Changing my oil today, I saw a lot of fluid around my cv joint. Smells kinda like the gear oil I just put in the rear differential. Can anybody tell me what this is a sign of? Hopefully it is just another blown seal somewhere.

 

There is the Axle Tube Seal at the end of the aluminum diff housing where the nose of the passenger side CV joint assembly plugs in. Looks like it's leaking.

 

Thanks Bob.

The drivers side is doing it as well, I guess they're both bad.

What would cause this to happen, just age or all the water/mud/dirt that I used to drive through?

 

i think just age is the problem

 

Can anyone show me what these seals look like? And can anybody tell me how to get them out once the cv joints are removed?

 

I just noticed my truck is doing the same after I decided to keep it instead of trading it in for a Taco.

 

Make sure that the axle vent line is clear or the diff will pressurize and blow lube past the seals. If the vent is OK, then the seals are probably leaking because they're worn.

 

sand! sand will tear all that stuff up... that is what wharlton(sp?) is made or right?

 

It's spelled 'Wharton' and yes, it is mostly comprised of sand, as most of the Pine Barrens here in NJ.

I heard that sand ruined seals. I guess my truck is proof of that.

 

So I found out that my seals are gone. My diff fluid looks like chocolate milk so I will be changing the seals and fluid out this weekend. Oh and don't buy the MAC diff cover. I have resealed it 3 times with a new gasket and it continues to leak. And it leaks out of the carrier bearing support bolts. Can anyone recommend a better cover? I like the explorer cover but is it strong?

 

lol yeah, ive had the same problems. front diff seals, both front and rear pinion seals, wheel bearing seals in the rear axle... etc

all from sand