Is this common? Rear Diff seal leak.

[JDGT50]

Found a few drips of oil in my garage...looked underneath and part of the rear diff seal was hanging off the bottom of the diff (pic 4). Just wondering how common this is for this car. I expect to find this maybe 5+ years into ownership, but not after a year old. I don't even drive the car that hard, just occasional spirted driving. Luckily car is still under warranty.

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[Alerch]

Most likely the axle seal or seals are leaking.. Not the most fun job to replace though..

 

[Howitzer]

I'd say it's somewhat common for them to develop leaks around the axle seals...but it's not usually to the point it's dripping that much, unless the diff is overfilled to begin with and it slung it out.

I'd check around the axles and see if you see any wet areas there. The spot pictured isn't usually where it would start leaking, but it could drip down to that point.

 

[Cobra Jet]

No, the rear diff should not be leaving any diff fluid on the ground like what is seen in your pics.

How about a better shot of the rear diff if possible to show the axle locations and back cover?

Is there any fluid around the axle locations on the diff, or any fluid coming off the front pinion snout?

If the rear diff cover has sensors in it, have you checked to make sure those are screwed in tight? Any fluid around those sensors?

 

[JDGT50]

Thanks guys. I checked around the axles and they are dry on both sides. The other side of the diff (the side facing toward the front of the car) is all wet. I've got an appointment with Ford tomorrow morning and will see if i can get a proper pic of it once it's in the air. Not sure how long whatever has been leaking, but hopefully it didn't cause any premature damage to the transmission or drivetrain. Car has been driving great so far and only has 9,000k on it.

 

[Cobra Jet]

Thanks guys. I checked around the axles and they are dry on both sides. The other side of the diff (the side facing toward the front of the car) is all wet. I've got an appointment with Ford tomorrow morning and will see if i can get a proper pic of it once it's in the air. Not sure how long whatever has been leaking, but hopefully it didn't cause any premature damage to the transmission or drivetrain. Car has been driving great so far and only has 9,000k on it.

Yea, that sounds like the pinion seal is leaking - that should be an easy fix for any seasoned Tech.

 

[WD Pro]

This :

Is just broken off excess sealant that gets pushed out of the interface between the housing and the back cover during assembly - I don't think that's your problem.

Hope you get it all sorted

WD

 

[JDGT50]

Yea, that sounds like the pinion seal is leaking - that should be an easy fix for any seasoned Tech.

You called it man. Ford just got back to me confirming same. Thanks everyone for your input.

 

[njweatherman]

2023 Mustang GT, California Special, 17,000 miles.
Recently, I found a few drops of gear oil on the ground after a long drive. I went under the car and took a picture of the leak. Went to Ford. They replaced the rear pinion seal. FYI - Took them about 3 hours.

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