sdaly

Hi all,

About 5000 miles ago, I noticed my front diff leaking only VERY SLIGHTLY. Only enough to leave a very slight film on just part of the underside of my front diff, so probably only a total of maybe a couple drops. I cleaned off the bottom of the diff, ran it 5000 miles and checked it again. Same thing, only a very minor amount of leaking like the last time. My question is, has this happened to others here, and is it a big deal (should I get it fixed) or drive on and not worry about it for now? I checked the fluid level in the pumpkin and it's full of fluid. Thanks.

Nate-03 D

I can't say that i've ever encountered a leaky front differential. Im sure you have already tried it but if not check the bolts and retighten them(not to tight, they can snap pretty easy). Maybe the seal is faulty or it wasn't seald properly.

sdaly

Oh yeah it is DEFINITELY leaking from the seal, not from the filler bolt or cover bolts.

torquefan

Several months ago, my rear pinion seal started leaking. It was not enough to make a huge mess, but enough to leave a trail down the housing with a couple drips hanging off. The fluid level still appeared full. I fixed it immediately because 1) it's not gonna get better on its own. If it gets worse on a long trip and empties the whole differential, it'll be big bucks to fix. Problems are a lot more manageable while they're still small. 2) I hate stains under my truck on the pavement. 3) if you have several little problems with the truck that go ignored, it's not long before it becomes a beater.

Just my opinion.

sdaly

Torquefan, thanks for the reply. I was having the same feeling that it should probably be repaired. Is this repair covered under the 7/70 warranty?

2003Ram

If you haven't serviced your diffs, this may be a good time. Manual says 15k miles for the first service.

GL-5 synthetic. Gaskets are reusable.

sdaly

Yeah I've already serviced them and poured in Redline synthetic 75W90. In fact I'm coming up on the next service so I'd like to remedy the problem before that service, so I don't waste that expensive gear oil.

2003Ram

In that case, the first thing I'd do is check all the bolts to make sure they are tight. If you still have seepage, you'll likely need a new gasket.

sdaly

Thanks. It's definitely seeping from the shaft seal and not the diff cover. I just made an appointment with the $tealer to take a look at it. I better read that 7/70 warranty in detail. I sure hope it's covered.

OOPS

It is drivetrain and should be covered. Unless you know how to work on diffs it is not a good idea to try it yourself.

enafzige

Mine was leaking like you described. I had it replaced under warranty at 35k miles, and the paperwork said that the seal was split from the factory...

Eric

carharttfarmer

mine was leaking and replaced under warrenty at 8000 leaking agin at 10000 covering the cntrol arms now instead of just running down the under side of the diff

2003Ram

Yeah, that does sound like the pinion seal. You might need a special tool to pull it. I'm not sure.

I know my '03 has the 7/70, but does the '05? Chrysler changed to a 3/36 at some point.

SDHNTR

My 06 leaks too. Exactly as you describe. From the pinion seal. Not enough for me to worry about too much. I have almost 13K and was waiting until about 15 K to take it in, hoping to get a fluid change out of them while they are at it. It seems to be a very common problem.

matt ellerbee

my '06 was leaking as described. come to find out it was the filler bolt, you could see the paint line they mark on them wasnt matching up it was about 1/2 a turn off really. just snugged it up abit more, no worries...