Leaky Rear Diff

[BigRed44]

Ok so i decided to crawl under the truck today and do some looking around. No Particular reason other than i was planning on doing the Breather Tube extension mod before AW. And noticed some fluid around the diff and where the drive shaft attaches. I haven't noticed this before because it's not dripping. No marks on the driveway or any where else. Just wondering if this is a sign of a bigger problem or or if there is an easy fix? Thanks

[Morpheus]

Pinion seal is leaking.

First check if the breather that you were removing was siezed in the closed position.
If it was, the pressure would be pushing the fluid out, fix the breather, clean up the area, top up the fluid, and keep an eye on it.

If it's leaking after that, then you need to change the pinion seal.

[BigRed44]

Thanks. I'll have to take a better look once I get the mod done.

[Miner]

I have the same problem. I'll check my extended breather tube the next time I check the diff level.

[Big Bird]

Also check the pinion flange for pitted marks and scars. Ive replaced a few of them. They were still causing the oil to leak out.

[FrontyFlyer]

If im not mistaken, i don't think our rear diffs have a breather at all, assuming we have the same e-locker M226 (dana44) I've looked everywhere but don't see it. Every time I check the level warmed up, I've noticed the rear diff is pressurized (first time i opened it got a hot gear lube facial surprise, so be careful!) That would indicate theres no breather, or I'm blind its hidden somewear clogged with mud... Its strange that the front diff has a breather and not the rear...

[BigRed44]

I know the X has one it's on the top right of the axle. If you are facing the axle from the back looking forward. Yours might be clogged i know mine was completely clogged with mud until i did the mod I haven't been under the rear in a while but haven't noticed any drops on the driveway or anything like that yet. I'm gonna crawl under when it gets warmer and take a good look where the pinion enters the housing and see if there's any other leaks

[Big Bird]

All the nissan rear differentials have breathers. on your frontier its a little metal cap on the right side of the rear diff assy. most of the time it is seized.

[FrontyFlyer]

hmm i guess mines been clogged for years! I better get under there before my seals give out too. I was expecting a nice breather hose like they did in the front

[PiDGE]

nope not the case. Fronty Flyer if you want one I have a new one in the package let me know.

[FrontyFlyer]

Yeas I would, PM sent!

[BigRed44]

so finally found a small puddle of rear diff fluid on the driveway the other day not the question is do i fix it or take it into the dealership to get fixed. Just curious how hard it is to change the pinion seal and flange? any tips or tricks would be helpful

[Miner]

After reading the service manual I'm to hesitant to mess up the preload and "crush" the crush bearing to try it myself. If I had experience with it maybe I would feel different.