Gear oil when removed propeller shaft

[jeepop]

I pulled the propeller shaft to replace the starter. When I pulled the front of the shaft out there was some gear oil behind it. Actually started to drip once I removed a couple of the bolts. Not a lot, maybe an ounce. Is this normal or does this mean I have a pinion seal leak?

The good news is the fluid looked new from the bottle condition - 4 wheel drive is rarely used, and when we do its 4 high.

 

[tommudd]

Don't worry about it, you do not have a leak or anything
There is always some the first time you remove the front driveshaft
And you should use 4 wheel drive more or someday may not be able to get it into even 4 high

 

[mrhemi]

That is normal, but check the level in the front differential and top up if necessary.

 

[JeepJeepster]

Not sure where I read this, but somewhere I remember reading something about applying RTV to the pinion splines to keep this from happening.

Mine also had a good bit of oil in it when I removed the driveshaft. Always wondered if that gives a false bad pinion seal...

 

[jeepop]

So I had a 19 inch detroit axle new prop shaft to install that I picked up brand new off craigslist cheap when I first got the Liberty, before reading here about how to measure. Yup mine does not take a 19 so I plan to rebuild my rear cv (boot is going).

I will send it to anyone needing a 19 for the price of shipping -- with as much help as this forum has given me here I am in the positive $$$ so there is no need to make any money off it. I can get a part number but I now understand the key to to measure your shaft weld to weld.

 

[tommudd]

Detroit Axle , lots of issues , but if anyone wants to try their parts good luck
Not trying to bomb your sale but just a warning

 

[jeepop]

No problem good to know. Not for sale, for free -- just cover shipping. Alternative is Good Will donation.

 

[Ronald]

I pulled the propeller shaft to replace the starter. When I pulled the front of the shaft out there was some gear oil behind it. Actually started to drip once I removed a couple of the bolts. Not a lot, maybe an ounce. Is this normal or does this mean I have a pinion seal leak?

The good news is the fluid looked new from the bottle condition - 4 wheel drive is rarely used, and when we do its 4 high.

Forget About it , no harm done . I replaced all the oil in mine once for nothing.