Leaky Dana 44 - From crack?

[JR74CJ5]

I can not see a crack, but assume there must be one.

I'm thinking diss assembly from jeep, bring it out and clean it all up. Drain the fluids, remove axle and find the crack and re-weld it up.

What do I need to be aware of ie: oil stuck in metal etc), and or is there a better idea out there?



~ JR

 

[Kane]

Is there a hole on top of the tube for a vent that may not be there? I know the Model 20 has it on the passenger side but I do not knwo what side yours is on.

 

[JR74CJ5]

Good thought bud! Had to go double check, was sure it wasnt that easy but alas my vent tube is also on the passenger side and still intact. This leak is on the drivers side

 

[Torxhead]

You have checked for a leaky shock right?

 

[JR74CJ5]

... No...

I havent... But i will. Wow. That would be sweet...

What is the best way to tell if its the shock? Just visual inspection? Removal?

Thank you

 

[hagar]

brake line pinhole ????

 

[BajaEdition]

Look on top f
For the vent hole. It can or cannot be threaded. It is easy to thread and run a tupe up for venting and water proofing
Now if that is not it, drom where it is at I suggest taking Hagars advice an checking the brake lones and fittings

 

[IOPort51]

find it and then we will discuss fixing it. a crack will be different from an abrasion. like it looks like it is under the U bolt maybe it rubbed?

 

[JR74CJ5]

Will do...

Digging into it this weekend.

I'll post up some results hopefully this weekend.



~ JR

 

[coldair]

Does it smell like gear oil? That would tell you if its from your axle. I dought its from the shock from the picture you have it looks like its coming from the axle. if your shock was leaking it would be all oil covered.

 

[JR74CJ5]

Does it smell like gear oil? That would tell you if its from your axle. I dought its from the shock from the picture you have it looks like its coming from the axle. if your shock was leaking it would be all oil covered.

Yes that's why I originally thought it was from the diff... BUT, the last time i checked, the diff fluid level was still full (started running out when fill plug removed)

So it's got me a little confused...

But I'll be getting to the bottom of it soon enough. Full removal of the rear end this weekend for cleaning, if needed repair, and re-painting.



~ JR

 

[Old Dog]

brake line pinhole ????

I was wondering the same thing

 

[1986cj7]

brake line pinhole ????

x2 on the brake line, after you pull the axle and on re instillation I would reroute the brake line to the top of the axle then down to the caliper, that is if you have enough line to do this. Will be safer on top of the axle. Wouldn't want to crush, kink or break it on the trail.

 

[JR74CJ5]

From what i could see under it last night, it's definitely not the shock, still could possibly be brake line, (haven't pulled top off the fluid cap yet to look for low fluid level) but it's already been routed over the axle. (it looks to be sitting directly on top of Dana 44 tube) well mostly....

Kinda hope it is brake line, even though they were a pain to try to track down locally for the front. there's a place local that can make them, but that means I'd need to wait...

~ JR

 

[CJ007]

 

[JR74CJ5]

I know... I can't wait to be off work in 5 min... :bounce:

Then I'll be picking up new CVO rear driveshaft and Dana 20 adapter. Then it's home for the tear apart...

and of course...



~ JR

 

[CJ007]

:wasted:

 

[JR74CJ5]

Well guys... Eventfull day yesterday...

Got the 44 out and cleaned up. Found my cracks... Yes plural... All four corners of both spring perches. Got to say was a little distraught. However, we cut off the spring perches, got her welded up good and flap wheeled the welds. Then i welded the perches back on in the correct location for my new cvo style driveshaft... No shims

Then, we noticed the rear drivers shackle mount was loose, and upon further inspection the frame had cracked away... so we took care of that.

All in all solved 5 problems, some i knew about and a few i didnt.

Pics will be up on my build thread monday. Sore but trying get the energy this am to get out there and finnish the little stuff, like greasing and refilling the gear oil, and brake bleeding etc.



Jr

 

[Old Dog]

Wow sounds like you were about to loose the whole axle someday.
Good job getting it fixed.
You have got to guit being so ruff on the old gal.

 

[JR74CJ5]

Here's some pics of the cracks...

I'll have the fixed pics up later, and will update my build thread with the rest...

Warning! graphic images to follow!



So we cut off the perches and ground grooves over the cracks and welded them up...



Then flap wheeled them down and prepared to put under the jeep with springs etc, to find the right angle and placement to tack them back on.



Will get the finished ones up, along with the new angle I have the pinion clocked to. No more vibrations, or leaks