Locking differentials are commonly seen in off-road vehicles with off-road packages, like trucks and Jeeps. Several things can cause low differential fluid, but the most . Dried or bristled seal A dried or bristled axle seal will not perform its sealing functions very well. The differential is a part that can be found in every car and is intended to make up for the distance between the front and rear wheels as a car rounds a corner. The gears wont burn out or become worn out if the differential fluid is good. When the seal is appropriately placed, you should hear it pop in most circumstances. If the problems are not addressed, other parts may suffer severe damage, costing you a lot of money in repairs. Phil. Differential covers arent the most expensive part of your car, but theyre not cheap either. Nevertheless, some gaskets are made of silicone. The axle shafts will leak fluid if the seals dry out or wear down. A differential leak often comes from the gap between the housing and its rear cover, and replacing either the cover or the gasket should fix it. Various signals that a gasket is failing are usually present and shouldnt be ignored. A crush sleeve inserted in the differential that helps set the right preload on the pinion may also need to be replaced in addition to the seal. Both outputs receive the same amount of torque. Smaller leaks may produce faint traces of gear oil coming from the differential housing while larger leaks will produce drips and puddles underneath the vehicle. But there are also instances where a faulty component within the differential, such as a worn-out pinion bearing, can cause a seal to leak. Home / Maintenance / 6 Causes of a Differential Leak & How to Fix Them. Lubricate the axle gear ending that will connect to the differentials inner gears with fresh gear oil. Due to the utilization of front and rear differentials, this is possible. If you're concerned that your axle seal might be leaking, here are a few things to look out for: Oil drops below your vehicle after it has been parked. To understand your differential maintenance requirements and frequency, consult your owner's manual. Build-Up Around Seal Many people do not know that the CV boot seal starts to tear with time. The differential cover may have darkened areas. The year, make, and model of your car will determine how everything turns out. Especially if they're older, it's possible that internal sludge has kept the fluid in for a period of time, up until they begin to fail. This is not a difficult task and can be done quite easily if you have some basic knowledge about car maintenance. Consult your owners handbook to learn about differential maintenance requirements and frequency. The differential housing is located in the rear of rear-wheel-drive cars and comprises a thick dark oil that is often heavier than 75 weight. I posted over a year ago on this thread after my 2010 X3 front Diff failed in the middle of nowhere "X3 Front Diff failure due to oil leaks". Lack of fluid or fluid that hasnt been refilled in a while and has beyond its expiration date is one of the most common causes of differential damage. If a leak does occur, it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage. If you smell something burning while driving, it could be the differential fluid overheating. The main reasons why a differential cover may get damaged are due to impact (such as a rock hitting it while driving) or due to corrosion. the front axle seal is common, but don't see too many of the newer trucks with this problem. Most diffs will need to be professionally installed so that the labor costs can add up quickly. Below are some tips for preventing these leaks and keeping your differential in good working order: One of the most common causes of differential seal leaks is low or dirty fluid. Finally, replace the fill plug and run your vehicle to check for any leaks from the new Differential seals. Factors like your vehicle's details and the part's manufacturer can affect the price of a new gasket. Well discuss the warning indications and symptoms of a front differential leak in this article, along with some maintenance advice. It is right where the front drive shaft goes into the . Its a good idea to wipe the inside of the differential with a clean rag or disposable shop towels before removing the damaged seal. I love the truck as it has been good to me (unlike my brand new fusion, tranny went at 9000 miles), anyway a while back I noticed the front differential was leaking fluid. A front differential leak will result in the loss of lubricant in your car. Several things can cause a rear differential leak, and its important to determine the root of the problem so you can fix it. I have spent countless hours building my knowledge and experience on car repairs. On front-wheel drive vehicles, the differential is located at the end of the transverse-mounted engine. Depending on the application, replacing these can be a moderate task to . NEEDS A NEW SEAL AS WELL". StubEXrube. Each one plays a critical role in keeping the Differential fluid where it belongs and prevents leaks. A differential on a Chrysler car by Dana60Cummins. You may check the fluid level and condition by removing the filler plug and placing your finger on the hole filler. The differential seals are simple in appearance and function, but they play a crucial role in maintaining the differential and vehicle in proper working order. What Is The Procedure For Replacing A Differential Output Seal? This differential comes in handy when one tire is stuck in the mud, snow, or even the air. A cars differential system. As a result of the outside tire traveling further than the inside tire, this would occur. Keep the area around the differential clean: Debris and dirt can cause wear and tear on the seals, leading to leaks. If you suspect you have a bad differential, best to have it checked by a professional. Pull the axle out of the differential once all of the hardware has been removed. In a high-grip environment, such as on dry roads, be careful not to lock the differential. Differential Gasket The gasket for differential housings is usually silicon or rubber which can wear out with normal wear and tear. If you do hear a whirring noise, it's going to remind you of . The differential is also very helpful during slippery weather conditions, helping your car gain more traction and grip. One of the most common problems that you may encounter with your differential is a leak. Over time, these seals wear, harden, can crack and leak. In general, differential fluid or oil resembles motor oil quite a bit. You can anticipate paying about $200 for your front differential leak repair, depending on what is required. Driving conditions can also influence the development of a rear differential leak. Differential fluid resembles motor oil in appearance. With a hammer, strike the end of the installation tool straight until the seal pops into place. With the engine off, remove the fill plug with a socket or wrench. 2. The differential is the housing that houses the gear drive for the drive axle and connects to a drive shaft to supply power to it. The sound is created by a lack of lubrication in the gears, and it might grow in volume or tone depending on the vehicles speed. For information on the specifications and frequency of differential maintenance, consult your owners manual. I have owned the car from new and have previously serviced twice the differentials, and replaced transmission fluid 3 times before doing 2 drain and refill each time at least. Differential fluid is a thick, dark green or red fluid that smells like burnt gear oil. What causes a differential to leak? Although the smell may mean that you're due for an oil change, it may also indicate that your differential oil is deteriorating. First, locate the Differentials fill plug on the side of the differential housing. How quickly a rear differential leak manifests may also depend on driving circumstances. There will most likely be some vibration due to the rhythm of the sound. Refer to your service handbook for instructions on how to complete this step, as each vehicle has its own method. The differential oil may be leaking or it may simply be due to an oil change. Unusual sounds or odors in an automobile can indicate a number of issues that a competent mechanic should look into. 6. Answer (1 of 11): If it's older, it's just general wear and tear. If your car is leaking fluid from the rear differential, youre not alone. A failing differential [both front and rear] will make a whirring noise, whining noise, howling noise, and humming noise. On a front wheel drive vehicle, the axle seal is at the inboard end of the axle where it goes into the transaxle. Without front and rear differentials, no matter how different the courses of the left and right tires were, they would have to spin at the same pace. It is easy to damage the old axle seals when the drive axles are reinstalled, particularly as the axle tubes are full of dirt and rust which can easily be transferred to the seal surfaces. However, the gaskets job is to keep the gear oil in the housing where it can properly lubricate the differential pinion gears and ring while also sealing the differential housing. . When a part is broken, the grease drips from it and accumulates in the broken section. If you observe oil from a leak with a particular odor, it can be a differential fluid leak. If you must drive, be sure to keep an eye on your oil levels and top off as needed. It can be difficult to drive without a working differential, so its important to keep yours in good condition and get any necessary repairs done as soon as possible. If not properly addressed, these leaks can lead to serious problems for your differential, such as reduced performance and damaged components. Answer (1 of 6): I would say pretty serious depending on the vehicle. Most are safe to use and, if used properly can prolong the life of your vehicles differential or even prevent any damage from occurring. The drive shaft enters from the front and the driven axles run left and right by Aconcagua / CC BY-SA 3.0. Remove the old seal entirely but leave it behind so that it matches the replacement seal you purchased before attempting to install the new one. Most four-wheel drive vehicles have a front and rear differential. and allot of folks make comments that don't like the way it feels. Transfer Case Control Module: What Is It And What Does It Do? Therefore, you must identify the source of any leaks as they occur. 5. Differential Fluid Drain Plug Leak How To A Fix Rear Differential Leak Rear Differential Leak Repair Cost FAQ's Strike the installation tools end straight with a hammer until the seal pops into place. A mechanic will be able to thoroughly inspect your vehicle and make any necessary repairs so you can get back on the road safely. The side seals on the diff stop its fluid, so it cannot leak onto the rear brakes. Simply remove the filler plug, place your finger on the hole filler, and youll be able to observe the fluid level and condition. If the Problem Lies With Differential Cover or Differential Gasket: If the Problem Lies With Differential Pinion Seal, Differential Side Seals, and Axle Seals: What are the major symptoms of a rear differential leaking seal? This can lead to serious gear damage. To get the best results, it is important to follow the directions on the product label and apply the sealant evenly around the seal. The differential cover is there to protect the internal components of your differential from damage and water entry. Finally, we will cover the cost of fixing a rear differential seal leak and answer some frequently asked questions about this topic. The air conditioner wasnt working, and I cursed myself, A clutch master cylinder is a key component of your cars clutch system. 2. Fixing an axle seal can cost anywhere from $150 to several hundred dollars, depending on the make and model of your car. Differential oil thickens and burns when it is polluted. Be careful not to damage the differential housing when removing the old seal. A differential is a component of a vehicles drivetrain that allows two wheels to rotate at different speeds. A positive traction differential by RB30DE / CC BY-SA 3.0. Did you know that as a car is going around a bend, the tires on either side of the vehicle may spin at different speeds to aid handling? Differential seal leaks are one of the most common problems that car owners face. Before replacing the wheel and tire, torque the lug nuts to the recommended levels. When your vehicle is leaking differential fluid, you may notice traces of oil on the underside of the differential or even puddles of fluid on the ground directly beneath your differential. There are a few major symptoms of a rear differential leaking seal. The differential should be checked out if youre having difficulty turning a corner. A limited-slip differential (LSD) is a compromise between an open and a locking differential. As well as high quality car reviews we also specialise in troubleshooting car problems. Now, the reason I finally noticed that it was my differential, is because it started sounding/feeling like a tire rub when turning, and the whining is now loud enough for me to realize that it doesn't sync with the engine revs. Eliminate any leftover seal material that might have fractured during removal. After youve completed the test, get underneath the car and inspect the differential housing for any fresh fluid leaks.