1997 FZJ80 145k
My pinion seals have shown no sign of leakage at all. Yesterday after returning from a weekend trip I noticed diff fluid all over the rear of the truck. Seems like a rear pinion seal leak. Maybe it's something else? I had traveled through some farily deep water (Mojave River - Afton Canyon) just before heading home and I've read some info that a clogged breather can cause the fluid to push pass the seal when trying to equalize. I extended my breathers to the engine bay last year so I don't think they are clogged. Maybe I slightly overfilled the diff fluid if that could cause the seal leak?
The questions is: if it's the pinion seal, once the seal has been pushed past, do I need to assume that it's now compromised or is it possible that I can clean up the mess, replace the fluid that was lost, and keep driving on it?
Could it be anything other than the pinion seal?
Thanks.
My pinion seals have shown no sign of leakage at all. Yesterday after returning from a weekend trip I noticed diff fluid all over the rear of the truck. Seems like a rear pinion seal leak. Maybe it's something else? I had traveled through some farily deep water (Mojave River - Afton Canyon) just before heading home and I've read some info that a clogged breather can cause the fluid to push pass the seal when trying to equalize. I extended my breathers to the engine bay last year so I don't think they are clogged. Maybe I slightly overfilled the diff fluid if that could cause the seal leak?
The questions is: if it's the pinion seal, once the seal has been pushed past, do I need to assume that it's now compromised or is it possible that I can clean up the mess, replace the fluid that was lost, and keep driving on it?
Could it be anything other than the pinion seal?
Thanks.