Front differential leak

rblapham said:

I have been noticing a small amount of clear oil dripping from under my Commander. So today I took a look underneath. It is coming from the transfer case. I tried to tightened some of the bolts holding the transfer case to the transmission? None were loose so maybe the gasket is bad? I also tightened the drain plug and it did move a little. Will wait a few days to see if fixed. Picture attached of the bottom of the transfer case. Any other suggestions?

Top of picture is front of Commander.
View attachment 43710

Click to expand...

I believe your Transfer case should be serviced every 30,000 miles.

When is the last time you had it serviced?

7/19, 107,400 miles, was the last time I changed the oil in it. Second time in it's life. No problems, just a slooow leak. Yes they say 30,000 miles but using synthetic and do it at 50,000.

rblapham said:

7/19, 107,400 miles, was the last time I changed the oil in it. Second time in it's life. No problems, just a slooow leak. Yes they say 30,000 miles but using synthetic and do it at 50,000.

Click to expand...

Probably just needs a new gasket.

I am easy on the drive train. only went off road once - crossed a median when accident ahead.

rblapham said:

I am easy on the drive train. only went off road once - crossed a median when accident ahead.

Click to expand...

LOL, I hear you....despite the way mine looks, she sees mostly light trail riding here and there and an occasional trip up into the mountains of GA & AL.

That’s your front differential, that’s a fairly easy gasket to change. You should be able to pull all the bolts out of the cover and take out the two front mount bolts and the cover should come off. I don’t think you can get the cover all the way off, but should be enough to clean off the old gasket material and fanangle a new one into place.

I think you might be right that it is the front differential. I will take another look as my son looked and took the picture. I have a lifetime power-train guarantee so I'll see if the dealer will fix it for free. I did tighten the bolts and drain plug and it may have stopped it.

Just went out and looked for myself, yes it is the front differential. I serviced it the same time as the transfer case. Thanks Brad

i didnt think there was a formal 'gasket' for them, everything i read its a 'form a gasket' thing. curious if there is one...

You can see it in the picture - it is a reddish color.

mine looked like yours before I opened it up, that little bit of red was the form a gasket.

Thanks for this post gentlemen. This reminds me to check my transfer case, and frount & rear diff covers.

📝😃

They usually tell on themselves by dripping on the floor

After 5 days I am not seeing oil drippings on the garage floor, but did see a small drop hanging off the differential. Checked the oil level and it was good. So I put the rock shield back on and will watch it. If it still leaks I'll take it to the dealer for drive-train warentee repair.

rblapham said:

After 5 days I am not seeing oil drippings on the garage floor, but did see a small drop hanging off the differential. Checked the oil level and it was good. So I put the rock shield back on and will watch it. If it still leaks I'll take it to the dealer for drive-train warentee repair.

Click to expand...

So what exactly did you do to it @rblapham ?

Tightened the cover bolts and drain and fill plugs. Still has a VERRY slight drip but will wait till warmer weather and fix the cover seal with removal, clean and seal. Decided to do myself as cost is about $5.00 and want it done right - Not easy when left handed.

rblapham said:

Tightened the cover bolts and drain and fill plugs. Still has a VERRY slight drip but will wait till warmer weather and fix the cover seal with removal, clean and seal. Decided to do myself as cost is about $5.00 and want it done right - Not easy when left handed.

Click to expand...

I hear you. Nobody (shops or mechanics) cares about your vehicle as much as you do.

Now that I am going to do this myself in a 30 minute and $5 cost. Looking at the present form a gasket on the front diff - it is reddish? 99% sure it is the factory applied. I have always used Black for differentials and black is recommended by Permitex for differential covers. Is it because of the possible heat from the engine just above the front axle they used red? Black would work or is red the better choice? Can someone else take a peek at their commander and tell me the color? Just look at it - you can see it without removing the rock shield.