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Rear Drive Axle/Differential - Rear Drive Axle and Differential Diagnosis and Testing Complaint - Oil leaks An external leak of lubrication from the hub seals can be caused by a faulty internal seal. For example, if the seals which separate the differential from the hubs are faulty and the vehicle is operating or parked on an embankment, oil from the differential may flood one hub resulting in a lack of lubrication in the differential. When a seal is found to be leaking check the axle ventilation system, as a blockage can cause internal pressure to force oil past the seals. Illustrations of oil seal locations are given in Description and Operation. REFER to: Rear Drive Axle and Differential (205-02 Rear Drive Axle/Differential, Description and Operation). When investigating hub seal leaks check the grease for dilution with oil. Also check the differential oil level, for signs of metal particles in the oil and the condition of internal seals. If the vehicle is driven in deep water with defective oil seals, water may contaminate the lubricants and raise the differential oil level, giving a false impression that the housing has been over filled. Do not assume that a high oil level in the differential is due to over filling or, that a low level is because of an external leak. |