Diff Leak

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

LS5DodgeRam

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2013
Posts
793
Reaction score
115
Location
South Florida
Ram Year
2004
Engine
4.7L v8
Hey guys i just noticed today that i have a leak coming out of the plug on the diff covers, should i be concerned? the fluid hasnt built up, it just stained my diff cover with a satin black finish. what should be done? and should i change the diff oil?

any input is appreciated
thanks in advance
Chris
 

NYCruiser

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2013
Posts
2,565
Reaction score
807
Location
Yonkers, NY
Ram Year
2014
Engine
Hemi 5.7
Are you talking about the fill plug on a stock diff cover? Any chance it was topped off recently and a little just dribbled out?
 
OP
OP
LS5DodgeRam

LS5DodgeRam

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2013
Posts
793
Reaction score
115
Location
South Florida
Ram Year
2004
Engine
4.7L v8
no it was not topped off ever, and yes that fill plug. it just started to happen
 

NYCruiser

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2013
Posts
2,565
Reaction score
807
Location
Yonkers, NY
Ram Year
2014
Engine
Hemi 5.7
Has the fluid ever been changed? Nothing wrong with getting the diff serviced. Oil splashes around pretty good inside there. Like an egg beater. Could be a vent issue, or perhaps some water got in increasing the level. At the very least, I would pull the plug, check the oil for level and water, and re-seal the plug if all is well.
 

MegaMouseGW

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 5, 2013
Posts
1,552
Reaction score
172
Location
South Louisianna
Ram Year
2007
Engine
SRT 10 Viper Motor and Tranny
Has the fluid ever been changed? Nothing wrong with getting the diff serviced. Oil splashes around pretty good inside there. Like an egg beater. Could be a vent issue, or perhaps some water got in increasing the level. At the very least, I would pull the plug, check the oil for level and water, and re-seal the plug if all is well.

I would check for water in the diff. If you find any then check the seals at the ends of the axle and the pinion nut. Especially if your truck has been used to go mud bogging offroad.
Water in the diff does not mean you have to replace the whole dif if it still looks good, but it does mean that you will have to replace a seal or 2. If you find that it is the end seals on the axle then make sure the bearings are good there too, seeing as the water would have to go through them.
 

toofart

Senior Member
Joined
May 22, 2013
Posts
467
Reaction score
135
Location
QC Canada
Ram Year
2013
Engine
Hemi 8 spd
On an '04 I'd replace the fluid and check the vent.
 
OP
OP
LS5DodgeRam

LS5DodgeRam

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2013
Posts
793
Reaction score
115
Location
South Florida
Ram Year
2004
Engine
4.7L v8
the fluid has never been changed. my dad and i will pull the plug and look at the level. in doing so we may buy a new plug and new differential fluid as well.
 
OP
OP
LS5DodgeRam

LS5DodgeRam

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2013
Posts
793
Reaction score
115
Location
South Florida
Ram Year
2004
Engine
4.7L v8
could it have been that since i installed the lift, the small angle change on the rear axle tilted the differential and the fluid is now reaching the plug? whereas before it wouldnt?
 
OP
OP
LS5DodgeRam

LS5DodgeRam

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2013
Posts
793
Reaction score
115
Location
South Florida
Ram Year
2004
Engine
4.7L v8
yeah my dad flat out said get the plug until you come back in summer and we will get one of the mopar diff covers!
 
Top