Rear Axle at differential
Asked by OnlyoneLarryKaye Jul 08, 2009 at 09:59 PM about the 2002 Chrysler Town & Country Limited LWB AWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
My passenger side rear axle is heating up right at the differential boot. Why and what's the fix?
2 Answers
OnlyoneLarryKaye answered 15 years ago
I bought a Grease Injection Needle for $5.00 and injected some Hi-Temp Bearing grease into the boot. The axle moves freely in and out, and turns easily. If this works, I'll take off the tiny piece of duct tape covering the tiny hole and glue on a tire patch and will add a bit of grease every now and then. The temperature has gone down and is only 30 degrees warmer than the other side - keeping in mind that it is located beside the resonator and tailpipe. I'll be keeping an eye on the temperature as parts cannot be found, and if they are, it will cost about $1,000 for something that they are not even sure of what the cause is, other than it shouldn't be that hot. Maybe the previous owner had a boat and backed into the water - either way, nothing is seized and it's all moving freely.
OnlyoneLarryKaye answered 15 years ago
I bought a digital thermometer from Princess Auto and used it while towing our cabin trailer all summer - the temperature range has been normal while towing. Next spring, I'll inject a bit more grease and keep an eye on the axles.