Front Diff Leaking - am I missing two bolts?

[BulldogBear]

Went to do my 40k oil change and my first peak under the Bronco revealed that the front diff is leaking (I've changed my oil myself every 5k since new, so I'm under the truck on a somewhat regular basis).

Once I got the skid plate off, and started to investigate, I've got two blank bolt holes in the diff casing that look like bolts belong in them... One is at the bottom-most part of the diff, the second is toward the front of the vehicle. Can anyone verify if they have bolts there?

I'm hoping two bolts might be my solution instead of having to have the diff seal replaced.

Not too pleased if it's the seal that failed at only 40k, but I would hope that would be covered under the powertrain warranty…

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[userdude]

I have the same thing, two holes and a leak on my front diff. I don't know those are missing, though.

 

[BulldogBear]

I have the same thing, two holes and a leak on my front diff. I don't know those are missing, though.

How many miles on your Bronco? Mine started leaking between 35k & 40k...

 

[userdude]

How many miles on your Bronco? Mine started leaking between 35k & 40k...

22k miles.

 

[popo_patty]

Went to do my 40k oil change and my first peak under the Bronco revealed that the front diff is leaking (I've changed my oil myself every 5k since new, so I'm under the truck on a somewhat regular basis).

Once I got the skid plate off, and started to investigate, I've got two blank bolt holes in the diff casing that look like bolts belong in them... One is at the bottom-most part of the diff, the second is toward the front of the vehicle. Can anyone verify if they have bolts there?

I'm hoping two bolts might be my solution instead of having to have the diff seal replaced.

Not too pleased if it's the seal that failed at only 40k, but I would hope that would be covered under the powertrain warranty…

Normal. I clipped a photo from my diff fluid video for reference.

 

[popo_patty]

Went to do my 40k oil change and my first peak under the Bronco revealed that the front diff is leaking (I've changed my oil myself every 5k since new, so I'm under the truck on a somewhat regular basis).

Once I got the skid plate off, and started to investigate, I've got two blank bolt holes in the diff casing that look like bolts belong in them... One is at the bottom-most part of the diff, the second is toward the front of the vehicle. Can anyone verify if they have bolts there?

I'm hoping two bolts might be my solution instead of having to have the diff seal replaced.

Not too pleased if it's the seal that failed at only 40k, but I would hope that would be covered under the powertrain warranty…

I’m hazarding a guess that it’s your drain plug leaking. Try reinstalling it with thread sealer (not Teflon). Then spray it all off with brake cleaner and wipe up. See if it comes back.

 

[userdude]

I’m hazarding a guess that it’s your drain plug leaking. Try reinstalling it with thread sealer (not Teflon). Then spray it all off with brake cleaner and wipe up. See if it comes back.

Why do you say that? Mine looks almost the same (it does go up on the left side of the photo, see below). I see a plug up on the top, right (which is lubricant-free). Is there another one?

Edit: Nevermind. I just saw the one along the bottom in the middle...

 

[popo_patty]

Why do you say that? Mine looks almost the same (it does go up on the left side of the photo, see below). I see a plug up on the top, right (which is lubricant-free). Is there another one?

Edit: Nevermind. I just saw the one along the bottom in the middle...

Dang that’s some muck haha. His doesn’t look near as bad as yours. I’m also seeing where his drain plug is that the fluid seems to come from that area. Unless it’s getting sprayed up somehow. It stops right before the top of the drain plug too. Just a guess, easy way to find out too without dissembling the diff or waiting for a dealer apt.

 

[popo_patty]

Why do you say that? Mine looks almost the same (it does go up on the left side of the photo, see below). I see a plug up on the top, right (which is lubricant-free). Is there another one?

Edit: Nevermind. I just saw the one along the bottom in the middle...

Yours looks like a pinion leak

 

[userdude]

Yours looks like a pinion leak

Yeah, it goes up pretty high. I also went and looked and there's none around the plug.

 

[popo_patty]

Yeah, it goes up pretty high. I also went and looked and there's none around the plug.

I added a photo to my post. Normally a leaking case seal won’t allow this thick, oily crud gather and pool like it’s doing along your pinion seal area. Oil travels down and can spread out a bit from wind while driving. The heavy spot seems to be at your pinion from the photos. It’s thinner elsewhere till it reaches the point where it drips off the case. Common leak area. I’ve replaced a pinion seal at 20k. Idk just a thought.

 

[userdude]

I added a photo to my post. Normally a leaking case seal won’t allow this thick, oily crud gather and pool like it’s doing along your pinion seal area. Oil travels down and can spread out a bit from wind while driving. The heavy spot seems to be at your pinion from the photos. It’s thinner elsewhere till it reaches the point where it drips off the case. Common leak area. I’ve replaced a pinion seal at 20k. Idk just a thought.

What do you think about it being covered by warranty? If I end up paying for it, is it expensive?

 

[popo_patty]

What do you think about it being covered by warranty? If I end up paying for it, is it expensive?

My Jeep is cheap. Bronco was free and covered under warranty

 

[popo_patty]

Went to do my 40k oil change and my first peak under the Bronco revealed that the front diff is leaking (I've changed my oil myself every 5k since new, so I'm under the truck on a somewhat regular basis).

Once I got the skid plate off, and started to investigate, I've got two blank bolt holes in the diff casing that look like bolts belong in them... One is at the bottom-most part of the diff, the second is toward the front of the vehicle. Can anyone verify if they have bolts there?

I'm hoping two bolts might be my solution instead of having to have the diff seal replaced.

Not too pleased if it's the seal that failed at only 40k, but I would hope that would be covered under the powertrain warranty…

After that convo with userdude. Maybe check your pinion seal as well? Where the driveshaft connects to front diff. Any leaking?

 

[userdude]

My Jeep is cheap. Bronco was free and covered under warranty

Nice! I hope whatever this is, is covered. And if they can get to it by Friday, then I can go to Merus this weekend. Not holding my breath but maybe.

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