Does the front axle spin in H2?

Thanks Jim Bob.

I only need to use L4 for about 50m in the next 3500km, so I hope it can last a month without removing any more cv grease. With a little luck, the now breathing breather will reduce short-term diff oil contamination also.

Joshua.

Sorry I just re-read you post & realised you have changed the oil already.

Probably be a good idea to drive around with the hubs engaged (still in 2wd) to let the new oil wash out any remaining contamination & chage it again after a few days.

G'day Toyocrusa.

I just had a look through my records and I last changed the front diff oil about 12,000 km previous. I don't recall it being green back then. After some reading, I found similar instances on some sites that when the 'blue' grease from the inner CV mixes with the yellowish gear oil, a green results. My rear diff oil is not green; But yes, I agree that I should see some evidence around the CV boots if it is grease, which I can not. Hmmm.

For what it's worth, I hope it's not grease, but it's certainly not water (been there, had that) and I really hope it's not my diff disintegrating! Living in NE NT, it does get a really good work-out.

I'll try what Bushranger suggested and change it in a few days after mixing it in a bit. If it's noticeably green, I'll take it in to be fixed. Again, I hope the breather will do its job now. Thanks guys. More to think about...

Joshua

If you have an independant front end Hilux there is no way the grease can get out the cv joint and into the diff centre , it is physically impossible. If it is a live axle[ you wouldnt have cv boots} then it is possible.

G'day Mark&Sue.

Okay, that's good to know. But here's my reasoning, albeit potentially flawed! It is independent suspension. As you likely know, my diff has two shafts which drive the front wheels. At the diff end of these, 2 boots cover this union, similar to the outer CV boots - I assumed the grease within the inner boots somehow got into the diff. If this is not possible, might it be grease from the transfer case propeller shaft grease points? I do them every few thousand ks.

I can't think of any other reason why it would be green? It still smells like gear oil and feels like it too...

Thanks for the input.

Joshua.

A folluw-up. I went to the mechanic and he agreed that it is not likely to be grease. As above, he also alluded to a dye being used. So he suggested to wait and see how it goes. Great to have all the input from the learned people on this forum! My concern was likely all for nothing!

Joshua.

hi joshuah
first of all as mentioned above there is no way the cv grease can get into the diff and
secondly castrol diff oil is green in colour when new and its a very commonly used reliable diff oil brand and most likely what is in your diff

thirdly if the cv grease ever did mix with the diff oil the oil would be black or at least dark grey from my experiences from rebuilding cv joints over many years

it appears to me that your lack of diff knowledge is causing you to worry about something thats not happening but you have done the right thing by asking instead of throwing caution to the wind
cheers and enjoy your travels
barry