Leaky Diffs help

[Surfer Ross]

Hi all,

I was changing my oil and trans oil yesterday and noticed quite large oil stains on both the front and rear diffs where the prop shaft attaches to them. I "topped up" the gear oil in the rear diff and it took 900ml . I was pretty surprised, there hasn't been any noise or vibration from the drivetrain at all, only the hum from my AT tyres.

I've done a search on the forum but can't really come up with anything conclusive. Is it (fingers crossed) a matter of undoing the 4 prop shaft bolts, lowering the shaft and then tightening the nut inside the front of the diff?

The truck is a 2nd gen 3.0TD SSR-X. Any advice appreciated.

[KERRSURF]

Probably not, it's worth a try but if the bearing seal has gone then it will need replaced.

[Surfer Ross]

Thanks Alan, I'm going to check the pre-load nut to see if its loose, if so I'll tighten it up and hopefully that will stop the oil weep. Fingers crossed

[BUSHWHACKER]

Are you sure it's oil and not U/J grease thats been flung around after an enthusiastic re-grease?

[Surfer Ross]

It smells like diff oil although it doesn't appear to be dripping. It took 900ml of oil so it must have been almost dry. Its an LSD on the rear, not sure if this was standard or not.

[KERRSURF]

Are you sure it's oil and not U/J grease thats been flung around after an enthusiastic re-grease?

It would be present at the transfer case if this was the cause, is it?
I have greased props before ( properly done the grease should be squeezed until it comes out of bearings ) and it does get thrown about a bit.

[Surfer Ross]

I'll have a look tomorrow Alan. It doesn't seem to be getting any worse and as usual, there are no untoward noises or vibrations from the drivetrain, other than my dodgy driver's side front driveshaft but that is getting replaced this week.