Rear End Leaking!?!?!?!

[Bradf5]

Just looked under my 98 Ranger w/ 2.5 5spd and I have a puddle of fluid right under the ujoint. It looks as if the fluid is coming off the round plate that the ujoint caps bolt too. Is this common? What can i do? Also the wiring harness that goes to the top of the rear end what is that for?

 

[Gotta_gofast]

I don't know if I would come out and admit my rear end is dripping...

Your leak isn't too common. Its probably as easy as a new seal. Those wires are for your rear ABS.

 

[Bradf5]

How hard is it to replace that seal? Does everything have to come out of the rearend? Or can i do it from the outside

 

[Otto]

It's most likely brake fluid. The parts that connect the metal hose to the flex rubber hose are know to rust and break.

 

[Bradf5]

Also where can i check the level of the fluid in there...I have to drive it this week and want to make sure it has fluid

 

[Otto]

brake fluid reservoir under the hood on the right..lol Come on man!! Do you have a hanes manual?

 

[Bradf5]

It's most likely brake fluid. The parts that connect the metal hose to the flex rubber hose are know to rust and break.

What color is rearend fluid? The oil dripping is similar to brake fluid color but im not familiar with rearend stuff

 

[Otto]

Brake fluid will be clear or a light blueish/green tinge

 

[Bradf5]

brake fluid reservoir under the hood on the right..lol Come on man!! Do you have a hanes manual?

I know where to check brake fluid LOL...I mean the rear end level is there a plug like on a GM? I didnt see one but I looked real quick

 

[Otto]

Check the area where the metal hose and slightly thinker rubber hose meet. If they break, that stuff will fly all over the place including the rear axle.

 

[Bradf5]

I dont see where it could be anything else leaking, I looks to me that fluid is coming out of the center of the shaft that goes into the rearend. Its running down the round plate that the ujoint holder thing bolts to and its dripping on the ground. Its thicker that brake fluid so im pretty sure its not brake fluid

 

[exbass94]

It sounds like pinion seal is leaking. Check the diff fluid by removing the plug on the diff. Add fluid till it starts dripping back out of the hole. The plug is on the same side of the diff as the driveshaft.

 

[Shran]

Yeah this sounds like a pinion seal to me too.

 

[Bradf5]

Is this something I can do in the driveway or am i better off taking it to a shop

 

[Shran]

Pinion seals should be replaced by a shop.