Hello every one.

Just went got New shoes for the truck and while they were changing the tires they point out a diff leak This is the last thing I need now cause I need the truck thursday to go get the 450 in oregon. It's not leaking from the cover but from where the drive shaft goes into the diff

I also just noticed that if I come to a complete stop and then go I feel this grinding sensation from my seat? What does this mean
Thanks
Nick

 

Nick, it sounds like your pinion seal. Someone with more knowledge will be in shortly.

 

Grinding sensation?
I would take a different vehicle or get it fixed before you leave.
Even if it means taking the Greyhound.

 

Is this a low fluid thing and I would call it grabbing feeling.

 

That is your pinion seal leaking Nick. The grabbing geeling may be due to low fluid in the differential. I would take Dans advice and not run it to OR like that.

 

the pinion seal is no big deal most shops will replace it for like 100 bucks or so but you will need a special socket, well not really special but whatever size the nut is and then it has to be lathed down a little to fit in the hole. that and it needs like 400 lbs of torque when re-tightening. could the grinding/clunking be his slip joint needing lubed?

 

It's definitely the seal, and it a bit of a PITA to change. I did mine a couple months ago when I did my '08 rear diff cover. You need a harmonic balancer puller, and a 1" socket. You also need to mark the nut and count how many turns it took to get it off. When you put it on, take it to the mark and about an 1/8th of a turn further.

 

Bill -- that's only for the dually. The diff on the SRWs are totally different.

 

Nick, I would do it just like Izzy said.

 

if the rear has a grindy grabby feeling from low oil it's gonna need a bit more than a seal

 

Just checked the level and it's not that low. It took about an ounce of fluid.

 

Remember, when you know something is going out you begin to become critical of every sound and feeling.

 

Nick, sounds like these guys all vote the pinion seal. Let me know how I can help. We will get you up and running ASAP.

 

You shouldn't have any major problem then,mine leaks a few ounces a year.Been that way about 7 years since the rear carrier was replaced

 

you might want to check the u joints. had the same type noise on my jeep once and after searching and searching it turned out to be a busted joint. get it changed fast if thats it to avoid the shaft coming off.