I cleaned up the 8.25 axle on my '80 E58 Aspen to determine where leak/seepage is from. It looks to be coming from where driver's side axle tube goes into the carrier. What would this indicate? Thank You.

Larry

check the spot weld on the 3rd member were the tubes go into it,it has holes so the tube can be welded in place.

looks for cracks around the tube and the tube itself,put a strieght edge on it to see if it has the duke boys bend to the whole axle housing

I had a 7 1/4 with the duke boys bend and it chewed the side gears and spider up then broke.

you could pull the cover and eyeball the pin and spider gears and have a looky see at the c- clips in the diff and side gear condition.

signs of wear will let you know how bad the tubes are bent,and maybe time to find another.

while your at it.measure it from wheel flange to wheel flange to see what will fit or swap in to it.

i have a couple 8 1/4s and 8 3/4s

how has the rest of it been running?

It is running real good Mike, thanks to your help!

I did pop the cap off to change fluid and clean off the bottom of carrier. I Didn't see or feel any metal in fluid. When I was cleaning the axle tube I could tell this leak has been going on for quite some time. I didn't notice any cracks or bends, but at the time I wasn't looking for cracks or bends, but I will take a much closer look now. If I don't find a crack or bend, do I just clean it up and have someone run weld around the tubes where they enter the carrier, or am I really looking at having to replace it regardless?

Thanks. Larry