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View Full Version : rear end leaks after rebuild



lifespeed
03-24-2013, 12:42 PM
I had a local rear end shop rebuild my axle about 5K miles ago. They put in new 31 spline axles, all bearings and a new Ford limited slip. The only thing original are the ring and pinion. It recently started leaking from the pinion, so I took it back. They put another seal in it and said it was leaking between the pinion splines and yoke. Well, two weeks later it is leaking again. I'm not sure it ever stopped, or at least not for long.


I'm taking it back to them tomorrow, and will insist this time they do a full teardown and inspection. I'm also going to insist they replace the crush sleeve with a solid spacer and shim pack.

Some other information that may be relevant: I upgraded suspension shortly after the axle rebuild. During the tuning process (adjustable shocks, etc) I had the misfortune of traveling over some unfamiliar freeway overpasses with ramp features built in. So a couple Dukes of Hazzard moments ensued with the Marauder and I sailing through the air for some distance before returning to earth. I wonder if the shock loading when the spinning tires hit the road broke something that is somehow leaking the pinion?

Comin' in Hot
03-24-2013, 07:23 PM
If they used the old pinion flange, it could be worn causing the leak.

lifespeed
03-25-2013, 11:04 AM
If they used the old pinion flange, it could be worn causing the leak.

They said they checked the pinion flange. Not doing so would be incompetent.

It is down at the shop now. I hope they find the source of the problem. It is fouling the underside of my car and I'm going to have to pay for another steam cleaning. Not to mention all sorts of ugly unknown possibilities hidden inside the differential. :mad:

Baaad GN
03-25-2013, 12:24 PM
Steam cleaning???????? Why? Leave the oil there it stops rust! LOL

lifespeed
03-25-2013, 12:29 PM
Steam cleaning???????? Why? Leave the oil there it stops rust! LOL

And it smells good too ;)

lifespeed
03-25-2013, 01:54 PM
The shop says there was a rough spot on the oil slinger and it damaged the seal. They replaced the pinion yoke and seal.

I'll be keeping a close eye on this, but it sounds like a reasonable explanation. They said they did use a solid spacer on the pinion, not a crush sleeve.