Gear oil leak from top of differential?


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Old 07-14-13, 09:30 PM
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Gear oil leak from top of differential?

I have a 92' Ford Ranger XLT with 2.9 V6. I had my differential pinion seal replaced last December. Now gear oil is leaking again, and I had to top off the differential. But this time the gear oil is leaking from the top of the differential. I did not see any dampness on the pinion oil seal.

I've been doing some research online. That part in the photo is the rear speed sensor that is wired into the top of the rear axle. If what I am reading is correct, a clogged axle breather vent hose can cause gear oil to leak at the speed sensor. So tomorrow I will check the breather tube for blockage. I will also use a new O-ring for the speed sensor. Am I headed in the right direction? Does that speed sensor housing need any sealant?Name:  001.jpg
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Last edited by bluesbreaker; 07-15-13 at 12:00 AM.
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Old 07-15-13, 01:10 AM
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Normally that sensor is not attached with sealant. It should have an O ring on the round part where it slides in to the differential. Maybe it's cracked or missing ? The O ring is usually orange.
 
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Old 07-15-13, 01:57 AM
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I f you look closely, you can barely see the orange O-ring in the photo. Do auto parts stores just sell the O-rings? If it's cheap I might replace the entire speed sensor, since it's 21 years old.
 
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Old 07-15-13, 03:33 AM
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The speed sensor is critical to your ABS, and aren't that expensive, so since you have it down..........
 
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Old 07-18-13, 07:13 PM
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I installed a new rear speed sensor since it only cost $14. I also put in new clear vinyl tubing for the axle breather vent so I can watch for blockages. Hopefully that will be the end of it.
 
 

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