Rear Axle Leaking - 2.8l SWB

[str8gooods]

Today I noticed a small puddle under the rear of the truck. Upon inspection I noticed that the rear axle is leaking. The fluid definitely smells like diff oil. Anyone have an idea of the cause?. I haven't cleaned it off yet, but it looks like is seeping from the weld to the left of the diff cover. I attached a pic. Any help would be great

[thedjjack]

jack up the other side, add some light air pressure (low pressure), find leak ...

weld up leak (or jb weld)....

[str8gooods]

Where would I add the air pressure?

[thedjjack]

down the diff breather located on the top of the punkin usually...keep under 5-10psi so you do not blowout the seals

also top up the fluid after

[Dino]

Try just hosing it down with brake clean and using an air blower and a towel to clean and dry it off first. Gear oil crawls very well so the leak should expose itself quickly.

[thedjjack]

Do Not Use Brake Cleaner if you are going to weld it later.....the off gas can kill you

see article: http://www.brewracingframes.com/id75.htm

[Mephisto]

If you get a non-chlorinated brake clean it is fine to weld after, just make sure you have the correct type. I have welded after using the wrong kind and you know immediately, burning eyes, nose and lungs, and that was in a well ventilated area. The boss found some cheaper brake clean and replaced it without telling us, jackass thought he could save a penny and didn't ask our opinion.

[Mephisto]

Wow, after reading that article I realize how bad my experience could have been. My boss is lucky I didn't realize how dangerous it was. So be prudent, and double check that the brake clean you use doesn't have chlorine in it if you plan on welding after.

[str8gooods]

I took the truck to the shop where I get some work done on other cars, and I was told that I would have to take it to a more equipped welding place. Apparently the cast iron axle requires a tig welder. And now after calling a few shops I am finding it difficult to get this done. What sort of place should I look for?

[Dino]

As a temporary or budget alternative you can get metal reinforced epoxy putty that I've used before. It's pretty slick stuff and should do the trick. Just make sure the surface is completely free of rust and oil before you put it on.

[thedjjack]

JB Weld will work (epoxy type weld)

However, I do not think that is a cast housing it is stamped steel as gears load on the removable carrier this is not an american style diff....I would be in shock if it was cast.

Anyone with a welder should be able to add some weld...that been said JB Weld will get the job done.....wire wheel the area and then JB weld it. Done

And flush the fluid as water may have gotten in and never hurts to flush if you have a locker make sure you have the right fluid.

[Mephisto]

That is most definitely not cast iron, a normal MIG will do the job just fine. Most automotive shops have no clue about welding and spout BS like that. JB weld will work, but is a temporary band aid. If you are in the Langley area I would recommend VND Motorsport, it's just behind Sport Trucks Unlimited. My buddy Shawn would be more than capable of welding that up.

[str8gooods]

Thanks guys for the help. I was skeptical when the first shop told me it was cast. I ended up taking it to a muffler shop that did some work on my skyline thinking anyone how can properly weld aluminum would be able to do the job. They had no hesitation, $80 cash and the welded it up, and fixed a broken exhaust support while they were at it.
The first shop did do a fluid change, but I guess I should top it up again, as it leaked at least 500ml before the fix. The fill plug is the one about half way up the pumpkin correct?

[LeeHammy]

Just before you go through the trouble.. I had the same thing today. But it was refrigerant oil from the a/c lines to the rear a/c system. They run over the rear axle about where your picture shows and the oil was dripping down making it look like a diff leak. I am sure this isn't the case in your case but just in case have a gander...

[str8gooods]

Hello everyone. I need some help. What was once just a leaking axle housing, has now become a cracked axle housing. Does this look weldable, or am I going to have to source a replacement housing. If so, anyone have any ideas where. I'm unsure of what montero stuff might fit. My truck is a 94 2800 with the lsd. Here's a pic.

crackedaxle2.JPG (510.99 KiB) Viewed 10086 times

Any help would be great