Well, I changed my oil today, used JD plus 50 (smells like rotella but not as strong). While under the truck noticed the front pinion seal is leaking. Oh well just another thing to piddle with this weekend. The chevy I had before this had over 375k with no leaks. Must be some bad seals or something on the 3rd gens.

 

Make sure you go with a top quality aftermarket seal....not oem.

 

Why aftermarket?

 

Been on these forums for around 5 years now and this is the first time I've heard of the front pinion seal leak... I'd have to say it pretty uncommon.

 

I have read about lots of them leaking.Some over and over.Friend of mine has had like 3 rears and two fronts since 100k now has 155k.

 

Man there have been a bunch of threads on these. I have had the front one replaced and it has been seeping again for the last 20,000 miles. I just wipe it off once a week and check the level because I am lazy and have too many other projects right now. LOL

 

inspect the vent hose for the axle while your there. mine was leaking also, but when i fooled with the vent, the leak mysteriously stopped. fluid level is good. i changed the fluid several mo. ago and checked it recently.

 

I'm two for two, front and rear. Trucks NEVER been off road since I bought it new. 94000 miles and all u joints have been replaced also. Front and rear crank seals. Tranny resealed TWICE, and one pan gasket...

 

My front pinion seal was leaking almost as soon as I drove it off the lot. I asked for it to be replaced at the first oil change (it was free otherwise I would not have had them do it) and was told with a straight face "the oil is from the crank case breather". I asked if he smelled the oil and he said "why? I already know its oil". That was either a sign of being lazy or stupid and I want neither to work on my truck.

The leak/seep has never left a drop on the drive way so I have let it ride for 50K.

 

My 07 is the same way, an ever so slight seep. Not enough to even form a drop, so I haven't messed with it.

 

My 05 started as just wet around the yoke. I let it ride about 20,000 miles and it got alot worse. Got the seal and nut at the dealer and pulled it apart. Found out the yoke already had a groove in it from the seal. Another $100.00 for the yoke and it hasen't leaked since.

 

I just noticed my front seal leaking today when doing my oil change. It has a nice "runny nose" going on there, but not dripping yet. I can see where the diff fluid has blown up onto the driveshaft some. What tools or parts to I need to fix it and what do I need to take apart? I have never done a diff. seal on any of my other vehicles in the past, but the dealerships have had to under warranty. I am assuming to pull the front driveshaft and then use an impact on the yoke bolt, pull the yoke, pull and install a new seal, put yoke back on, bolt back on, driveshaft back on, check fluid and go right?

 

Mil spec says a leak is 5 drips when parked. At least the front diff won't rust.

 

The 1st Gen has had a moist bottom on the front diff housing ever since I installed a new yoke with larger joint and better driveshaft. It's not enough to even drip at all. It's probably going to be like that forever and I'm not too worried about it.

 

This is a similar situation to mine. Never drips and not a stain on my garage floor from any part of my truck. I can live with it. Some people are too **** though...