Drivetrain Tech General discussion of drivetrain for the Ford Ranger.

front diff breather

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Old 03-09-2009
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Icon5 front diff breather

I notice my front diff breather tube leaking gear oil... how is it possible that oil traveled up the tube from the diff to the breather on the frame next to the driver side shock???

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Old 03-09-2009
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Too much oil, that is my guess, also I have read it before on here where a guy had the same problem, but I can't think of where it is.
 
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Old 03-09-2009
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i dont see how theres too much oil... havent changed it, so its original oil.
 
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Old 03-09-2009
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Have you submerged your front diff? It could have water in it
 
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Old 03-09-2009
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yeah i have been in water up to my headlights that was like a year ago.... it just starting doing it like 3 days ago.
 
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Old 03-09-2009
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Technically, anytime you submerge the diffs above the breather line, you should be changing your fluid. At least that's what I've been told. It could be that its just been slowing seeping out here and there and you just finally noticed. Guess I don't know how often you check the underside out.
 
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Old 03-09-2009
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i check it alot...it wasnt there one day and the very next it was... i notice things like that lol. Its sorta hard to change the fluid i mean there isnt any room to open the cover.
 
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Old 03-09-2009
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yea good luck changing that. i had to pull my diff pretty much.
 
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Old 03-09-2009
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its gonna have to hold off for a lil bit... but will the water cause any damage??
 
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Old 03-09-2009
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Of course, oil and water never mix, but it depends on how much water you got in it. Any water in oil will destroy its lubrication qualities.
If you don't want to do it, I would suggest taking it to a Quick lube, or to the dealer, they will both usually do it for pretty cheap.
 
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Old 03-09-2009
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If you have water in the diff, that definitely needs to be addressed but you don't need to have water in there to make the fluid leak out.

A leak form the front diff vent is a common problem on certain Rangers and Explorers and Ford issued a TSB for it a few years ago. The factory repair kit costs about $400 (!) and requires dropping the diff to install a baffled cover and rerouted hose.

Before you do anything like that, you might try a simpler fix. My 2003 FX4 Level II has the same differential housing vent as yours but has never leaked. The factory hose from the vent goes up higher than yours and is clipped to a bracket by the brakes lines that connect to the ABS pump.

Here's a guy who fixed his leaker by extending the vent hose:
http://www.therangerstation.com/foru...ad.php?t=39812
 
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Old 03-09-2009
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hey thanks man... do you know what size line he used to raise it up???
 
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