Rear axle leaking fluid?!

[mdn14]

So, I've had a strange squeaking/clicking coming from the mid to rear of my truck for about 3 months now. Seth helped me do an explorer 8.8 l/s swap back in May.

I've looked under my truck a few times now, hoping to find some metal on metal wear, but I've seen nothing. Today I looked under the rear of my truck to see this (see attached picture, click on it to make it larger).

It appears I'm leaking rear axle fluid. Would that lead to pretty intense squeaking/clicking when in 1st gear and in second? It only happens when starting in first and second gear. Sometimes in third, and clicks when coasting in other gears (it never happens when my clutch is engaged or when in neutral).

Thanks.

 

[Sampson]

I wouldn't think the leaking fluid would cause the noise you are hearing. Have you checked the rear end fluid since it seems to be leaking? You could pop the cover off and take a look at the teeth on the ring and pinion as well as the bearings for the carrier and pinion. I would say its something transmission related since it doesn't happen in neutral or when the clutch is engaged.

 

[mdn14]

I haven't. With it being my DD and working 30 hours a week I have very little down time to check it/work on my truck.

And not that the leaking fluid would cause the noise, but rather the noise being 3rd in line to relation of the leaking fluid. Like 1) fluid leaks, 2) something isn't right, 3) noise.

I figure it might be that the teeth are "dry" when I'm at a stop. and make noise with the l/s when I get going. I honestly have no idea though. And I certainly hope it isn't my transmission, those repairs always seem expensive.

 

[Dune Runner]

Check your U joints?

 

[Sampson]

Did you add friction modifier to the fluid for the l/s when you and Seth swapped in the axle?

 

[Frank The Tank]

Sounds like it is low or shims aren't giving enough play.

Looks like vent point is blowing off or diff cover isn't sealed properly.

The noise at varying speeds makes me think the shims aren't right giving not enough/too much gear lash.

 

[mdn14]

Check your U joints?

On the driveshaft? What should I be looking for??

Did you add friction modifier to the fluid for the l/s when you and Seth swapped in the axle?

Yes we did. A small bottle of it. The 80w90 oil also had l/s modifier in it. Seth said he always adds both so we did.

This: http://www.summitracing.com/oh/parts/fms-m-19546-a1
and
This: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/we...alvoline_7070003-p?searchTerm=80w-90+gear+oil

Sounds like it is low or shims aren't giving enough play.

Looks like vent point is blowing off or diff cover isn't sealed properly.

The noise at varying speeds makes me think the shims aren't right giving not enough/too much gear lash.

The seal around the diff is fine, but not the plug in the middle is what I'm thinking. And I don't even know what the shims are... I guess I'll go to the tech library tomorrow morning haha.

 

[PlumCrazy]

Generally the L/S would make noise when cornering or when ever the rear tires are turning at different speeds (i.e. low different tire pressure, dragging brake, uneven wear...)

If it does it when taking off in a straight line, I would look into U joints...

BTW. I have enough parts to build a 4x4 3.0 M5OD now, case and all.

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

 

[mdn14]

Topped of the fluid before the wellsville trip and I didn't hear a squeak all the way there.

Now that the trip is over, the squeaking has been replaced with clunking when shifting through gears. Time for a new ujoint.

 

[mdn14]

Time to close this thread. U-Joints have been replaced today. One of U-joints had no bearings left inside. Just dust and rust came out lol. Replaced both of them and the squeaking and clunking is gone! Also, my rear diff hasn't leaked any fluid. All is well.

 

[Sampson]

Glad you got it all sorted out.