Wet rear diff?

[BenMTL]

Hey guys, was under the car this weekend and I noticed my rear differential was wet? Rest of the car was dry.

It is not leaking I don't think (no drops), but it is wet with oil as you can see below....Probably need to take it apart and put in a new gasket? Or bearing? Anybody done that before?

[papadelogan]

I don't recall there being a gasket but I don't think I took the plate off either. Been a long time since I changed out rear diff oil, though I do need to do it to the current ride. It would be strange for something to deform the casing on allow the mild weeping you seem to be experiencing, but not impossible. Do you recall driving over something and hearing and feeling a bang\impact to the chassis?

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

[BenMTL]

I don't recall there being a gasket but I don't think I took the plate off either. Been a long time since I changed out rear diff oil, though I do need to do it to the current ride. It would be strange for something to deform the casing on allow the mild weeping you seem to be experiencing, but not impossible. Do you recall driving over something and hearing and feeling a bang\impact to the chassis?

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

No, I don't think this is caused by damage and I have no associated marks, just over time the bearing/gasket leaking I think....I'm at 100k miles.

[BenMTL]

Has nobody tackled this job themselves before?

[aluthman]

Probably an output seal leaking. Never replaced one myself but probably isn't that difficult.

[drewgold]

Yes, likely output shaft seals. I have a leaking seal but haven't gotten around to replacing it. There's a DIY around somewhere. I'll have a look for it!

[BenMTL]

Yes, likely output shaft seals. I have a leaking seal but haven't gotten around to replacing it. There's a DIY around somewhere. I'll have a look for it!

Please do! I haven't been able to find it...All I know so far is;

-2 seals, 1 for each side (no aftermarket kit sold for them? have to buy oem looks like)

-you must disconnect the drive shaft, disconnect cv joints/axles, and drop the rear diff

-great time to probably change the fluid in there as well.

[drewgold]

Found it, it was in the B6 section:


https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/403611-DIY-Rear-differential-axle-seals?highlight=differential+seal

I believe there's different manufacturer options out there. Be careful though, iirc there's different versions of the rear diff which may or may not have different seal sizes. Can't remember.

[BenMTL]

Found it, it was in the B6 section:


https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/403611-DIY-Rear-differential-axle-seals?highlight=differential+seal

I believe there's different manufacturer options out there. Be careful though, iirc there's different versions of the rear diff which may or may not have different seal sizes. Can't remember.

Can't find any aftermarket kit for them anyway, so I'd call my dealer and give them my vin to be 100% sure, thanks for the link :)

[drewgold]

Can't find any aftermarket kit for them anyway, so I'd call my dealer and give them my vin to be 100% sure, thanks for the link :)

Yeah, I remember being super confused trying to find the correct part numbers. No one seems to list accurate part numbers of there are a number of different part numbers but they're all the same size seal. You're a 2006 correct? Let me know what part number the dealer says you need. IIRC I was told the part number for the seals is 016409399B but not 100% sure.

[aluthman]

ECS includes seals in the rear diff service kit that they sell.

[BenMTL]

ECS includes seals in the rear diff service kit that they sell.

Yes, but I already have the oil so only need the seals, which they don't sell separately oddly enough

[Guig'z]

Yes, but I already have the oil so only need the seals, which they don't sell separately oddly enough

Did them, pretty easy to do.

I have a pair of brand new oil seal laying around, was about 10-15$ each seal as I recall.

Just make sure to out grease on the spring lf the seal and to press it in straight.

No need to remove the complete axles.