slight weap of oil on front diff

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anorakmark

Active Member
Posts
329
Location
Kent
Good morning folks, some advice required please.
I've just noticed a very slight oil drip on my front diff. Not sure if its from diff or is dripping from engine. I've wiped the diff and can't see any where that its coming from. Is there an oil seal on the engine anywhere near that may be leaking and dripping down.[:confused::confused:
 
Most likely the diff input seal, if it's slight it'll only leak when warm and working. Short of clinging on underneath on the move try cleaning everything up and take it for a short run then look. Even then it's not easy as oil from the input seal gets thrown around by the prop.
 
The recent oil on the front diff on my diesel I eventually traced to a weep from the engine oil filter cap. Previously oil on the diff came from the ring of bolts securing the diff to the axle coming loose, something which seems to be e recurring problem on mine and I've also had leaking cooler pipes. Quite why all these leaks end up on the diff I do not know.
 
Think I'm gonna have to investigate further on this one guys. Recently had new oil cooler and pipes so I don't suspect that. Its just a tiny dribble that sits on the bottom of the dIff. By the smell I do suspect engine oil as diff oil to me has a distinctive smell. Looks like a trip to my local independent LR garage. I will keep you informed.
Datatek, thanks for the compressor advice in a previous post.
Will keep you all posted:)
 
Update, just been underneath and wiped diff and can confirm its diff oil and not engine oil. Can tell by the distinctive smell. Just need to find out where its coming from and he ok drive.:confused:
 
Update, just been underneath and wiped diff and can confirm its diff oil and not engine oil. Can tell by the distinctive smell. Just need to find out where its coming from and he ok drive.:confused:

Depends how much has leaked and how much is left!

You could get a bottle of EP90 and top it up and see how much you've had to fill. I suggest placing a jug or similar under the diff when you park up for the night to see the extent of the leak in the morning...at least while you're stationary. Moving maybe be a different matter as mentioned in the second post.

Clean the area as best you can with degreaser and careful wire brushing. It might then be easier to see the nature of the leak especially after a drive. It will also show you if it leaks from the plugs. If you really want to go to town - ive seen mechanics apply a white stripe of emulsion down over the plugs to help diagnose leaks....not really sure how that helps but....
 
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Thanks everybody for your kind help.
I have since cleaned diff up and run the old girl for about 30 miles, parked up and nothing.
Had another look this morning and can just see a small blob of oil on bottom of diff, not even enough to cause it to drip on the floor.
Will get the old girl in the workshop asap to prevent further loss.
 
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