At 107000 miles my 97 expedition started leaking fluid from front axle vent. the only fix i have found is a tsb involving replacing the front axle tube with one that has a re-positioned vent port.It goes on to say as axle temp rises fluid may be forced out of vent tube.My question is:Why did this leak start at 107000 miles? No one has an explanation but they would be glad to do the repair. Does anyone have any idea what is going on?

 

I don't see how a rise in axle temp could cause the fluid to be forced out... the housing isn't filled all the way to start with (or at least it shouldn't be!). Have you been off-roading or through deep water with it recently? I have heard of people filling the diff with water, but that toasts the bearings and gears very quickly. The other possibility I can think of is that it is actually getting low and has begun aerating it, and it's the mist blowing out. Have you checked the level?

-Joe

 

insane,
Was there any service done to the front axle before the leak? Is it leaking out of the tube that ends up inside the engine compartment? Or is it down on the axle? As per Joe’s remarks, if the fluid level checks out have a look at the hose for signs of collapse. If it is collapsed it could cause pressure to build up till there is enough to blow past the obstruction and spill out the end of the tube.

regards

Jean Marc Chartier