oil leak after disconnect replacement???

[mark'stb]

Replaced the disconnect a few months ago. Is there a seal between the oil pan and 4wd disconnect that could leak engine oil? I'm trying to track down a leak. I cleaned the oil pan with some brakleen and replaced the drain plug. Just looks too high of a leak to be the drain plug.

 

[Mooseman]

No. The tube for the axle through the oil pan is molded into the pan and completely separate.

The oil filter is near there as well. Could be that or the pressure switch. If it is the pan's RTV seal, it is just a coincidence.

 

[mark'stb]

Thanks Mooseman. After a 30 mile drive today, it was still dry. I'll check again this weekend.

 

[Camarokidz28]

Could be diff fluid leaking through the tube?

 

[Bill Reid]

Mark,
Does the leak stink of gear oil or motor oil? Distinct differences... as there is no mistaking gear oil. It stinks. Is the pan wet with oil above the disconnect? Since you cleaned it... check it later... if its leaking again then smell it. Yes, the front diff can leak on its inner seal... which is the seal the intermediate shaft uses as the shaft passes through the pan over to the disconnect. But I would think that the leak would just pass straight down and you would see it more pronounced on the driver side than over on the passenger (disconnect) side. There is no seal for the differential or disconnect to the pan itself. Each just fits into its respective pan opening as they are bolted in place.
Bill