Silverado front axle question

[hisilver]

So my truck is seeping oil out of the passenger side front axle seal. Common problem on these IFS you may know. When I changed it last I added a bit more because of this seeping. It seeps more after warming it up using 4x4, i guess the oil gets warm and flows out better. If by chance I get real low on oil, whats the worst that could happen? Is stuff moving around in there when in two wheel drive? Gotta be some bearings in there right?

 

[Rand]

worst that could happen? new front end. is there a plugged vent.. or when was the last time you put the seal in? (miles+years) any chance it got nicked? what year truck? what model

 

[NHGUY]

You have no manual hubs to disconnect the axle.So the CV shafts rotate,and the front prop shaft rotates every mile you drive.Low fluid can burn up the ring/pinion,diff bearings,side gears,pinion bearings,you name it.One reason why the old trucks are better in that respect....manual locking hubs.

 

[hisilver]

Its an 06 1500, never repaired before, 65000 miles.

 

[daleferd]

Had the same seal go out on my 01 not long after I bought it in 01. Get it fixed or you'll wish you did.

 

[JasonC]

A new seal is a lot cheaper than rebuilding an entire diff.

 

[Ken2]

Any chance the oil can leak on to the brakes and cause a crash?