MojoWorkin
Member
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2020
- Messages
- 36
- Reaction score
- 6
- Points
- 8
- Location
- Campbell CA
- Vehicle Year
- 1997
- Make / Model
- Supercab 4x XLT
For those who have not seen the other threads, I think I ran my diff low for a while on a long distance trip due to a leaky axle seal. I drove another 200 miles or so, adding fluid as I went. I now have a persistent groan, and I'm 85% convinced it's the axle bearing/seal which I am changing right now. (Lunch break!)
The diff is open right now, and I was pleased to not find a glitter party in there. Just black, smelly grrease. A few small bits of metal. When I first discovered the problem, I had a pretty good collection of metal shavings that were so fine, it seemed like some kind of goo on the fill plug magnet and few metal fragments. I actuall thought it was water in the oil. Much better this time around.
I don't know what I am looking at when I look inside, but here is what I think I see. Ring gear looks pretty good, no signs of significant wear. Ring gear looks a bet worn at the outer edges. There is some heat discoloration at the axle shaft. The inner housing looks like it's chewed up - that seems a little weird.
The input shaft is sloppy, turning freely from 11 o'clock to 1 o'clock. Maybe this is how it was before, but can I adjust this out?
As soon as I post this, I will add some photos from my phone.
The diff is open right now, and I was pleased to not find a glitter party in there. Just black, smelly grrease. A few small bits of metal. When I first discovered the problem, I had a pretty good collection of metal shavings that were so fine, it seemed like some kind of goo on the fill plug magnet and few metal fragments. I actuall thought it was water in the oil. Much better this time around.
I don't know what I am looking at when I look inside, but here is what I think I see. Ring gear looks pretty good, no signs of significant wear. Ring gear looks a bet worn at the outer edges. There is some heat discoloration at the axle shaft. The inner housing looks like it's chewed up - that seems a little weird.
The input shaft is sloppy, turning freely from 11 o'clock to 1 o'clock. Maybe this is how it was before, but can I adjust this out?
As soon as I post this, I will add some photos from my phone.
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