water in the rear diff...but how?
Submitted: Tuesday, Apr 25, 2006 at 10:27
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greenextreme
Hi All,
My '99 Defender has a problem of water getting into the rear diff. Not been doing water crossings so all I can imagine is the breather sucking in moisture as the diff cools down. When I drain the diff the oil is coming out brown (rusty-looking) with quite a bit of water mixed in. There's no oil leaks anywhere. There's rust appearing at the bottom rear of the diff housing. Any suggestions why or how to fix it?
cheers,
greenextreme
Reply By: Rob Ackland - Wednesday, Apr 26, 2006 at 09:26
Wednesday, Apr 26, 2006 at 09:26
Greenextreme you have answered your own question. No extended diff breathers is the most likely cause of the problem. Most 4WD users seem to think a
snorkel will solve all problems but many don't understand that even water flowing over a hot diff housing will cause the standard breather to "swallow" water. I have seen this problem with three Disco's in the last six months. But the problem is not limited to LR in any way.
As
well folk seem to think that bearing seals are impervious but they are not so it always pays to take care and a little time when approaching a water crossing, regardless of depth.
Extended diff breathers will go a long way to preventing a recurrence but it won't guarantee the issue will not return given the issues with bearing seals.
If the problem has existed for a while then a solid
check of everything is on the cards as if the oil has not provided full protection from heat and corrosion then you could easily have issues so get it thoroughly checked by an expert
Rob
AnswerID:
169028
Follow Up By: greenextreme - Wednesday, Apr 26, 2006 at 09:34
Wednesday, Apr 26, 2006 at 09:34
Rob,
I can hear the alarm bells ringing.....
I recall hearing a soft squeak / light grinding noise from the rear drive train area (which I put down to an excessive build up of brake dust).
I'm off to the mechanics today to get things pulled apart, checked and repaired.
Fingers crossed there's no serious damage.
Thanks,
Greenextreme
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