Rear output shaft seal leaking

[The Beaz]

While changing the oil a week ago, once I dropped the skid plate, this strip of what appears to be electrical tape dropped to the floor. Looking around did not reveal any other pieces, or any indication of where it was from. So I completed the oil change and made a note to investigate further when I had time.

This weekend I had some time, so once again, dropped the skid plate and started to look with more intent. The first thing I notice was the "mystery heat shield" part that has been noted by others here: (I don't think this has been identified)

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/name-this-piece.29471/#post-999639
and here:
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/sound-deadener-on-garage-floor.27653/page-4

It was tucked up above the rear drive shaft. I pulled it out, and from its mangled state, went looking for fragments, or at least to discover the origin point. I never did discover where it came from, however, while looking around did notice that the rear output shaft seal is leaking. Further investigation found seepage at one, possibly two of the bolts for the transfer case. I'll be heading to the deal for a check and see what turns up.

Moral of the story, drop your skid plate and have a look around!

For the record, FE 2DR, 2.7, just over 9000 miles, took delivery in late September, a few long road trips, a bit of off-roading, nothing extreme.

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[BottleShark]

This is what really worries about the Bronco. My Toyota has 130k miles and is bone dry under.

 

[myrealname123]

While changing the oil a week ago, once I dropped the skid plate, this strip of what appears to be electrical tape dropped to the floor. Looking around did not reveal any other pieces, or any indication of where it was from. So I completed the oil change and made a note to investigate further when I had time.

This weekend I had some time, so once again, dropped the skid plate and started to look with more intent. The first thing I notice was the "mystery heat shield" part that has been noted by others here: (I don't think this has been identified)

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/name-this-piece.29471/#post-999639
and here:
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/sound-deadener-on-garage-floor.27653/page-4

It was tucked up above the rear drive shaft. I pulled it out, and from its mangled state, went looking for fragments, or at least to discover the origin point. I never did discover where it came from, however, while looking around did notice that the rear output shaft seal is leaking. Further investigation found seepage at one, possibly two of the bolts for the transfer case. I'll be heading to the deal for a check and see what turns up.

Moral of the story, drop your skid plate and have a look around!

For the record, FE 2DR, 2.7, just over 9000 miles, took delivery in late September, a few long road trips, a bit of off-roading, nothing extreme.

Any update on what the dealer said about the seal leaking? Found this on mine today.

 

[Rick Astley]

This is what really worries about the Bronco. My Toyota has 130k miles and is bone dry under.

That's because your engine is notorious for blowing its plastic timing chain tensioners and head gaskets, both of which can lead to catastrophic engine failure. All engines have their little special issues.

The teething for Bronco is still very new and more discoveries are made.

FWIW, my Chevrolet weeps like a sieve! Rear main seal is nylon rope (the upgrade from cotton!) and weaps. Any time you drive over 55 mph you get windage on the downdraft tube and it has a drip that happens on freeways. Oil pan leaks from both ends. And after I removed the oil filter housing to bypass having filtration the bungs also leak as they are the only places under a few PSI of oil pressure. All at only 23,xxx miles on the chassis!

It's all just part of the joy of owning cars.

 

[Felix808]

I'll take a rear output shaft leak on the transfer case like that over a host of other issues any day. It's not that big of a deal.

 

[BottleShark]

That's because your engine is notorious for blowing its plastic timing chain tensioners and head gaskets, both of which can lead to catastrophic engine failure. All engines have their little special issues.

The teething for Bronco is still very new and more discoveries are made.

FWIW, my Chevrolet weeps like a sieve! Rear main seal is nylon rope (the upgrade from cotton!) and weaps. Any time you drive over 55 mph you get windage on the downdraft tube and it has a drip that happens on freeways. Oil pan leaks from both ends. And after I removed the oil filter housing to bypass having filtration the bungs also leak as they are the only places under a few PSI of oil pressure. All at only 23,xxx miles on the chassis!

It's all just part of the joy of owning cars.

What are you talking about? 2010 and newer Toyota's 4.0 V6 has a history of going 300k miles with no issues. So........

 

[gizmohd]

Just dropped mine off at the dealership to get a rear main seal replaced... (44) Oil Leak - 2.7l turns out to be Rear Main Seal | Bronco6G - 2021+ Ford Bronco & Bronco Raptor Forum, News, Blog & Owners Community

 

[The Beaz]

Mine is finally in the shop....and now looks to have leaks at the bell housing, front main seal, and sta-bar disconnect actuator.....we'll see what they say in the next day or two.

 

[JHawk]

Any update on what the dealer said about the seal leaking? Found this on mine today.

Is this the drive shaft that goes to the rear wheels? Is the fluid transmission fluid or engine oil? Sorry for the dumb questions. I have a 2.7 automatic that recently dropped 3 tiny drops and nothing since. What was your outcome? Thank you!

 

[myrealname123]

Is this the drive shaft that goes to the rear wheels? Is the fluid transmission fluid or engine oil? Sorry for the dumb questions. I have a 2.7 automatic that recently dropped 3 tiny drops and nothing since. What was your outcome? Thank you!

Yep, that's the rear output shaft coming out of the transfer case, and it is transmission fluid (reddish color). Mine was only dripping 1-2 drips per day while it was happening. The dealer ordered a new seal and replaced it. Over 20K miles since then and no issues at all.

Here's the thread I started for mine, several others had the same issue easily fixed.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/transfer-case-output-shaft-seal-leak.43381/

 

[JHawk]

Yep, that's the rear output shaft coming out of the transfer case, and it is transmission fluid (reddish color). Mine was only dripping 1-2 drips per day while it was happening. The dealer ordered a new seal and replaced it. Over 20K miles since then and no issues at all.

Here's the thread I started for mine, several others had the same issue easily fixed.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/transfer-case-output-shaft-seal-leak.43381/

Thank you for the information. I crawled under with a shop light and my phone. Nice fine line on the material above the seal where the fluid is flung off. I have an appointment next Wednesday at the dealer. I hope that the parts are available so I can drive it out of state for Christmas.

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