that amazon link. Was only able to find some that were 3-4x's that price. Guess I just wasn't using the right key words for the search. Glad I didn't order the more expensive ones. Thanks for the link!
I ordered one of those breathers from Amazon, don’t judge me. The hose that fits the valve is too small to fit the breather… correctly. LOL. The hose does fit INSIDE the breather. Since I’m doing things the wrong way, I decided to make my own dust shield for the filter. Dr. Pepper to the rescue!
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
