I took my 21 Powerboost in for service this week (45k). They told me the pinion seal needs to be replaced (under warranty). Is there anything else I should insist on them checking when they do this?

 

Was it a seeping leak, or gross leak? My only concern would be the amount of differential fluid that was lost. Too much fluid loss would accelerate wear in your differential.

Admittedly I’ve only ever seen seeping pinion seal leaks, but my experience is limited on this one…

 

Not a big deal at all usually. You would need to lose a lot of oil before its an issue and you would notice the noise if there was a problem.

 

Not sure. I assume seeping. They showed me a picture covered in fluid. I got under my truck and looked yesterday and the only place where I see any fluids is under the oil filter I assume from where they changed the oil (there was a lot and I did check and make sure the oil level was fine. I don't know what I would be looking for other than the fluid and there has not been any on the ground in my garage.

 

When I worked at a dealership, they wouldn't just change a seal if it was sweating only if there was a drip. There was a few occasions when the customer requests to deal with the issue then it was done. I done lots of pinion seals over the years and when replacing I check the ujoints on the driveshaft if they are seized or loose which can cause a drive line vibration and cause the seal to leak. I also check the differential vent tube to make sure it isn't plugged causing the diff to pressurize. Everyone has there own way of replacing pinion seals, you typically mark the nut and the gear before disassembly replace the seal apply thread lock and tighten to the mark you made so the crush sleeve isn't too tight or too loose. Finish Reassembling everything to spec, check the fluid level top up if necessary and a road test.

 

They are the ones who found it and took a picture and showed me during my service. It is under warranty. I just want to make sure if there is anything I should check to make sure it hasn't caused other problems.

 

If this is your regular dealer you get serviced at and they didn't mention this issue last service, I'd say there shouldn't be any other issues. If you haven't seen any leaks since the last service and there haven't been any drivability concerns like noises, vibrations, leaks or anything else that's abnormal or changed recently you should be in the clear. I would like to think as a tech they would have checked the fluid level before handing the keys back. Is your truck 2wd or 4x4 if so is it the front or rear they want to change? No matter what when you book it in for the repair and then when picking it up, make you to ask them to double check the ujoints aren't loose, sticky or seized and make the vent tube isn't plugged.
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Thanks. I will ask. It is a 4x4. I believe it must be the front because the rear differential was clean. The only problem I have had is an occasional loud pop when accelerating quickly from a stop. It is a Powerboost and I have assumed it was due to the electric and gas motor just not synchronized.

 

I bought the truck used. When inspecting it, I found the front pass. axle seal leaking and the transfer seal leaking. Ford took care of it under the power train warranty.

Let them fix it!

 

could the noise start as a low hum/rub at low speeds from the front end?
I took my ’21 F-150 in for a separate recall & asked them to assess that rub/hum from my front end & nobody at the dealership entertained the idea it was my pinion, despite my pinion seal being replaced at 17k miles and the noise being present only while in 2WD and not 4WD