I looked under my expedition this AM and spotted some oil drops. Vehicle only has 12000 miles so I was surprised. Upon further investigation I found some plastic wrap wrapped around the left front driveshaft. Vehicle has never been in Four Wheel Drive which raises the first question.

When you apply the brakes, does the axle turn? If so, that answers the question but if not, how would the plastic wrap around the drive axle?

At the same time, would the plastic wrap melt and give the indication of an oil leak or could it have caused a problem at the seal on the differential? I have not been able to get it all out near the seal since it was wrapped pretty tight. I did get most of it out. If it could have caused damage at the differential it would great to know this. I have a great insurance company.

During the time of investigation I looked up higher on the right side of the differential and saw a rubber bushingsticking out.I took a picture (included herein). The bushing appears to be gold (Actually Black)due to the flash. Is this some sort of frame bushing? It appears to be in a race track shape. More importantly, should it be protruding?

It is under warranty but I would like to be able to talk with some level of knowledge so I don't get bounced around. What is it called?

I know this is a lot but any assistance would be very helpful.



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First - yes the plastic wrap could have damaged the axle seal. It's thin enough to penetrate and if it actually did you may want to not only have the seal replaced - but also have the fluid checked to be safe. Usually the axle always turns the driveshaft (on the front 4 wheel drive axle provided it's disengaged from 4WD - on any engaged axle,which the rear is always, this is backwards - the driveshaft turns the axle), so the axle yoke (connector to the driveshaft on the axle side of the Universal joint) or 4 wheel drive yoke could have easily picked up the debris into the seal and ruined it. When you apply the brakes the axle(s) and driveshaft(s) stop turning. If you have a disengaging axle in your front 4WD then the driveshaft and axle should never turn unless you turn on your 4WD (and lock your hubs in older models), or unless you have some vehicle with full-time 4WD where it cannot be shut off. I wouldn't worry about the bushing protruding - that is normal. Only worry if you see somehow that the rubber is broken or pieces of it are missing or if the whole thing seems to be shifted out of place. If it's protruding on both sides it's likely not shifted.

 

Thanks for the input. Still a little confused on the driveshaft since I have never used the AWD or 4 X 4 Mode. Needless to say I will have it checked.

Regarding the bushing, it just doesn't look right. That is a warranty item so I will have it checked for self satisfaction.

Thanks Again.

Mike

 

Problem with plastic wrap and seal on the front differential was resolved in the shop. Response by Goingstrong was right on the money. Thanks for your help. Cost $354.28.

 

I always throw my trash where it belongs - I wish everyone had the same idea of how to clean up after themselves.