oil leaking from ARB compressor

[roamingaz]

I have a '90 pickup with a ARB locker in front, when the hubs are locked, gear oil leaks out of the ARB compressor. It leaks regardless if the compressor is on or if in 2 or 4 wheel drive.
I was thinking it was a o-ring for the locker but it seems to hold air no problem, no cycling.
I first noticed the problem after driving my truck to work with the hubs locked, after the truck sat for the day I noticed there was a bunch of oil in the passenger side fender well and on the ground, I thought it was a broken brake line at first.
If the locker O-ring is the culprit how involved is the replacement?

 

[Paul 3]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the ARB compressors are 'oilless'. Possibly a clogged differential breather forcing oil back up through the ARB air lines?

Paul

 

[teotwaki]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the ARB compressors are 'oilless'. Possibly a clogged differential breather forcing oil back up through the ARB air lines?

Paul

That is it exactly.

 

[adventureduo]

yep, could be the breather or the internal seal. Happened to me.. had to have the diff torn apart to fix the internal seal.

 

[Paul 3]

ARB used to sell a kit specifically designed to prevent axle oil from pushing up through the air lines particularly for low gear ratios run at highway speeds. I would imagine they still carry this, but if the problem is a clogged diff. breather then the fix should be even more simple. Let us know the outcome either way.

Good luck
Paul

Edit: found this too. http://www.arbusa.com/uploads/PDF/onlineManualsGuides/4-04.pdf

 

[Desert Dan]

mine on my YJ used to do that and I figured it wash back wash when the locker was released. It would even spray on the underside of the hood.

I zipped tied a small piec eof kitchen sponge over the vent and no problems after that.

 

[roamingaz]

I will check the breather later today.
Whatever the problem is, is causeing the gear oil out of the ARB line and then out of the compressor.
Thanks for all the info guys!!!

 

[KevinNY]

Everyone immediately says clogged axle breather when this happens but it is seldom the problem, we all just wish it was. More likely is a bad o ring inside the diff. Both of mine do it, but I just live with it for now.

 

[Paul 3]

Everyone immediately says clogged axle breather when this happens but it is seldom the problem, we all just wish it was. More likely is a bad o ring inside the diff. Both of mine do it, but I just live with it for now.

Very well could be one of two o-rings in the diff itself. If either are crushed, bent, squished, dinged, scratched, broken, etc. they most certainly would allow diff. oil to be forced back up the air line and vent out of the compressor. The breather is simply the easiest (read cheapest) thing to fix before cutting the pumpkin open. :Mechanic:

Cheers

 

[ntsqd]

If oil can get in, then wouldn't a far lower viscosity fluid like air be getting out in a noticeable manner?

 

[roamingaz]

The diff. breather was not clogged so I assume it would be the o-ring. The locker holds air without cycling but I only use it for short periods, so I will check to see if it holds air for longer periods.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Spend a minute here, it might have something you've missed or at least give you some insight to the issue?

http://www.cruiseroutfitters.com/tech_ARB_troubleshoot.html

Good luck!