differential leak

[whitenemesis]

MB replaced the seal on my diff under Service-Plus. there was no appreciable oil loss but the tech said if they were not changed soon it could lead to premature wear / failure.

As this was a no cost (to me) job I was quite surprised at MB's willingness to do the job asap.

They originally quoted 6hrs to change the seals until they realised mine was a later design where the shaft slides out. Still took them 2.5hrs...

 

[C240Sport97]

rear diff seals (all 3) on my 202 C240 needed changing

the input seal on the rear diff on my 208 CLK55 also needed changing

 

[bluevenetian]

sorry if i'm hijacking post in any way -- but my garage said the differential needs replacing at 600 plus quid -- and I was wondering what symptons would show if it was really worn. I don't do much mileage and I can see any leaks on the tarmac under the car after a trip....It also doesn't make any clunking noises.

 

[EDZ649]

sorry if i'm hijacking post in any way -- but my garage said the differential needs replacing at 600 plus quid -- and I was wondering what symptons would show if it was really worn. I don't do much mileage and I can see any leaks on the tarmac under the car after a trip....It also doesn't make any clunking noises.

I think the usual tell tale signs are clonks and whining noises when they get really bad.

 

[Satch]

Leaking diffs? Ahh, here is an example of a proper and traditional one: the legendary Landy rear pinion seal. Oh what fun I had.

Would not get too stressed about a tiny leak/seepage as long as it does not drip hypoid on your in-laws new block paved driveway Obviously keep an eye on it for signs of getting worse and the oil level.

General Hint: if you decide to drain the diff for an oil change take the filler plug out first. Removing the drain plug only then to find the filler plug is solidly stuck in place tends to take the shine off the weekend especially if you had assured SWMBO would be a quick and easy job that would not put you in a foul mood

 

[lynall]

Agree that landie diff is a leak the merc one is defo not a leak, its a mild weep, in fact most mechs including me would laugh at you if you bought that in for new seals, a leak is when fluid drips, all the merc diff has is a stain and as you all know a little oil goes along way and its diff oil which is thick so stays about for longer then the dirt sticks to it.

So dont replace it just check the oil every now and then and it will be fine.

Easiest/cheapest thing to do would to be to clean all the old oil and dirt off, then monitor it.



Lynall

 

[Olivier]

I top up the diff with 30 CL, this if halford is correct in the 1 litre bottle I had 700 ml left in it). A bit went out and as the car was on a slight angle for me little body to crawl under, the top up as been a wee more then requiere. I might only needed 10CL, but who knows? I was really worry the diff was empty.
The back of the screw was black with the old oil, I guess its really time to look after it now, even with the halford brand, a change of oil is necessary.
I didn't drive much today but so far, no leak? Will that be self healing?
I still get the seals tomorrow from mercedes, just in case , and the black seal for the back plate, but I might leave it the way it is, if it only requiere a top up once in awhile, this could give me time to arrange a garage/ shed/ something/ anything, just not the side of the road
Cheers

 

[ABBY]

if it only took 300 ml and you never topped up before its not a bad leak.monitor how long it needs a top up again.the replacing of seals on a diff should be left to an experienced mechanic or diff specialist.if when you preload the bearings the pinion doesnt sit exactly on the same place as before you will create a new wear pattern which will deteriorate the condtion of your diff very quickly.9 times out 10 first time diff repairs end in a noisy diff,thats why i recommend leaving this to an experienced person. safer to keep topping up until it becomes a nuisance
good luck.
try zf transmissions thats their speciality. they normally can do a part exchange

 

[ABBY]

these instructions should be similar
PeachPartsWiki: Replacing the Differential

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Mines always leaked, last service they cleaned it down without any problems at all.

Although mine can look bad it loses virtually no fluid over time.

 

[Olivier]

these instructions should be similar
PeachPartsWiki: Replacing the Differential

Than you, this look similar, gosh, make me think twice... It look harder on the link then what I thought? Anyway, so far I'll leave it for a wee while.

 

[stevesey]

Mines always leaked, last service they cleaned it down without any problems at all.

Although mine can look bad it loses virtually no fluid over time.

Ditto

 

[lynall]

Took pick of my diff last night, sad i know.

Ignore the black thats the waxoyl, one side damp other bone dry same as oliviers.

I changed the oil approx 5 k ago and the dampness has always been there since i have had the car, no marks at all on my spanky new block pave driveway.


Lynall

 

[Olivier]

Your is looking dryer then mine, but, yep, there is a but... I replace the oil today, changed the nuts/ plugs and after a drive on littel scenary road, the guy is still dry
This is a good news so far. I got the 2 seal from mercedes too as they were especially ordered and didn't want to be stuck with them. Well....

 

[kth286]

Took pick of my diff last night, sad i know.

Ignore the black thats the waxoyl, one side damp other bone dry same as oliviers.

I changed the oil approx 5 k ago and the dampness has always been there since i have had the car, no marks at all on my spanky new block pave driveway.


Lynall

The picture makes it look as if your driveshaft bolts are in cockeyed.

 

[Olivier]

The picture makes it look as if your driveshaft bolts are in cockeyed.

yep, I hope this is the wide angle?
I thought you were talking about me and got a fright

 

[lynall]

The picture makes it look as if your driveshaft bolts are in cockeyed.

Yeh i to noticed that in the pic maybe have a look when i next service it in 2k time.



Lynall

 

[Olivier]

how far are you from the next service now? Curious to know what they'll think of it.

 

[johnsco]

I think I've more to worry about in life than a slight oil stain near my diff oil seals.
Check the level every 30k miles.
Drain and refill every 100k miles.
If it doesn't drip on the path, leave it alone.

I rather think that my car will have collapsed into a heap of rust long before I get round to replacing the diff oil seals.
(and I have done it in my younger days).

Cheers.
Johnsco

 

[edwee]

here is the leak

hi, this is an old thread. I have a leaky differentials. It does drip to the floor. I don't know what is considered acceptable or bad. Is there a picture for reference?