Forum Discussion

Explorer

Mar 18, 2015

Leaking Dana 80 rear axle

My 1994 33’ Holiday Rambler is equipped with a Dana 80 rear axle. Though I purchased my RV in Texas it spent its first 16 years in upstate New York. When I first purchased it I found a leaking pinion shaft seal which I replaced. At the same time I replaced all the rear axle lubricant. A year ago while I was changing out the rigs brake fluid I noticed a very small leak in the driver’s side floating axle bearing assembly. Most recently, while I was greasing the RV about 4,500 miles later I saw that it was still leaking rear axle lubricant from the driver’s side floating axle bearing assembly. It’s gotten a little worse but it’s still not a bad leak and I imagine I could just simply keep the axle topped up with lubricant, but wonder if it might be a symptom of a deeper problem. Has anyone had a similar issue?

Steve

Class A

13 Replies

JumboJet
Explorer
Mar 18, 2015
rgatijnet1 wrote:
Make sure that your vent is open or the leak might just be caused by pressure build up in the rear axle as the fluid gets warmer.

x2

My rear axle seals leaked on my 15 year old Hurricane until I cleared the vent. I removed the hose and took a small drill bit and wire and cleared the obstruction. I replaced the hose and all has been good since.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Mar 18, 2015
Make sure that your vent is open or the leak might just be caused by pressure build up in the rear axle as the fluid gets warmer.
mabynack
Explorer II
Mar 18, 2015
It's not unusual for a little gear oil to seep past the seals. A little bit of gear oil can look like a lot. I would fill the differential and keep an eye on the levels. If you're adding more than a pint every 10,000 miles I would look at replacing the seals. If you do it yourself, make sure you check the shafts for little burrs that can tear up the new seal. Use a piece of emery cloth to clean up any rough spots on the axles or pinion shaft.