I took the old nail for an mot last weekend, came away with a pass but noticed whilst it was on the ramp that there is a small oil leak from the top of the diff.

Assume it's just the breather? Are these just a small length of hose? I've not had a chance to properly look yet

 

Yes, may need to check the oil level but sounds all ok, why not change the diff oil anyway, pop the back off and inspect and refill.

 

Probably not a bad shout, I've never changed it since I've owned the car!

Do the covers use a gasket or just sealant?

 

Just sealant, I used instant gasket from Halfords. I believe the diffs can wear and lose some of their locking on the lsd. Make sure you use lsd oil. (LS on the bottle) and it stinks when you take it out so lay down old rags to soak up any spills.

 

The actual LSD is a sealed unit. The oil for the diff is the same as the oil for a regular open diff.


The breather normally has a hose on the nipple going into the chassis rail.

 

How do people refresh them then? I have heard of people having refurbs, do they just replace the unit?

Bara told me that I MUST use LS oil in my diffs (admittedly I have a Quaife front and Weir Supra rear now)

 

I know that some transmission specialists can change the fluid on the viscous LSD and also increase the locking of them. But it is not something you can do at home. Or at least I've never heard of anyone doing it. This is all just for the standard Ford viscous LSD, any other LSD can be different of course.

 

Ah, yes...it was Bara who was talking to me about a refresh so he could do that.

Toby

 

I thought they just use regular gear oil as the lsd part is sealed.

I've got some 75w90 at home, was just going to use that?

 

I just found this via google because I have the same issue on my 3dr. The drip is driving me insane. I had the oil changed and 500 ml came out and 1 litre went back in. But it vents out the top pipe.


1 it's making a mess of my garage but 2 it causes real issues where I live as oil leaks cause a defect if coppers see a drip.


When the oil was changed it was stripped open and re-sealed. All leaks are definitely via the top pipe.


Can you use a catch can or breather? Why does it happen?

 

I don’t know what would cause it but a breather can and allow it to return should work

 

Can you direct me to an appropriate setup please?

 

I think it might need to be bespoke but I guess you could use an engine breather and modify that to suit.

 

Can you not just leave the standard set up and have a longer bit of hose on the breather?

 

I forgot about this post as I'm not often on here now.

This is what I'm going to do. Try a much longer piece of hose and see how I go with that.

 

On all my diffs and box i have long pipes that run uphill to empty pots. If any leaks it has to fill the pot (not that it could) then runs back in. 👍

 

Well I've been under the car to have a closer look and the pipe itself is actually in good condition.

Have to assume the seal of the rear cover is letting by?