Front differential leak

[linenup]

Hi: thanks for your posts. I am looking at a 1996 Pathfinder and inspected it carefully. I noticed fluid leakage around what I presume is the front differential. During a test drive, I stopped then tried shifting into 4WD and there was resistance etc (did not feel very good) So would I be right to assume that the front diff is low on fluid and secondly that a seal is probably broken? Any ideas of repair cost?

If someone drove with low fluid, would I be correct in assuming that there could be gear damage? And the last question is that is it possible that the transfer case could be bad?

Sorry for so many questions. Thanks again.

[ARKQX33V6]

Shifting into 4WD involves the transfer case and it has no synchro but square cut gears and it is often difficult to shift into 4WD. Is the system motor operated? The front diff if leaking usually is the inspection plate and that can be removed, and resealed. But if it is the seals at the input a rebuild is needed.

No fluid is cause for excessive wear, you would need to inspect. Differentials are robust but require complete lube and routine maintenance. A diff will go a long time without proper lube, but it will wear and contact area wears.

If the underside looks worn, leaks, rust, body panels rotten, what does the motor look like and the interior? Price is one thing but if your buying to rebuild this vehicle, get it as close to free.

[linenup]

Thanks for the reply. I gave it a good inspection. Underside is good, engine runs strong, transmission shifts without problems, everything looks good. The seller produced receipts showing about $3k of maintence in the last 2 years. The fluid leak looks fresh, so my thought is that there might not be damage.

Thanks again!

[VG33QX4]

my front diff leaks where the cv shaft meets the axle housing. i was curious if anyone knows, does the axle shaft shaft (not the cv axle) needs to be removed in order to fix that seal,

[mvmcali]

did you get that leak fixed? just FYI - I also thought that the front differential was leaking out of one of the grease seals or gaskets on the passenger side. HOWEVER - new mechanic is telling me that is the the oil cooler that is leaking and because it is directly above that part of the differential it is dripping on to that other part. this is supposed to be a much cheaper repair.

[Towncivilian]

Yeah, if your oil cooler is leaking it's a really easy DIY fix: oil-leak-but-cant-locate-t457339.html

[fleurys]

my front diff leaks where the cv shaft meets the axle housing. i was curious if anyone knows, does the axle shaft shaft (not the cv axle) needs to be removed in order to fix that seal,

If the seal leaking is on the short side of the diff (driver), then you can easily fix it while on the truck. I have done it on mine and it's a 45 minute job. You just need to remove the cv, then unbolt the stub shaft, then you see the seal.

If on the other hand, it is on the long side (long tube) of the diff, then you need to remove the diff from the truck and open it, then remove the core etc... Biiiiggg job and cannot be done by you unless you know how to rebuild a diff)...

[donald]

... If on the other hand, it is on the long side (long tube) of the diff, then you need to remove the diff from the truck and open it, then remove the core etc... Biiiiggg job and cannot be done by you unless you know how to rebuild a diff)...

aww crap.

I'm thinking my diff is leaking from the passenger side. I was hoping it was the oil-cooler, but I wiped down my oil cooler and what do I see the next time I change my oil? oil-cooler is still somewhat clean, but driplets form at the connections on the diff.

anyone know how much a shop charges to drop and open a diff only to change out some seals?

[fleurys]

Donald, I do not know if yours is dripping alot or not but you might want to consider adding some additive to the oil first to see if you can make the seal swell enough that it would stop. Having this 10$ seal changed is probably somewhat of a job of 4 ours or so.... make that times 50-100 an hour + oil + seal, makes for costy fix.

Sometimes also, a small leank is not worth all the trouble if it does not get worst with time and simply re-filling oil in the diff at specific interval can stretch the time you are forced to do it...

According to lucasoil, there oil stabilizer can be mixed 50/50 with you diff oil in order to stop seal leaks. : http://www.lucasoil.com/products/displa ... Stabilizer

also make sure your diff breather is not blocked... because this could also force the pressure out from the seal since it cannot exits from the breather..

S.