Differential Leak

[99UAV]

Newbie here,

Two quick question:

1. 99 EB Expedition with 101,000 miles, 2wd. About 6 months ago I changed the differential oil and resealed the differential cover. I just noticed that I have a leak (just a few drops overnight) leaking from the bottom of the differential. Thought I had not sealed the cover well but I looked under the differential and it appears the leak in coming from the seal around the drive shaft into the differential. Is there a seal or is it something else?

2. Noticed the auto leveler compressor is running more often then normal (still not that bad) is that a sign of a leak in the air bag?

Also, I'm in the process of repairing a few of the other problems that others have highlighted:

Blow subwoofer speaker -- replaced speaker with JL Audio and resealed box -- works great
Worn lower ball joint -- will repair next at tire rotation
Plug Change -- sounds like it maybe more than I can handle -- patience wise
Intermitten Odometer -- saving for a latter time
Rear window wiper not working -- saving for a latter time

As usually, lots of brakes, airfilters and oil changes -- normal maintenance.

[carlos80]

Originally Posted by 99UAV

Newbie here,

Two quick question:

1. 99 EB Expedition with 101,000 miles, 2wd. About 6 months ago I changed the differential oil and resealed the differential cover. I just noticed that I have a leak (just a few drops overnight) leaking from the bottom of the differential. Thought I had not sealed the cover well but I looked under the differential and it appears the leak in coming from the seal around the drive shaft into the differential. Is there a seal or is it something else?

2. Noticed the auto leveler compressor is running more often then normal (still not that bad) is that a sign of a leak in the air bag?

Also, I'm in the process of repairing a few of the other problems that others have highlighted:

Blow subwoofer speaker -- replaced speaker with JL Audio and resealed box -- works great
Worn lower ball joint -- will repair next at tire rotation
Plug Change -- sounds like it maybe more than I can handle -- patience wise
Intermitten Odometer -- saving for a latter time
Rear window wiper not working -- saving for a latter time

As usually, lots of brakes, airfilters and oil changes -- normal maintenance.

1.There's a seal in that particular place that you talk of
2.Air suspension compressor running longer typically means a leaking bag or solenoid, have you ever let the vehicle just sit there for a few days to see if it loses air(noticed by ride height).

[xterracraze]

There are seals where the driveshaft connect with the rear diff and the tranny, and the auto leveler, could be a leak or a solenoid not reading properly. Changing plugs isn't too bad, rear wiper motor is one of the easiest things to do. Look at the "Rear Wiper Motor" thread posted earlier and I gave simple instructions on that changeout.

[carlos80]

Originally Posted by xterracraze

There are seals where the driveshaft connect with the rear diff and the tranny, and the auto leveler, could be a leak or a solenoid not reading properly. Changing plugs isn't too bad, rear wiper motor is one of the easiest things to do. Look at the "Rear Wiper Motor" thread posted earlier and I gave simple instructions on that changeout.

1.there are no seals where the driveshaft connects to the diff. those are called U-joints however there's a seal at the pinion yoke
2.solenoids are not sensors and do not provide input to the module that controls Air Suspension i think you're confusing them with the height sensors
3. if coil on plugs your in for a treat on changing those spark plugs especially if it has rear a/c and heater

[99UAV]

Originally Posted by carlos80

1.there are no seals where the driveshaft connects to the diff. those are called U-joints however there's a seal at the pinion yoke
2.solenoids are not sensors and do not provide input to the module that controls Air Suspension i think you're confusing them with the height sensors
3. if coil on plugs your in for a treat on changing those spark plugs especially if it has rear a/c and heater

Thanks guys,

Just got a call from the wife..."I think something is wrong with the Expedition, when I put it in drive or reverse I hear a funny clunk"

Sounds like u joints, I hope not the transmission. Weekend project coming up.

[RahX]

the leak could be a sign of a pinion bearing failure. when you drop the driveshaft try and wiggle that yoke around and see how much movement there is up/down left/right and in/out. there should be very little. if there is more than that i would take it to a shop and get it looked at.