Rear Axle Seals Leaking

by | Jul 5, 2016 | 101 Tech Tips, Brake System Tips | 1 comment

Problem: One or both rear axle seals leaking on vehicles equipped with vented axles

Cause: Rear axle vent plugged not allowing expanding gases to vent. The expanding gases cause the rear seals to leak.

Solution: Always check the condition of the vent when diagnosing rear axle seal leaks. Check the vent from the outlet fitting at the housing to the one way check valve. Service as necessary.

More Info:  While wear and bearing problems often times cause the rear axle seals to start leaking there is another little known cause. Many solid rear axles are vented. They usually use a rubber tube that goes from the vent in the axle housing and is attached to the vehicle’s frame (See Figure 66.1). At the end of the rubber tube is a one way check valve (See Figure 66.2). These devices are designed to allow the expanding gases out, while at the same time not allowing contaminates in.

Screen Shot 2016-07-05 at 9.40.13 AM Figure 66.1 Screen Shot 2016-07-05 at 9.40.31 AM Figure 66.2

The one way check valve or tube outlet shown in Figure 66.2 are the most common points of restriction. Road dirt accumulates around the check valve and plugs it over time and can also plug the end of the tube outlet shown in Figure 66.2. As the gear lube heats up during vehicle operation expansion takes place. Normally the expanding gases pass out the check valve. If the check valve is plugged or the tube is restricted at another point the gases expand and cause one or both rear axle seals to start to leak.

1 Comment

  1. tc
    tc on July 5, 2016 at 10:17 am

    I think the blog article above is in error. The vent tube/vent is not a check valve. It is usually hung on the frame above an imaginary “water line” on 4WD vehicles. On highway vehicles have a vent on the top of the diff or axle tube to let hot expanding gases out and let atmosphere back in as the unit cools. I’ve never seen one that is a check valve in my 50 yrs of service.
    Not that a speciality vehicle couldn’t have one, but normally it is a vent only.
    Respectfully
    TC DeLisle
    TC’s Garage
    Napoleon MI

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