Rear Axel Seal Leaking

[jbplock]

After reading about rear axel seal leaks I found one of mine leaking when rotating my tires yesterday. I noticed some oil on the driver’s side rear rotor and a sniff test indicated it was diff lube. Looking closer on the backside of the rotor revealed more oil. I currently have 25kmiles. Seems to be a common problem – luckily I’m still under warranty so it’s back to the dealer.

http://thumb3.webshots.com/s/thumb1/8/7/23/139080723yFaWcq_th.jpg
drivers side rear axel seal leak (http://community.webshots.com/photo/65684589/139080723yFaWcq)

[ 05-15-2004, 02:07 PM: Message edited by: jbplock ]

[turbowind]

Looks like there might be a problem with the axle seals...My 2001 seals went at 35,000 and 50,000...My 2003 is on its third set at 40,000. The dealer has replaced the last set at no charge to me. This truck is driven daily on road and is well maintained and serviced. :confused:

[mdrag]

Bill,

It must be catchy...I noticed that the DS rear seal was leaking a few weeks ago while installing a tire pressure monitoring system. I took the opportunity to remove the 19.5" wheels/adapters and clean everything up...now I get to spend some time quality time with Alcoa's wheel polish... ;)

The OEM tires/wheels are back on (for now), until I have this fixed. The 3 year warranty will expire mid June. I had the dealer look at the DS rear seal when the truck was a little older than 1 year, and I was told that some 'seepage' was normal :rolleyes: ....

[jbplock]

Update:

Dealer replaced the seal and e-brake shoes under warranty. :cool: I'll be keeping a close watch on both rear wheels for more leaks form now on. I also asked the service writer about using Mobil-1 75W-90 in the rear Diff and he said no problem.

smile.gif

[jsa]

#2 time for me same wheel pass rear only 3,600 miles

[saywhat]

My drivers side rear axle seal leaked bad enough to cover the tire on the inside at 33,0000 miles.The half-ton trucks I have had in the past always had a seal leak at around 50,000 miles.Seems that these seals should not be leaking at such low mileage.

[Modified]

The difference with our AAM rear axils, (as far as I know), as compared to most others on pickups, is our bearings are oil wetted bearings, and not greased.
The seals used with greased bearings is only there to keep dirt and water out, and it does not have to try to keep the 75W90 lubricant in, which is much more difficult.

[saywhat]

Have never owned a rear wheel drive vehicle in which the bearings were packed in grease for lubrication.The oil that is in the differential follows the axle out to the wheel bearings for lubrication.Have seen vehicles with independant rear suspensions(no axle houseing) in which the above does not apply.The front wheel bearings with independant suspension as in our 4wd trucks would need grease to survive,maybe this is what Modified refers to and would be a good point.

[Runaway]

the PS side was replace around the 13K mark and the DS side replace at 17K. Both times the e-brake pad were replaced. Now @ 40K and no further problems.

[chrisinkanata]

Same as some of you, changing tires the other day, noticed oil on the LR rotor. Still under warranty, so off to the dealer. No problem. This is last Monday. Yesterday, about a 300 mile drive. Stop at a light at the end of an off ramp. I thought the thing was on fire! Smoke just rolling out of the LR wheel well. Smells very close to when you drop oil on a hot exhaust manifold. Pulled over, let it cool, and slowly drove home. Back to the dealer tomorrow to see what's up.

[Diesel Dave]

Just got back from a trip to Radium Hot Springs & the Bugaboo glacier. (45km of old logging road which takes 2 & 1/2 hours one way.)
Looked under rear of truck when we got back to Saskatoon..........you got it,OIL. As my truck now has 75000 km.& off warranty I was off to the parts store to get a seal. Found out no one but the dealer stocks it. So off to dealer & $ 28.00 later had the seal.Took about 1/2 to 3/4 hr. to replace & be back in service. As these trucks have a floating rear axle working on them is fairly simple.

[AbqGeorge]

Thanks Dave,

You just answered my question, "How difficult are they to replace."

[Modified]

Did you say "one for $28.00"?
You can order one, I believe to your door, from dmaxallyTech for $15.00. Go to:

http://www.gmdieseltech.com/store2/cart.php?target=product&action=view&product_id=16223&category_id=248

[letsgo]

Question???

Is there a vent hole in the rear axle housing to release expanding and contracting gases Rather than force these gases out the oil seals along with the axle oil onto the brakes.

good luck

[jjackson]

Modified, I was going to order a seal after reading your post, but if I read the price on the site correctly, the seal is $15, so I "placed it in my basket", but when it came up w/a $25 delivery charge, for a total of $40 I cancelled it.

John