twice I've had gear oil come out of the front axle vent tube which is mounted in the engine compartment just below the air filter box. The first time it happened I was pulling my 5th wheel over the pass between Oregon and Ca, the last was yesterday going over Donner Summit. Going over Donner my truck was empty and I was doing about 70mph, stopped at rest area and saw that dreaded drip. I took it to the dealer the first time and they couldn't tell me why it was happening. The front diff isn't over full and with my limited mech. knowledge I can't understand how oil can be forced out of the top of the vent. Any ideas?

Thanks
Gary

 

Air Pressure? Both times this has happened it was while you were going over a high altitude pass. Have you checked the diff oil level? I believe the correct level is 3/4" below the fill hole.

 

I've only had the dealer check it, but I'll do that this weekend. Geico266 thanks for your response.

Gary

 

Almost every 4wd Dodge I know has had this happen at least once. Most times the owners don't know unless they pull the airbox.
Have no idea what causes it but it appears to be "normal".
It makes a mess more than anything, you really don't lose enough fluid to be conserned.

 

Thanks Infidel. Not much comes out, just annoying I just won't worry about it till there is a flood!

Gary

 

I don't think my truck has this problem, as it is a late-build 02 that does NOT have the CAD. I have a vent on the diff cover itself.

jlh

 

Remove diff. vent breather and hose, clean and blow out both, check for hose kink or collapse. Replace diff. vent breather if it does it again, if it seems to be unobstructed. Check oil level.

 

What shop? Reputable? Our fleet is maintained by a local reputable shop and we always get an update on fluids, filters, new issues when returned. No combustion in the diff means maybe it's due if it is getting dark, they get hot when pulling trailers...I flush the brake fluid when I do the brake jobs, it gets dark after about a year....

By checking it they may save you the difference between a gear oil change and a diff rebuild....

Welcome to the site.

 

DTR is the only forum that lets threads remain open for over a decade... Not sure why.

 

Because the people who posted a decade ago are still here, and the info is still valid today. Now get off my lawn.

 

A few of us even longer than that......Ben

 

I've been around these parts longer than you have old man... Now give me my Frisbee back.

 

Which one of you rotten kids has been cutting corners on his bike across my yard?......Ben