bassJAM

The dealership should have absolutely fixed that. While it’s common to see seepage like that on differentials, that doesn’t mean its right.

Now if the warranty has passed, I’d probably put a sheet of corrugated under it for a couple days and see if any drips show up. If not, keep an eye on the fluid levels and wait until you want to change the differential fluid before worrying about it. Checking the vent is a good idea as well.

My last truck looked just like your differential about a year after I put a true-trac in. I continued to check fluid levels twice a year, but for the next 5 years/100,000 miles I never had to add a drop.

PerryB

The axle tube leak is likeky going to be a "live with it" item. You can probably thank a tire shop for that. They love to jack trucks up by the "pumpkin" and it springs the housing. Its about one of the worst things you can do to your truck.

Spiky

33 ft lbs is like pushing on a ratchet with one finger. I don't know if overtorquing is bad, but I would say you've got them tighter than spec, based on your words

jhanna

If I had to rate the 3 possible leak areas. From most worrysome to least.

Pinion seal, since moving parts are involved (rotating pinion shaft), this will probably get worse with time. And can go at any time. Plus, I would rate the repair as "above medium level" skills and tools. If the dealer will do it under warranty, go for it.

Diff cover seepage, unless bolts loosen up, probably won't get any worse. Skill/tool level below medium and easy enough to do in a driveway during routine fluid change pm, with a reusable gasket.

Axle tube seepage, I think are pretty common on any axle, and if this gets worse, you probably really got problems with entire axle.

johndog82

iTrader: (3)

I cannot locate the diff vent, is it also the axle vent, or does the diff have its own vent/nipple? Is it on the driver or passenger side?

jp360cj

I agree. If the pinion seal is leaking, then I would push for that to be fixed. The other 2 IMO, aren't anything to be concerned about, although I would check that the vent isn't plugged. The diff cover is an easy fix, but if it's not dripping, then I would just wait until it's time to change the diff oil. The axle tube seeping is common, as there are no seals inside the diff. The only thing keeping the oil in is the interference fit between the tubes and center section.

There is 1 vent for the axle assembly. In the pic in post #1 it's just left (driver side) of the center section on the axle tube.

hinglemccringleberry

Thanks all for the responses. Is the leaking diff cover supposed to be covered under the 60k powertrain warranty? Or the 36k bumper to bumper only?

bassJAM

Sounds like is should be covered under the powertrain warranty.

From page 11 under what IS covered:

"Rear-Wheel Drive: axle shafts, bearings (front
and rear), center support bearing, drive axle housing (including all
internal parts), drive shaft, propeller shafts, retainers, supports, seals and
gaskets, universal and constant velocity joints."

https://www.ford.com/resources/ford/...13Warranty.pdf

jp360cj

With that wording I would agree. It's really the cover itself that's leaking, it's the gasket.

glowe76

I've been a proud 2012 F-150 XLT owner for almost a week now.The truck was used pretty hard in it's past life but I'm trying to catch up on maintenance that the previous owner never did. I changed the rear diff, transmission, and transfer case fluids no problem, but the front diff has me a little puzzled. Does it have a gasket or not? I search for it at every online parts store but only rear diff gaskets come up...but why would the rear have one and the front not? Maybe it is assumed you will use silicone only?? If any of you know the answer, and a part # if there is a gasket, that would be awesome.