is there any way of checkimg/topping up diff oil?

Auuteage · 30-07-2007, 07:57 PM

Having a slow axel seal leak, I have a feeling my diff sounding like a plane around 70 and beyond may be due to the fact that it may well have no oil in it.

So, is there a way I can check it/top it up? thanks

FGII-XR6 · 30-07-2007, 07:59 PM

there is a plug on the cover plate the oil needs to filled till it is up to this level. check how far down it is by sticking your finger in. if you can't feel oil it is way too low

Auuteage · 30-07-2007, 08:15 PM

Can oil be added from this hole?

mik · 30-07-2007, 08:23 PM

yes sure can

rag top · 30-07-2007, 08:43 PM

might also be worth draining what is still left, and fill up with some fresh oil.

Bottom bolt of the rear cover is the drain plug.

FGII-XR6 · 30-07-2007, 08:51 PM

and pray there aren't little gold flecks in the oil

Auuteage · 30-07-2007, 08:54 PM

What exactly would gold flecks mean?

AND, can I go up to the servo and get diff oil?

nikos · 30-07-2007, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Auuteage

What exactly would gold flecks mean?

AND, can I go up to the servo and get diff oil?

Gold flecks mean you've ground up your gears due to lack of oil, not good!

You can go to a servo but its probably cheaper from supercheap or autObarn

Auuteage · 30-07-2007, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikos

Gold flecks mean you've ground up your gears due to lack of oil, not good!

You can go to a servo but its probably cheaper from supercheap or autObarn

Well its worrying me enough that IM thinking of doing it now. I do 300kms a day, its gotta be not doing any good!

DoreSlamR · 30-07-2007, 09:18 PM

I changed mine over the weekend.
A few observations, old diff oil is STINKY!
Its probably easier to do than a normal oil change, well on a ute anyway.
Make sure you use the right oil, its different if its an LSD or not.

Have fun!

Auuteage · 30-07-2007, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoreSlamR

I changed mine over the weekend.
A few observations, old diff oil is STINKY!
Its probably easier to do than a normal oil change, well on a ute anyway.
Make sure you use the right oil, its different if its an LSD or not.

Have fun!

yeah fair point. Its not LSD I think. There is only the ONE nut though on the diff centre. So drain and fill through this one hole yes ??

bodes-sh · 30-07-2007, 09:25 PM

no....the drain hole is the small one in the middle at the bottom....

Auuteage · 30-07-2007, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bodes-sh

no....the drain hole is the small one in the middle at the bottom....

Ill have another look. All I could see was one largish nut around the middle roughly

GK · 30-07-2007, 09:36 PM

This may be of help.

Changing Diff Oil
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showpos...7&postcount=42

Cheers,

GK

loxxr6 · 30-07-2007, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GK

This may be of help.

Changing Diff Oil
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showpos...7&postcount=42

Cheers,

GK

Nice write up. I've been meaning to check my diff oil for ages. Might be time for some maintenance on the car.

ClassicAU · 30-07-2007, 10:34 PM

Ever so handy with the write up GK, as usual! Good work. How often should the diff oil be changed? I think its almost been a year since i had my LSD built, is that too long?

Evan

Auuteage · 30-07-2007, 09:37 PM

For a quick fix before the serivce is due on the weekend I might just top it up. Any tricks for getting oil in through that hole though? Dosent look easy :0)

Auuteage · 30-07-2007, 09:40 PM

That does help GK, thanks. I presume the oil pictured is for a AUII.

GK · 30-07-2007, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Auuteage

That does help GK, thanks. I presume the oil pictured is for a AUII.

No worries.

Yep, that oil went into my S2 live axle. I've since used the same oil in the S1, no difference. But if your car is LSD, you will need an additive, and perhaps even different oil.

GK

au2sw · 31-07-2007, 06:13 AM

basically with diff and transmission, if it starts looking really dark and has a very pungent odour, change it. watch for metal flakes, this measn the gears are getting chewed up. a small amount is normal wear and tear, but large flakes is bad. autos are recommended to be serviced every 20,000ks. a full auto flush probably evey 100,000. though im not entierly sure as ive never had to do one.
auuteage, replace the axel seal as soon as you can, youll just have to keep topping up constently, not to mention the mess it makes over your brakes and tyre and wheel arch/guards if you dont replace it.

Robe · 31-07-2007, 09:45 AM

It is funny in this day of chips and sophisticated engine systems that we still have to stick our finger in to check the diff.

And then bang our heads on the underneath bits of the car while trying to convince diff oil to get in.

JC · 31-07-2007, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robe

It is funny in this day of chips and sophisticated engine systems that we still have to stick our finger in to check the diff.

And then bang our heads on the underneath bits of the car while trying to convince diff oil to get in.

Easiest 2 ways of getting diff oil in:

1. Use one of those hand pump syphons you can get for about $2. Throw away after use.
2. Get a small weed spray kit - the kind that you pump up with air, and then release a trigger on the flexible hose nozzle to allow flow. Clean well after use.

Auuteage · 31-07-2007, 05:36 PM

Turns out it isnt the diff or lack of oil at all, but a wheel bearing! Cant get it fixed till the weekend, so I have 3 days of very stressful driving hoping the bearing dosent heat up my axel enough to snap and I lose a wheel on the highway! Its going to be a slow three days.

If any of you feel enlightened to give me some silly odds of this actually happening to make me feel better, feel most free!!!

Auuteage · 31-07-2007, 06:41 PM

A mechanic just told me that its unlikely a bearing will actually seize as long as your diff has oil in it. Possible, but unlikely. Whatchya reckon?