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Topic: Leak at the Rear Diff pumpkin: 2002 E450 (Read 312 times) previous topic - next topic
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Leak at the Rear Diff pumpkin: 2002 E450
I'm guessing the seal is broken.      I'll use Permatex RTV to seal and Mobile 1 Syn 75w140.      About 7.5 pints.

Manual says lube is good for 100k miles.      Should I just check the level and leave it?     Comments?
2017 Newmar Canyon Star
2002 Lazy Daze MB
2005 Honda CRV Toad
Re: Leak at the Rear Diff pumpkin: 2002 E450
Reply #1 –
Quote from: Leland1  - 
I'm guessing the seal is broken.      I'll use Permatex RTV to seal and Mobile 1 Syn 75w140.      About 7.5 pints.
Manual says lube is good for 100k miles.      Should I just check the level and leave it?    Comments?
What is leaking, the input shaft or the cover?
If from the front input shaft, the seal will need to be replaced and the condition of the seal surface examined for grooving or other damage.
It require the pinion nut to be torque to a very high rating and is beyond the ability of most home mechanics.
Ideally, both rear axles are pulled, along with the driveshaft, so the torque needs to rotate the input shaft can be measured to see if enough preload is present, using a 1/4 torque wrench.
This information is available in the Shop Manual or can be found online.
If the cover is leaking, just remove it, clean and reseal with an oil-rated RTV.
Permatex® Gear Oil RTV Gasket Maker - Permatex

I changed our LD's axle fluid at 40K and at 90K and still had the differential fail at around 100K.
Pulling a heavy Jeep over hundreds of steep passes did it in.
It was one of the hardest things I have ever rebuilt, due to the size and weight of ring, pinion and carrier.
D70 HD rebuild | Flickr

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Leak at the Rear Diff pumpkin: 2002 E450
Reply #2 –
Just noticed the leak recently and it looked like the cover, near the bottom.    Thanks for the explanation, Larry, for working on the front input shaft.     Not something I can tackle.      D70 rebuild is definitely out of my league.      Good job.
2017 Newmar Canyon Star
2002 Lazy Daze MB
2005 Honda CRV Toad
 
Re: Leak at the Rear Diff pumpkin: 2002 E450
Reply #3 –
I don't know how many miles are on your LD, but you do seem to tow. If the mileage is anywhere up toward 100K, and given Larry's recent experience, my suggestion would be to find a driveline and gear shop you trust and take it to them to have this fixed and the rear end properly examined in the process. If everything is fine they can reseal it and install new synthetic fluid. If not they should be able to proceed with repairs or a rebuild.

I'm going to be doing this shortly with my LD, which has about 105K miles. There is a shop in Reno that gets good reviews and who will do the fluid change and diagnosis for $120 if nothing is needed and will proceed with rebuilding if there are problems. Some of the noises I hear periodically tell the latter is more likely. And the when I called the shop and told them my experience (about 95K of towing a Wrangler) they said a rebuild is likely needed.

Terry
Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV
Re: Leak at the Rear Diff pumpkin: 2002 E450
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Terry Burnes  - 
I'm going to be doing this shortly with my LD, which has about 105K miles. There is a shop in Reno that gets good reviews and who will do the fluid change and diagnosis for $120 if nothing is needed and will proceed with rebuilding if there are problems. Some of the noises I hear periodically tell the latter is more likely. And the when I called the shop and told them my experience (about 95K of towing a Wrangler) they said a rebuild is likely needed.

Terry

What are the noises you hear periodically?       My mileage is about 55k and know problems can happen at any time.
2017 Newmar Canyon Star
2002 Lazy Daze MB
2005 Honda CRV Toad
Re: Leak at the Rear Diff pumpkin: 2002 E450
Reply #5 –
Most of the time the rear end of our LD is quiet, MOL like it was when new. But occasionally there is a rumbling sound that concerns me. My advice if you have any concerns would be to go to a shop like this

Driveline & Gear Service

for your next differential service or any leaks and that sort of thing. Ask them to give the differential and rear axle a complete inspection while they are changing the fluid. As opposed to your regular mechanic doing, say, a fluid change. Shouldn't be too expensive and then you'll know whether you have any problems.

I would say from talking with the Diveline and Gear folks that if your mileage is low and you haven't been towing I wouldn't worry too much. But if you tow on every trip and your mileage is getting up there then at some point your probably going to need the rear end rebuilt.

Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV
Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV