bwFX42006

Just had my tires rotated at a local shop ($15 - Sears Auto Center) and they noted that the inner axle seal on the drivers side was leaking. I looked underneath at the rear diff. and could not see what they were talking about. Could I have a blocked breather hose that's forcing the fluid out? I just had the rear end rebuilt about 40,000 miles ago at a ford dealership under extended warranty and I just replaced the outer seals about six months ago along with a fluid swap. Could the shop be mistaken or should I take it somewhere for a second opinion? 2006 FX4, 98,500 miles, 9.75 LS Rear.

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iTrader: (1)

not being a smart *** here but. are you a woman ?

Mod (Ret.)

On a 4x4, is the axle tube bolted to the rear pumpkin (differential) housing? On my 2 wheel drive, its a solid rear axle, and not bolted at the inner side of the axle, so I don't know how it could be a seal leaking there.
Sure, the tube breather cap or tube could be blocked and the differential is building pressure; this pressure has to go somewhere; but I'm not aware of a inner seal that can leak, unless the 4x4 axles are bolted to the differential case.

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iTrader: (1)

hence my question...

bwFX42006

Yes I realize that the axle housing is one solid piece, that's why I was confused as to what he was talking about. Now that I read my original post it sounds like i'm an ignorant teenager. My mistake. I thought I read somewhere that the rear diff housing could leak where the axle tube meets the main housing.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

If it's leaking there you have big problems... you can also pull your vent tube off to make sure it's not blocked... it's just rubber hose.

bwFX42006

I'll look into the hose, no leaks that I could see around the housing. The "mechanic" was probably talking about the outer seal, no leaks there either. All I can see is salt and rust (I hate living in the salt/rust belt)

bwFX42006

Just checked the vehicle inspection report. Technician notes "Left Rear inner axle seal leaking" what the heck are these guys thinking...guess I should leave them to just rotating tires....

techrep

iTrader: (1)

they look at stuff while your tires are off... stuff they can make money on fixing...sometimes good...sometime BS.. yet another reason I do my owe maintenance.

bwFX42006

Agreed...I've gotten into doing my own maintenance more and more because I would rather spend money to buy the tools and gain the experience than pay people to do it in a shop. (Except the passenger exhaust manifold, I left that to professionals.....worth every penny IMHO)