Having a problem with front axle vent leaking fluid. No clog in vent tube, fluid at correct level. Perhaps needs friction modifier although manual doesnt call for it? At witts end, any thoughts ?

 

Your front diff is not a limited slip so you definitely don't need the friction modifier so save yourself the money there........ As far as what's causing the leak........... It's just venting liquid out of the front diff vent tube? How much and how fast?

 

Yes, leaking from end of vent tube. After I changed the fluid, drove about 25 miles on highway then took off road in 4 wheel hi and lo. Didnt leak for about 2 weeks. Thought problem solved(not). Hard to estimate how much it leaks, maybe 6 inch round spot overnight, everynight.Ford dealer says theyve never heard of it.Thanks for the reply.

 

Weird. It sounds like it would be overfilled if it's coming out of the vent, but if it didn't leak for two weeks........ That's odd. Does it leak while you're driving or only when you're parked..... Or can you tell?

 

Are you positive its a diff leak? Possibly a engine oil leak that's hitting the diff and then ground. Put a clean drip pan underneath and see if you can identify the fluid type to confirm if its an engine or diff leak.
If it is coming out the vent for sure. I'd change out the breather. Make sure its not clogged and causing pressure to build up and puke fluid out the vent.

 

Positively gear oil coming from breather.Deffinently not engine oil. Already changed breather tube and fluid. Pretty weird. Also seems to leak when driving but not positive. Doesnt make sense to me to leak when parked.