Oil out of ARB locker air line

[fireresource]

A few months ago, I had a minor leak around the third member of my 9 inch rear end. So I pulled the third member, replaced the gasket, and filled it back up with gear oil.

So the other day, I'm getting ready to do some other work on the old CJ, and as I removed the rear end, I had to disconnect the air line from the housing on the third member. I noticed that some gear oil came out of the air line. Not much, about or less than a teaspoon, but I didn't expect to find oil coming out.

I didn't install the ARB locker myself, the PO had it installed. So I am not 100% familiar with everything about it.

When disconnecting the air line from the third member housing, is it normal to get a small amount of gear oil to come out of that air line connection?

 

[Torxhead]

Interesting, I think your next check should be the ARB air supply tank. If nothing in there I don't think it would be an immediate problem. Also you might go for a dirt drive and check to see how long it holds air before the compressor kicks back in to check for a leak inside the ARB housing itself when the system is locked in. You can always call ARB, from my experience the customer service is quite good.

 

[fireresource]

Thanks for the suggestion. I have the whole axle out now, so it shouldnt be an issue to check to see if it holds pressure.

Of course, I didn't know of an issue until I was dropping the axle out for some other upgrades. So, since the rear of the jeep is in pieces now, I can't take it out and ensure that everything is working properly. But, since I do have the whole axle out, it would be easier to do any repairs right now.

I will also follow up with ARB and see what they say.

 

[MN CJ7]

Thought one.... do you have air breather line for your axle?? and is it plugged....

The ARB can leak a bit of air and some will see air bubbles in water during crossings... BUT if you have no breather line could be pressuring up the alxe a bit and blowing back into line when compressor is shut off???

Breather is used for when the axle is in use got hot/warm depending on speed and load. Go into water or mud and cools of quick and suck air in from the breather line....

Next thougth.... compressors will put moisture in line and can see that in clear tubing sometimes seen on ARBs. MY nothern bud told me when I was looking at lockers... that moisture can collect in a low spot in air line and FREEZE blocking off the air flow. Air Compressors can also put OIL in the line just from operation depending if compressor is lubriated or if it is a dry compressor.... Are you seeing water in the ARB air line???

Also gear lube get flung inside the differential when in operation.... flings oil around for lubrication... you could be seeing some of that also if breather is not there, plugged, or line is kinked...

 

[NorthwestCJer]

Arbs are common for this issue, its the o-ring on the tube inside the diff locker.
I know lots of guys with rags wrapped around the compressors to keep the oil from making a huge mess.