Front axle leak

d_edge · #1 09-28-2009, 10:17 PM

I had my ball joints replace a couple weeks ago and ever since my axle has been leaking out of both sides, the shop said this is normal and would go away that was about a week ago but it still leaking, anybody have any personal experience with this situation.....thanks

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olyelr · #2 09-28-2009, 11:33 PM

They more than likely tore the axle seals. I know I have experienced some seepages just after reinstalling the axle shafts before, but it quits shortly after driving it. My guess is if it has been leaking for quite some time now, the seals need to be replaced.

Miami_Son · #3 09-28-2009, 11:36 PM

Replacing your ball joints should have nothing to do with your axle seals. Are you sure it wasn't leaking before? Did they do anything else on your truck? Once the seals are leaking they won't stop on their own. I wouldn't keep driving it, if the fluid gets too low you can burn up the differential. Even when not in 4WD, the driver's side axle shaft still turns and can spin the carrier side gears.

olyelr · #4 09-28-2009, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miami_Son

Replacing your ball joints should have nothing to do with your axle seals.

Well, in a way it does. The axle shafts have to be pulled to get the steering knuckle off so the ball joints can be changed. And if care is not taken when reinstalling the shafts, the seals will get torn.

olyelr · #5 09-28-2009, 11:50 PM

I have also read that driving for a long time with bad ball joints and/or wheel bearings can cause the seals to wear on the lower side (due to the slight angle in the shaft), and when the worn part is replaced (and the shaft returns to its proper location), oil can leak under the shaft. Not totally sure, but that could be it as well.

Miami_Son · #6 09-29-2009, 12:02 AM

My bad, I was thinking tie-rod ends. Sounds like they hammered on the knuckles and messed up his axle seals. Or they weren't careful with the axle shafts upon removal/reinstallation. I would be down there screaming bloody murder and insisting they fix it.

townsley4 · #7 09-29-2009, 12:07 AM

happened to me, i had my ball joints and u-joints replaced, axles started leaking, out of both sides..."mechanic" said its leaking out of one side wich i showed him both sides wer so he only replaced one...when he was the one who messed them up in the first place, then i had to go back and get the other axle seal replaced and pay again for labor and the part because of this ****ty lazy ass mechanic. i swear....

olyelr · #8 09-29-2009, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miami_Son

I would be down there screaming bloody murder and insisting they fix it.

Same here, but then ya gotta think... they couldn't fix it right the first time, do I want them to try again?

If its a decent shop that you trust, I would definitely be taking it back. Thats a bunch of bunk.

Sheriff420 · #9 09-29-2009, 12:44 AM

they should definitely fix it. it was removal of the axle shafts that screwed the seals.
they are right about fluid leaking right after the axles are pulled, to a degree. when you pull the axles out they drag some fluid out with them but it will only be like 1/4 cup. if fluid is still coming out after a day or so then the seal is leaking.
one way to be positive its leaking is to clean up the knuckles with brake cleaner and see if you get a bunch of fresh fluid on it after the cleaning.

d_edge · #10 09-29-2009, 02:26 PM

The fluid drips out into a little puddle when parked.