Differential Fluid Everywhere

[goser]

I seem to be leaking differential fluid left right and centre.

I have a slow leak coming out the rear axle on the passenger side. Not a huge problem, but it's making my parking brake a little slick.

The front differential seems to be leaking somewhere along the joint between the two halves.

I can't seem to find any info on how to fix these problems, and since one of my CV's has leaked its greasy guts all over I'd like to do it all in one foul swoop.

In the same vein, I'm going to pick up some synthetic 75w-90 to refill the differentials. Would it hurt to switch to synthetic ATF for the transfer case after 230,000km?

Thanks!

[goser]

One more thing...what should be used for the "sealant" chilton reccomends on the filler and drain plugs?

[Rick Norwood]

Originally Posted by goser

I seem to be leaking differential fluid left right and centre.

I have a slow leak coming out the rear axle on the passenger side. Not a huge problem, but it's making my parking brake a little slick.

The front differential seems to be leaking somewhere along the joint between the two halves.

I can't seem to find any info on how to fix these problems, and since one of my CV's has leaked its greasy guts all over I'd like to do it all in one foul swoop.

In the same vein, I'm going to pick up some synthetic 75w-90 to refill the differentials. Would it hurt to switch to synthetic ATF for the transfer case after 230,000km?

Thanks!

O.K. if you have differential fluid leaking out through the rear passenger axle, you probably have soaked your brakes with oil and it is or will become a big deal. This one is caused by a bad seal on the axle, possibly because the bearing is going too. I would park this thing immediately until you check it out. The real problem is not replacing the oil that is leaking, it is suddenly finding out you have a reduced brake capacity when you need to stop fast. If the CV boot on the front is torn and grease is flying everywhere you might need to replace the CV joint too.

[blazes9395]

Changing to a synthetic wouldn't be a problem, but you have to fix your leaks or it will just get worse and it would be a waste of money to have it leaking everywhere. For the rear, your passenger side axle seal is leaking. To correct this you'll have to replace it. Its not that hard, just time consuming, as you have to pull the axle out and take apart the brake hardware on that wheel.

As for the front, do you mean the axle shaft housing or the CV shaft joint, or both are leaking? For the CV, well if it isn't worn, then you could replace the boot, but personally when mine go, I just replace the shaft. After it torn, its a matter of time before it gets bad as the grease inside holds the dirt and it practically grinds it down, wearing it out. If/or the axle tube shaft seal is leaking, then you have to remove the CV joint and replace the seal.

Good Luck!

[Rick Norwood]

Originally Posted by goser

One more thing...what should be used for the "sealant" chilton reccomends on the filler and drain plugs?

Non-Hardening Perma-tex

[blazes9395]

And I very much agree with Rick, get it fixed, it can becaome a big problem

[goser]

Thanks for the replies. I was able to find a good how-to for the rear seal once I started looking in the right place. The front CV is a write-off i think.

It seems to me that the front differential leak is coming from the seam between the two halves of the differential case, but I still can't figure out how to remove the differential, or if it's something i should even attempt myself.

[Rick Norwood]

Originally Posted by goser

Thanks for the replies. I was able to find a good how-to for the rear seal once I started looking in the right place. The front CV is a write-off i think.

It seems to me that the front differential leak is coming from the seam between the two halves of the differential case, but I still can't figure out how to remove the differential, or if it's something i should even attempt myself.

Again man, not to beat this into the ground, but CHECK YOUR REAR BRAKES. If they got oil soaked you will need to replace the Pads (or Shoes). DO NOT ignore them or spray them down with brake cleaner, there is no cleaning them, they have to be replaced.

[goser]

Originally Posted by Rick Norwood

Again man, not to beat this into the ground, but CHECK YOUR REAR BRAKES. If they got oil soaked you will need to replace the Pads (or Shoes). DO NOT ignore them or spray them down with brake cleaner, there is no cleaning them, they have to be replaced.

Thanks for the concern. I had everything apart today to adjust the parking brake and what little has seeped out was contained within the parking brake drum.

[Rick Norwood]

Originally Posted by goser

Thanks for the concern. I had everything apart today to adjust the parking brake and what little has seeped out was contained within the parking brake drum.

O.K. man unless I'm missing something here, you're talking about your rear Brake Drum. It is not a parking brake drum, it is the rear brake drum.

If the brake shoes got oil on them, it probably soaked into the brake shoe material and has ruined the shoes.

I don't mean to be a pain in the @$$, but the shoes need to be looked at and probably replaced. I am only telling you this for your own safety.

Good luck - Rick

[goser]

Originally Posted by Rick Norwood

O.K. man unless I'm missing something here, you're talking about your rear Brake Drum. It is not a parking brake drum, it is the rear brake drum.

If the brake shoes got oil on them, it probably soaked into the brake shoe material and has ruined the shoes.

I don't mean to be a pain in the @$$, but the shoes need to be looked at and probably replaced. I am only telling you this for your own safety.

Good luck - Rick

LOL. 4 wheel disc brakes, so the actual brakes are (as yet) unaffected.

The axle codes have long since dissapeared. If I pick up a C and K oil seal will i be able to tell the difference? It seems they're only 2/1000ths apart.