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Front Axle Case. Leak.

dimedrol

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dimedrol Enthusiast

dimedrol

Posted
Posted

Hey everyone.

I had my truck for little less than a year. Recently I noticed that my front Differential is leaking. So I took the front shaft off and pulled the seal out. What I discovered is a small hole on the upper right side of the casing. Look at the pictures:

My question is: Is this factory hole or something happened? Should the seal be leaking with this hole?

Did anyone changer their pinions gear and noticed that hole?

All help is appreciated, Thank you.

 

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facn8me Senior Enthusiast

facn8me

Posted
Posted

That is there to aid in lubrication of the bearing. Kinda a drain hole to catch gear oil splash and direct it through the bearing. Notice it's on top.

dimedrol Enthusiast

dimedrol

Posted
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Posted
That is there to aid in lubrication of the bearing. Kinda a drain hole to catch gear oil splash and direct it through the bearing. Notice it's on top.

 

 

 

 

It looks like someone took screwdriver and smashed it in to the edge of the bearng. I would think that factory hole would look sort of more accurate.

 

Do you know if your truck had the hole when you changed the gears?

vhato Enthusiast

vhato

Posted
Posted
That is there to aid in lubrication of the bearing. Kinda a drain hole to catch gear oil splash and direct it through the bearing. Notice it's on top.

 

 

 

 

It looks like someone took screwdriver and smashed it in to the edge of the bearng. I would think that factory hole would look sort of more accurate.

 

Do you know if your truck had the hole when you changed the gears?

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have done plenty of front rebuilds. That is how they are. Don't worry about the hole. If you think that looks bad, disassemble the entire thing. You will be scared to use 4WD again. American Axle and Machine should be ashamed of this axle.

 

BTW,

Leaks at the Pinion, center case Half and outer shaft seals are common. You could replace all 3 seals and after a few thousand miles they would just leak again. Most of the units I rebuild are FILLED with mud.

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