We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Automotive

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Common Causes of an Axle Oil Leak?

By Lori Kilchermann
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 58,080
Share

Most axle oil leaks are due to dry or damaged axle seals, loose fittings or bolts, and damaged axles. It is not uncommon for an axle with excessive use to actually develop a slight groove right where the lip of the seal contacts the axle. This will commonly result in an oil leak by providing a path for the oil to seep between the axle and the seal. Another cause of axle oil leakage is a worn pinion bearing, which causes the pinion to wobble and destroy the oil seal. Occasionally, the leaks can be attributed to an over-fill condition when adding oil to the axle's center section.

The typical axle housing is filled with axle oil to a level just below the bottom edge of the axle tube. This depth allows the oil to lubricate the axle's ring and pinion gears, as well as the wheel bearings. The oil reaches the wheel bearings by being sloshed into the axle tubes from the spinning axles and gears, as well as by centrifugal force when the vehicle turns or corners while being driven. Loose oil fill bolts and axle gear inspection hole plugs are also common causes of leaking oil. Placing thread sealing tape or paste on the plug and bolt threads can often resolve the leaking condition.

No matter the type or style of a rear axle, there is a gasket used to seal the center section. This gasket may be sandwiched between a removable-differential and the axle housing, or between a cover on the axle housing that seals access to the gear set and the housing. This gasket — or in many cases, a bead of silicone sealant — can become brittle and allow axle oil to leak from the seal. The only true way to cure this type of leak is to remove the center section or cover and install a fresh gasket.

In most cases, the most common cause of axle oil leakage is due to a faulty axle tube seal. This seal is positioned at the end of the axle tube, between the braking components and the wheel bearings. The seal is not only exposed to heat on both sides, but it is actually touching the spinning axle shaft, creating friction heat on its own.

Due in part to the difficulty in removing the wheel, braking components, as well as the axle itself to replace the seal, it is recommended by most mechanics that the brakes be replaced at the same time as the repair of the leaking seal. The other reason is that the leaking axle oil will seep onto other components. It can ruin the brake pads and shoes before the leak is repaired.

Share
WikiMotors is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon947605 — On Apr 26, 2014

Another common cause for axle oil leaks and premature seal failure that was overlooked in this article is a damaged or plugged axle breather. If you remove the axle fill plug after driving the vehicle and getting the axle hot and there is air under pressure escaping around the plug then the axle breather is not allowing air to escape. This can put pressure on seals and make them wear faster then they would normally wear. A plugged breather should replaced before any seals can be damaged.

By Drentel — On Jan 09, 2014
Animandel - It does pay to know as much as you can about your car and the way it operates before you take it to the shop, especially if you don't have a mechanic you trust.

All and all, I think mechanics as a group are judged too harshly when it comes to being honest, but it never hurts to know all you can.

Anyway, if you catch an axle leak early enough it can be a small repair, but leaking differential fluid can sometimes mean serious and costly repairs. You never know until you have it checked out.

By Animandel — On Jan 08, 2014

I always think the worst when I see any leak from around my car's axle. My first thought is how much is this going to cost me? However, after reading the article I see that there are can be many reasons for the leaking oil, and not all of them will cost me a fortune.

That is good to know. The more information I have when I take my car to the garage, the more confident I am about asking the mechanic questions, and even getting a second opinion when the cost is going to be high.

The next time I see differential oil seeping from beneath my car, I won't automatically assume the worse.

Share
https://www.wikimotors.org/what-are-the-common-causes-of-an-axle-oil-leak.htm
Copy this link
WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.