Grease flying out of right rear axle hub

[Snooker_ML]

2023 PB w/ Max Tow. Has 16,000 miles over 2 years, only used for towing a 7000# trailer.
On a recent trip I noticed grease has been flung all over, coming from somewhere near the right rear axle. I have not taken anything apart. My first thought was the NHTSA campaign 23V-896 for sheared rear axle bolts, but I don't see that as being related. Probably a recognizable problem to one of you ace mechanics. I have a dealer appointment, any idea if this is covered under warranty??

So much grease splattering, perhaps during rainy driving, that it coated the fender everywhere...

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[Gord0]

Axle seal.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Axle shaft oil seal

 

[UncleFester]

Looks like a warranty item for sure.

 

[Powerboost_Law]

Yep, Axle seal. it will be warranty, there will be lots of brake clean to clean that mess up.

 

[PowerBoostSoCal]

I had the left axle bearing go out at 70,000 including the seal - covered by the extended warranty I purchased. They didn't charge the deductible for some reason. Mine was more noise oriented, your is really visible so should be a quick fix! Good luck. (this was on my 2023 which I traded recently - my 2021 and 2023 had a lot of warranty fixes - my current 2025 seems built better I hope).

 

[Snooker_ML]

Well... turns out it was the dreaded wheel end hub bolt failure on the max tow 3/4 float axle. I have been listening for - but never heard - the bolt rattling around, but the dealer said it fell out when they removed the tire. But get this, the half shaft has gotten into a position such that the greasy/oily spray mess is differential fluid !!!

They plan on replacing both half shafts, but I'm concerned as how do I know how low the diff fluid has been, for how long. They said that can visually see the diff gears to inspect them (is this really foolproof?). I was pulling a trailer back from a trip for up to 2000 miles and I'm not sure when this happened but possibly that long.

Any tips on how to insure a complete repair and everything in the rear end is inspected properly?

I'll try to get pictures and send, from the dealer.

 

[Snooker_ML]

Moving my followup to this thread, should be getting the real remedy just announced, the -K and -L half axles, the "nutted ones", replacing the bolted ones that shear.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/thr...th-trailer-tow-max-duty-package.21346/page-44

 

[Snooker_ML]

...and to be clear, yes the diff fluid leaking was due to a damaged axle seal. Thanks for your advice!

 

[JCsTruck]

If the gears, or more likely bearings were damaged then you’ll know it soon enough as they will start to make noise especially between 50-70 MPH. You might have gotten lucky and there may have been enough fluid left to protect those parts.

 

[Snooker_ML]

I was at the dealer when they pulled the axles out, and I had him check the diff fluid level. He stuck his finger in and it went down about the first section of his finger or so.

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