What's up with my rear differential?

Video Guy · **Posted:** Thu Nov 06, 2008 12:00 pm

A few days ago, I noticed stains on my rear differential housing and driver side axle. The stains aren't very wet, and there's no fluid accumulating or dripping onto my garage floor. Does this warrant a trip to the shop?

Pics:

It's been 30K miles since my last diff fluid change, so doing that couldn'tt hurt, but I don't want to waste my time if I've blown a seal somewhere. The KJ has about 72K miles on it.

Thanks in advance for any info!

JJsTJ · **Posted:** Thu Nov 06, 2008 2:47 pm

Pretty normal on most diff housings. Tubes are pressed into the housing and it is common for the fluid to find a way out over time. As long as it isn't dripping wet, it should be fine. Degrease it and hose it off and just keep an eye on it.

Dje Ryu · **Posted:** Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:22 pm

Make sure it's not brake fluid leaking out of that fitting right above it, though.

LIV42DY · **Posted:** Thu Nov 06, 2008 10:17 pm

the speed sensor seems to be dry, in that spot thats the only place it could be from. otherwise as stated before check the line above it.

tommudd · **Posted:** Thu Nov 06, 2008 11:01 pm

JJsKJ wrote:

Pretty normal on most diff housings. Tubes are pressed into the housing and it is common for the fluid to find a way out over time. As long as it isn't dripping wet, it should be fine. Degrease it and hose it off and just keep an eye on it.

Xs two
nothing really to worry about

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Fri Nov 07, 2008 12:05 am

tommudd wrote:

JJsKJ wrote:

Pretty normal on most diff housings. Tubes are pressed into the housing and it is common for the fluid to find a way out over time. As long as it isn't dripping wet, it should be fine. Degrease it and hose it off and just keep an eye on it.

Xs two
nothing really to worry about

I'd be worried,that could mean bent tubes or a broken plug weld and those tubes can work there way out.

sleeve84028 · **Posted:** Fri Nov 07, 2008 9:06 am

You could try degreasing the wet areas, cleaning them up and then watching to see if (and where) the fluid comes from. That might ease some of your concern over a major problem, since you could judge how fast the fluid is leaking (as the wet spot reforms)

I've seen countless axles tubes seep diff fluid like that. maybe even my KJ has a leaky tube too...

Video Guy · **Posted:** Fri Nov 07, 2008 9:51 pm

Thanks, everybody.

I asked for opinions because I didn't change the rear diff oil until 45,000 miles. Never experienced those stains before.

I will feel around the brake lines in daylight.

TJB

jsc7002 · **Posted:** Fri Nov 07, 2008 9:54 pm

what would cause the oil to come out of the rear diff, where the driveshaft connects?

jeepkj02 · **Posted:** Fri Nov 07, 2008 9:55 pm

jsc7002 wrote:

what would cause the oil to come out of the rear diff, where the driveshaft connects?

Bad pinion seal.

tommudd · **Posted:** Fri Nov 07, 2008 10:23 pm

If he wheeled it hard I would maybe be a little more concerned but don't think he has and if you look under 50 Cherokees 1/2 of them will have some issues like that from what I have seen..keep an eye on the fluid levels and run it

Jeep4me99 · **Posted:** Sat Nov 08, 2008 1:28 am

you're KJ pissed itself due to the recent election! :shock:

not saying that towards either the winner or loser...completely neutral statement.

corwyyn · **Posted:** Sat Nov 08, 2008 1:36 am

Jeep4me99 wrote:

you're KJ pissed itself due to the recent election! :shock:

not saying that towards either the winner or loser...completely neutral statement.

Actually I would think it was fear from the thought of GM taking over Chrysler and axing the Liberty line :shock:

What's up with my rear differential?

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