NM-XJ

Pulled the rear wheels and drums today for an inspection and adjustment, and noticed some signs of something leaking around the axle tubes. There's signs of leaking on both sides.

Kind of looks like it's perhaps coming from the brake lines, but I'm not losing brake fluid and nothing feels spongy.

Almost seems like it could be gear oil leaking from the tube joints with the diff. But it's kind of odd that it would be creeping up the differential? Diff fluid level is ok.

All the weld plugs are in the axle. This vehicle hasn't towed or been abused - I'm owner #2 and the progeny of owner #1. 120k miles.

Driver's side.

Passenger's side.

fb97xj1

Never seen that before, but my guess is the axle tubes are weeping. The brake lines dont look rusty enough for pinholes.

4.3L XJ

Yup, axle tubes are pressed in and they can weep. Are you running synthetic oil?

fb97xj1

Did a little reading and the plug welds are the only thing holding the tubes in. Some asked about the breather being plugged up. Another suggested the tubes spun, which would mean the welds failed. One tried to seal the tubes but that didnt last. Welding them all the way around would be the way to go. Along with making sure the breather isnt plugged up. Thats what i got out of what little reading i did.

I never knew an axle could leak there, but apparently its a thing.

NM-XJ

Frankly, I've forgotten what I'm running in the diff. It's been years since it's needed topping off.

The tubes have definitely not spun.

I'll check the breather to see if it isn't plugged up.

Otherwise check the fluid every now and then and keep rollin?

4.3L XJ

On those plug welds holding the tubes in, not really. They are just there to prevent any movement if you should have enough force, say about 50 tons to move the tube over time. I have pressed out tubes and believe me, it is tough