Hi guys. I just recently relaced the u-joint on the front axle of a 4x4 Dodge Ram. '98 year. After installing the axle and drove the truck for a day I noticed oil still dripping from the axle from the gear box. Would this be oil left over from the pulling of the axle, that was still inside of the axle housing or did I damage the seal when I put the axle back in place?
When I had the axle out, the oil seeped out of the gear box and into the axle shaft housing. So I don't know. Please help.
Any reply will be greatly appreciated.

It is probably time for new seals. Since it is just dripping, that would suggest that it no longer seals well or perhaps it was nicked by the splines when the axle was reinserted. I just replaced the seals on my 99 because one of mine poped out while putting the axle back in and was pouring oil, not dripping. Here is a site showing how to replace them:

http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/axleseal.php

Mine is now leak free.

It is probably time for new seals. Since it is just dripping, that would suggest that it no longer seals well or perhaps it was nicked by the splines when the axle was reinserted. I just replaced the seals on my 99 because one of mine poped out while putting the axle back in and was pouring oil, not dripping. Here is a site showing how to replace them:

http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/axleseal.php

Mine is now leak free.


How will I know if I need to replace the seal? Keep an eye on it for a while? I wonder if this is just oil laying in the tube from when I pulled the axle.
Thanks for the info on the website. This helps and your reply was helpful.
Man! I hate to do this all over again. I hope that the is not bad.

How will I know if I need to replace the seal? Keep an eye on it for a while? I wonder if this is just oil laying in the tube from when I pulled the axle.
Thanks for the info on the website. This helps and your reply was helpful.
Man! I hate to do this all over again. I hope that the is not bad.
How can I get the oil that is laying in the tube out to be sure that I have a leak or not?
Thanks.

I would keep an eye on the fluid level in the diff. If it gets lower, then you know its leaking.

If it is the passenger side, you can take a peek at the seal. Jack up just the passenger side and put a jack stand under it or use a ramp if you have one. Gravity should take most of the oil out of the Axle disconnect (CAD, where the vacuum motor is). You can take the CAD cover off and inspect the seal. Put RTV on the cover when you put it back on.

As for cleaning it, perhaps jack up one side and lightly hose out the other side with water and degreaser which gravity will drain. Just be careful not to spray too hard or you may blow out the seal.

Also remember that if oil is leaking out, then water, mud, sand, and dirt can get it.

Hey! Thanks for the info! I was going to take the CAD cover off anyway to change the lube. I was not sure if I could inspect the seal from there or not.

Thanks for the help! Talk to ya later.

i just replaced mine too and the oil leaked for a few days and then stopped the seals had to re-seat.