Pinion seal leak?

Got the creeper out today and was just looking over the truck. I noticed some leakage going on near the rear diff, and after giving it a quick goog it looks like it may be the pinion seal that's leaking? What does it look like to you guys from these pictures, and what all should I look at replacing? Seems a bit odd it would be leaking at only 45,000 miles, but I did have someone do my regear to 5.29's around 25,000.

I'm going to run to the auto parts store but what all should I pick up? Just the pinion seal itself and see if that fixes it?

 

Could also be a clogged breather, without it the pressure can push the oil out past the seal.

 

Good to know. That's something I should be able to check pretty easily. I'll take a look.

 

Besides that I would say who ever did the regear damaged the seal

 

I want to say solid spacer, since that's what came with my nitro gears kit.

I'm starting to think this might have played a part. I have a rear diff breather mod, and it was clogged as hell with dried up mud. I'm relocating it now.

Still seems like quite a bit of leakage though and I do think I'll still replace the seal. Will clean up the area and see if it's still leaking after cleaning up and relocating the breather.

 

seal was most likely fine before the clogged breather, you need to check your axle seals as well, if your lucky when the pinion seal went it relieved the pressure and the axle seals are ok.

 

So far this thread has not devolved into TW BS. Thank goodness and it seems you are receiving good advice. From the conversation I think you are aware that with a solid spacer replacing the seal can be accomplished without creating more problems with the R&P setup if done with care. Don't ask me how I know, I've done it both ways. What you have is the best reason for using solid spacers on the vehicle.
I would like to add that you might want to remove the drive shaft and see if there is any play in the Pinon bearings, if so you will be removing the 3rd member for more work. If you have a relationship with the 5.29 people talk to them.
Do have one question for the OP: What rear springs and U-Bolt kit are you running?

 

Thanks man. Yea sometimes these threads can get a bit outta control. I've been pretty lucky thus far.

These are the All pro expedition leafs( ), and I have a U-bolt flip kit from Wheelers. ( )

I'm also running their bump stops as well

 

If you clean all the shit off of it and then drive it a round for a bit it might help isolate the location it's seeping from.

 

If you have a cubby, this is a good spot to keep the breather clean and dry.

 

If you do the breather relocation mod I think the behind the taillight is the best and easiest.

 

Yep that's what I did. I had it there before, it was just on the other side of the metal behind the taillight. Now it's on the same side as the taillight.

 

It’s pretty obvious that it’s leaking from the pinion seal. Since you said your breather was really clogged and you’re gonna fix it, I’d just top-up the diff, clean all the old fluid off the housing and keep an eye on it. You might get lucky and not have to replace the seal.....

 

Make sure you grab hold of that pinion yoke and make sure there is zero play up or down... sometimes pinion leakage is an early sign of excessive play from a poorly set up pinion. Other than that, as discussed above, carry on

 

Good point. I'll get under there later today and check for excessive play. I should be able to check that with the driveshaft still connected right? Or would it be better if I unbolted it first?

 

Yes, you can check without removing the shaft.

 

Like @Speedfreak said, you don’t have to remove your DS but you should check for play after putting your parking brake on and putting the transmission in neutral to relieve any torque on the shaft or gears (it just makes it easier to check IMO)

 

Cool, I'm going to go out here in a few min and check. I really appreciate all the info and advice you guys have given. Solid learning opportunity here

 

So, there's no side to side or up and down play whatsoever. That shit is tight. There is a bit of backlash though, but it may be an acceptable amount. Bad news is, it's definitely still leaking so I'll probably just go ahead and replace the seal.

 

So I performed surgery on her yesterday. The flange piece definitely has a small groove in it. Really confused on why that would be there on a truck with 45,000 miles... I went ahead and installed the new seal, but if I see more leaks I'll need to replace that flange piece.

The color of the fluid definitely indicates water got in there, so hopefully the new diff breather location prevents that.

Also, can anyone explain why this thing took a full 5 qts to fill? I did some googling and people said theirs took between 3-4 qts to fill. Mine took an entire fifth qt.