Major fluid leak from right rear passenger side

[cbbco]

We just finished a 400 mile road trip to a camping spot, pulled in, and found fluid splattered all over the camper we were towing, and a lots of fluid under the right rear passenger side. Here is a picture. Anyone have any idea what the problem is? Closest mechanic is 20 miles away, and won’t be open until tomorrow. No warning lights yet, but I don’t want to drive it and cause more damage.

The picture is taken from the front towards the back of the caar.

 

[JExpedition07]

What year? Generally the 2007-2014 models don’t have any common leakage issues but there is a T connector that has been known to leak with age. 2015-17 have the same T that can spring a leak too but they also have common enough leaks on the turbo coolant lines as well. I’d inspect the heater hose T on top passenger side of engine as well as all coolant lines. Obviously check your radiator, sounds like coolant with the amount.

 

[cbbco]

It’s a 2017.

 

[TheFordFortress]

Able to determine what type of fluid based on feel, smell, color from off the frame or camper where it didn’t get heated up from the exhaust?

Any chance it’s major condensate from the rear AC union that dropped off car body and then blew back on trailer?


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[bobmbx]

It should be cool by now. Check all your fluids. Get a white paper towel, take swipe of the fluid and post a photo of it. And a close up photo of the camper with the fluid spatter. If there is no fluid fwd of the axle its probably a busted shock on that corner.

 

[Plati]

check brake fluid reservoir and see if low

 

[kyleaaronburkett]

It should be cool by now. Check all your fluids. Get a white paper towel, take swipe of the fluid and post a photo of it. And a close up photo of the camper with the fluid spatter. If there is no fluid fwd of the axle its probably a busted shock on that corner.

Then I wonder, is there (or would there be) any noticable sag on one side?

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[sjwelds]

No. The spring controls the ride height on these.

 

[JExpedition07]

That’s interesting it’s toward the back, I didn’t notice that part. What color is the fluid.

 

[Cyclone]

I bet it’s the rear AC. Mine drips like crazy on hot humid days.

 

[Andrew Roth]

Looks like the rear diff and you had an axle seal blow out. Probably gear oil (is it thick motor oil like and stinky?) You should be able to drive 20 miles to the mechanic just fine, just don't do it with your camper in tow.

Also if it is indeed the rear diff, have them check the vent for the differential. It should not be blowing out like that on a 2017. It is supposed to allow the unit to breath when it heats up and cools down and my guess is when it got real hot when towing it wasn't able to vent and blew out the seal.

All in all it is not a major issue, just annoying. Good luck!

 

[crazyjerry]

mine was leaking also from the rear, i put my finger in it and is was cold, i look up and saw the drain for the rear ac unit.

 

[Gumbyalso]

I'm with Andrew. I blew up the picture and I think it's a rear differential seal as well. That's not water. And I agree no towing a only a short drive until you get it fixed.

 

[cbbco]

Had it towed to Kalispell, turns out it was a blown rear axle seal. Repair was covered under the power train warranty.

Shop had it from Monday - Friday waiting for parts to come in. Picked up the Expy last night and hoping for an uneventful trip home.

 

[Atman246]

That looks like a cv joint where it goes into the rear diff. Axle seal leak. Check rear diff fluid and also check the vent to make sure it's not plugged. That's usually what cause seal leaks.

 

[Plati]

That looks like a cv joint where it goes into the rear diff. Axle seal leak. Check rear diff fluid and also check the vent to make sure it's not plugged. That's usually what cause seal leaks.

what vent?
where is the vent?
my 2003XLT leaks … if it might be a vent I want to check that

it only leaks at highway speed, but always does

 

[Atman246]

On 4 wheel drive vehicles,it's a fitting on the top of the diff with a rubber hose that runs up to the frame with a plastic cap on it. Allows pressure out and keeps dirt out. If it gets plugged,pressure finds the path of least resistance,the axle seal or in extreme cases,the pinion seal. Do you top up your diff fluid if yours is constantly leaking?

 

[Plati]

On 4 wheel drive vehicles,it's a fitting on the top of the diff with a rubber hose that runs up to the frame with a plastic cap on it. Allows pressure out and keeps dirt out. If it gets plugged,pressure finds the path of least resistance,the axle seal or in extreme cases,the pinion seal. Do you top up your diff fluid if yours is constantly leaking?

Thx

It only leaks at highway speed. I topped it off once after I determined it was leaking. Now monitoring leak on one side. 2003XLT. ​

update:
I found hose (goes straight up). Yes it was plugged and I cleared with a deck screw.
That would be cool if leak now stops! Still could be plugged down at base of hose I guess.


I think I pushed the plug crap IN. Oops. If I did it again I would bend the tube DOWN and squeeze pushing crap out not down into tube! Live_and_learn.

 

[Black]

Just put all new hose on there.
Or get this and redo the front and rear and don’t worry about it ever again.

ARB 170112 Differential Breather Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QBQYNF0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0OHpDbBXXS0TR