Rear Diff Leak

[Devans]

Hi guys,

My rear diff started leaking last night. I've looked up what is wrong and it seems to be an easy fix.

However I don't have time to get onto it for a week as I am in the middle of uni exams. It has leaked about 5mL of oil so far in about 12 hours, am I going to break something if I keep driving on it daily to and fro uni for exams?

Thanks for the help,

David.

[Devans]

Oh yeah, the leak is from the pinion seal...

[DeanoH]

As we're playing 'guess where it's leaking from' here :D, I'll go with the pinion seal which is the usual place. An easy and cheap fix without the need to jack up the vehicle or use of special tools.. It'll only get worse and messier with time but considering there should be a couple of litres of oil in there (from memory) you can put it off, but keep an eye on it.

Even if leaking badly just undo the fill plug sand top up as required. Castrol diff oil comes in handy 1 litre 'squeeze' containers with a retractable hose which makes the job very easy (if a little messy sometimes). Make sure you use the correct diff oil, must be 'EP' or extreme pressure rated for the diff.

Deano :)

[DeanoH]

Oh yeah, the leak is from the pinion seal...


Aaah........................................you're a mind reader.:)

Deano :)

[chopper]

70ml over a week wont hurt even a month would be ok, unless you ride motorcycles and slip on the spots. Corolla's are good to get to uni in, cheaper to run and maintain also

[Devans]

70ml over a week wont hurt even a month would be ok, unless you ride motorcycles and slip on the spots. Corolla's are good to get to uni in, cheaper to run and maintain also

Done the Corolla, must say I have a much better time driving my 110 around even if it costs me more. I find the noise of the engine to be very soothing… :D

[chopper]

loved my old corolla too, go offroad anywhere the landy would so long as it was down hill and step enough for gravity to be on your side !

[troyfyn]

Doubt it, mines been leaking for 2 weeks heading through the desert towing a tonne on hard tracks, that's not leaking too much as long as it's not making noise.... But I ain't a mechanic! Getting mine done next week after another 600 hard km....

[MR LR]

I just did 4000kms with a leaky axle flange (that I'd gasket goo'd before the trip), I watched the oil level and it did not drop, especially with the fact the back wheel was coated in it! Don't worry about it, but check the level if it gets bad.

[Mick_Marsh]

I drove from Melbourne to Melrose and a lot of km before with a leaking pinion seal.
Keep your eye on the level. Each week or two for a check and top up should be fine.