Rockwell front diff leaking oil out both seals, vent, vibration

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Shawn2130, Jan 22, 2021.

  1. Shawn2130

    Shawn2130 Heavy Load Member

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    Hello. Have a 2005 freightliner with 46,000 lb rears. I think it’s a Rockwell or a meritor.

    The truck has always for a couple years had a vibration when under load. The harder the engine pulls, the higher the vibrating.

    Now at the same time, the front and rear seals for the front diff is leaking a puddle under and oil is also coming out the vent.

    I checked both air lines for air pressure to the power divider and diff lock and no air comes out when they’re off. So it’s not pressurizing the housing.

    The vent has been checked for blockage and there is none. It’s clean.

    Engine is recently rebuilt, tranny rebuilt, new clutch, new driveline and new intermediate shaft. All new u-joints.

    I pulled the magnetic plug out of the front diff. Only very fine metals on it. A very small amount of it.

    Bent inter axle shaft? Twisted?
     
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  3. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    What's the temperature of the diffs when they're working? Try and shoot them both with a temperature gun after you stop. Dash gauges aren't accurate.
     
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  4. baha

    baha Road Train Member

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    Was it ever run low with all the seals leaking, if it has the tube style vent on top of rear end you can put the old type of vent that you can turn it to clean it every every time you grease the truck? it only takes one time under a load with a low level of gear oil to get a lot of wear on ring gear and power div. when you pull the fill plug is there a cone of fine metal on it every time you pull the mag. fill plug?
     
    Last edited: Jan 22, 2021
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  5. Shawn2130

    Shawn2130 Heavy Load Member

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    AmodelCat: I have not been able to get a temp reading. Just saw a puddle underneath while I was making deliveries, finished the job I was doing, put the truck in the shop.

    Boss has decided this afternoon since both seals are shot, just pull the diff out.

    Baha: I’ve never had to fill the diffs up or top up either. Both was never wet anywhere until recently.

    Back diff is still full and front was down about 1.5 inches before it was drained today.

    This truck uses the old style vent that can be cleaned by twisting the cap.
     
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  6. Dino soar

    Dino soar Road Train Member

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    I don't know really a lot about the rears, like as in being a mechanic, but I do think the heavier meritor rears may have a pump inside of them.

    I wonder if it's possible that the pump is over pressuring the rear?
     
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  7. Shawn2130

    Shawn2130 Heavy Load Member

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    I’m not sure if this one does. Not familiar with them.

    The other truck I drove has a filter on it.
     
  8. Hye

    Hye Bobtail Member

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    bad power divider.... you may have Axle Alliance branded rears... they go bad with symptoms you mentioned.
     
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  9. Shawn2130

    Shawn2130 Heavy Load Member

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    Hye: does that include that vibration I’m getting?
     
  10. Hye

    Hye Bobtail Member

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    Yes sir.
     
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