[LUV24BY]

Ok, I am SERIOUSLY upset with my local Dodge dealer, and I need some advice in case anyone has had this problem:
I have had my 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 CC (w/86k on it) in the dealership SIX (YES 6 TIMES) (TODAY MAKES THE 7TH TIME) for a leaking rear pinion seal. So far they began by replacing the pinion seal 3 times, then 1 more pinion seal & replaced the yoke. They then removed the entire third member due to whining in the rear end & they replaced the pinion bearing (supposedly due to over tighting one of the prior times), they replaced the carrier bearings, buttoned it up and installed the 5th pinion seal. Within a day the 5th seal began leaking - I took it back and they said it had gotten pinched and replaced it with the 6th seal. That 6th seal held up for a while but then within 250 miles and 10 days later, guess what - STARTED LEAKING AGAIN!!! Welp, I went and took it back to them today and I don't know what else COULD be replaced. They said that it might be a bent rear drive shaft, if that was the case - you'd feel it it driving, right? Any help would be appreciated! I bought it used and had to have the tranny replaced 6k ago because the butthead who had it before me might have over worked the tranny. Please help with any suggestions!!!!!
Thanks!
LUV24BY
(John)

 

[JasonB]

You should definately feel a bent driveshaft. I would look at the pinion seal surface on the pumpkin. It is is gouged, dented or otherwise not perfect, it could cause leaks. That surface would either need to be machined or replace the entire axle housing.

 

[LUV24BY]

Well, for those of you interested - thee Dealer states the exsisting yoke has .002 of an inch of gap when the driveshaft is turned by hand. This was tested with a micrometer and they say it was leaking from the OUTER diameter of the pinion seal. NEw yoke installed and they still have it trying to get it to leak.....if so, then it's a new loaded rear axle. <IMG SRC="/board/images/smilies/icon_razz.gif">
LUV24BY

 

[canyonero02]

if you bent the drive shaft i think you would remember hitting it or something while wheeling. the transmission probably wasnt the previous owners fault, dodge isnt known more building the greatest transmissions. we used to have a 99 durango and blew the trans in that at 22k miles. driving through 3 feet of snow for 2 hours straight didnt help that though. i have a 2001 off-road with 32k miles on it and i can already feel the trans starting to go. 1-2 shifts just arent right. i just hope it blows up while still under warranty.

 

[LUV24BY]

Well, I am currently putting mileage on the Dodge because they say the new yoke won't leak. Ha, I can't say I have alot of confidence.
I highly doubt that it was a bent driveshaft just due to the lack of vibration. I just hope that Dodge, though a stout looking ride doesn't build the rest of the drivetrain with the reputation the Tranny's have.
LUV24BY

 

[Pete W]

My two cents, I think with the dealership in and out of that rear end seven or eight times now, that seal surface is bound to a little beat up. With that being said, I just recently replaced my own bearings and ring & Pinion and my Dana 60, and even with applying RTV to the seal before install, it began to leak a couple days later, that being said, I just recently replaced my own bearings and ring in Pinion and my Dana 60, and even with applying RTV to the seal it’s began to leak about a week after the install. So I pull the driveshaft off the field in, sanded the shit out of the area where the seal Fits into the rear end and smeared it up with RTV