Diff/Half-Shaft/CV Question

[David Kronenfeld]

I was out on the trail today and my rear drivetrain just completely gave out. Had to limp home with the diff locked, later towed by my buddy's Ford Expedition. I had some rear wheel spin (on an incline with a loose surface) and then my rear diff just started spewing out oil from the behind the diff-protector. There were no holes in my diff that I could see, I wasn't able to take off the protector (AB style) to see what was behind it, but there were no holes! What could I have possibly broken that would have caused this? Split a half-shaft? Destroyed a CV joint? I'm up at school and so now I'm stranded 150 miles from home and have to figure out what to do. The truck is still under warranty and now looks like it just came from a detail shop (big kudos to my buddies for helping me wash it). Anything in particular to look for???

 

[Andrew Homan]

I don't think you have a cv on the rear axle. sounds like you snapped a shaft and something from that caused a leak. If you are under warranty thats awesome. If it was just a shaft you can replace that easy a few bolts and a paper gasket. if it's leaking now may have more serious issues. I'm assuming you have a DII. I own a d1 so I'm no the authority. where was the leak from again.

 

[Jamooche]

Sounds like a half-shaft and/or broken rear diff. When I broke a front left haf-shaft on my D2 I could also only drive it in diff lock or it would make this horrible grinding noise. The shaft may have broken and then went on to injure the diff.

Jamil

 

[David Kronenfeld]

Thanks Andrew,

It's actually not a DII, but a '97 DI, so many less things to worry about, but then again I've had a new transmission, cooling system, and several other things done under warranty already. The LR reps know my car pretty well... My dealership is awesome though, the car used to be their off-road truck and so they love seeing someone use it.

 

[bri]

What was the deal with the oil? Any idea where it came from? That would definitely give you a clue as to what went down. If there is no hole in the diff, what about the pinion/driveshaft area? Are both the fill and drain plugs still there? Any oil left? Any pieces parts in the diff?

 

[Andrew Homan]

Ditto on what bri said. hopefully its just a shaft. easy fix not cheap but easy. This would give you the excuse to put in some heavy duty gbr shafts

 

[D Chapman]

Just pull the rear axles, it will take you 15 minutes max. If they are intact, it's either your diff, ring or pinion. I'm betting on the diff. Reguardless of what it is, if your not going to "upgrade" call someone like Will Tillery and get some good used parts and save a ton of money.

If you saw oil, there has to be a hole somewhere. Could it be coming out between the diff and the housing?

 

[bri]

Pulling the drain plug on the diff, lifting the tires to see what turns might at least diagnose the problem before you pull the axles. Sure its easy to do and you may need to do it anyway, but start easy and get harder. I'd guess diff too and depending on where the oil came from maybe it blew the oil from the pinion? If there is play in the rear drive shaft, you should not drive it with it on.

When mine blew, I thought I only hammered the rear yoke of the drive shaft, so I removed the front of the drive shaft (rear was on the ground). Then I get home and determine that I blew the differential as well.

I'd still try to have it fixed under warranty though.

Brian

 

[Eric N.]

You may want to clean off the diff and axle housing real well and then put an oil pan under your diff.. Then put some real cheap gear oil in there and see where it's leaking from.. If you can't get your diff guard off I'm assuming that it's been welded on. You may have pulled off a weld making a small hole in your diff housing. You will also want to pull your axles and check them and also pull your third member out and check the diff and ring/pinion gears for damage.. Also inspect the inside of your diff housing as well for any holes or cracks in the seams while the third member is out.

 

[bri]

Just curious where this ended up David?

Brian

 

[David Kronenfeld]

Talked to my mechanic today...Because I'm under certified warranty, the truck is being shipped home tomorrow and will be taken care of back home. That saves me the trouble of trying to fix it without tools, etc. Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I am going to drop in a set of HD axles, just not sure which ones yet, thinking about GBR...

 

[rtiqulatendisco]

I bet it was the cross shaft in the diff. The oil now...probably always been there