4th gen front diff pinion leak

[THEREALDEAL]

Just noticed the other day that i have a minor leak around the pinion on the front diff. I don't have any experience with the inner workings of the axles on my wagon. It's a 2010 with 39000 miles on it, what kind of job am i in for? Is this something that people are seeing on the early 4th gens or just bad luck? It will not be going to the dealer, in my experience they have f***** more things up than what they have fixed. No offense to anybody affiliated, just my personal experience.

Thanks in advance,

[Mpersicke87]

I've done mine at 70,000kms was seeping a little bit, also did a rear axle seal at 35,000 Kms because it was leaking a bit.

Covered on my powertrain warranty but think it took them about 2 hours if I recall.

[Stickman]

My front pinion seal is weeping a little bit on my '12 with 21k from the cold. Not a puddle under it or anything, just enough to wet the center section behind the pinion where the bracing is in the casting. If it doesn't go away this summer then it'll be going to the dealer.

[Will]

Leaking or a seep? Mines a 2010 and seeps from time to time and has for 3 years but doesn't present any issues. No water in oil and no loss in oil. Just enough to let you know it does from the dark spot and collection of dust but not enough to keep it wet and clean.

[2011RPW]

My 2011 was leaking on the rear axle, I let it go till I saw an actual oil drop, then replaced the seals. Both axles weep, however, especially since I cram as much oil in as I can.

[MOPARManiac]

Leaking or a seep? Mines a 2010 and seeps from time to time and has for 3 years but doesn't present any issues. No water in oil and no loss in oil. Just enough to let you know it does from the dark spot and collection of dust but not enough to keep it wet and clean.

Same as my 2010. I was going to get it changed under warranty, but it stopped seeping all together. I'm sure it will seep again. I figure if it isn't dripping to the point you have to worry about substantial fluid loss it isn't worth worrying about.

Doesn't the pinion nut have to be tightened under load or something like that? They certainly are not as easy to change as ones on the older vehicles.

[THEREALDEAL]

Leaking or a seep? Mines a 2010 and seeps from time to time and has for 3 years but doesn't present any issues. No water in oil and no loss in oil. Just enough to let you know it does from the dark spot and collection of dust but not enough to keep it wet and clean.

No just some seepage, pretty much like everybody has described. I know it's not really an issue but it's just one of those things that bug me. I do wheel it occasionally but I've been able to keep the miles down and it's still in pretty good shape. Just got some new shoes, finally pulled the trigger on some goodyear duratracs.

[loveracing1988]

Leaking or a seep? Mines a 2010 and seeps from time to time and has for 3 years but doesn't present any issues. No water in oil and no loss in oil. Just enough to let you know it does from the dark spot and collection of dust but not enough to keep it wet and clean.

Same as my 2010. I was going to get it changed under warranty, but it stopped seeping all together. I'm sure it will seep again. I figure if it isn't dripping to the point you have to worry about substantial fluid loss it isn't worth worrying about.

Doesn't the pinion nut have to be tightened under load or something like that? They certainly are not as easy to change as ones on the older vehicles.

The pinion nut has to be tightened to however many foot pounds it takes to get your total turning torque within spec. You would take an inch pound torque wrench and take a before reading and reset it to that when you tightened the pinion nut back up.

[TwinStick]

My 2011 was leaking on the rear axle, I let it go till I saw an actual oil drop, then replaced the seals. Both axles weep, however, especially since I cram as much oil in as I can.

I do the same thing. No issues, ever. Have done it on all 3 of my Dodges. Most all Dodge axle failures (under warranty) always have the same conclusion: "pinion bearing failure due to lack of lubrication". That is a fact. If truck was purchased new & there are no leaks, how the f**k can that be possible ? Under filled &/or under spec'd from the factory. They usually will not cover it & blame the customer for "lack of proper maintenance".

I put mine on ramps & overfill front axle, rear axle, manual transmission & transfer case. Just make sure the vent lines are free of obstructions (mud, insects, road debris & such).

Your results may vary !!!