rear diff leak, opening the diff

[Skull]

Hello.

Im about to replace the seal, and need info about it.

I assume i have to remove the bolt from the flange to get to the seal. Could anything be messed up? Will parts fall out and i wont be able to put them back in how they are supposed to, or is it safe?



Is there any other seals that should be replaced? I dont know where exactly the leak is. I see the whole side of the diff can be removed (big bolts around), so could be the oil leak is on that seal?

[Acidburn]

drivers side of the diff just un-does and comes out quite easily but afaik that side normally don't leak.

passengers side has a wierd what looks like rubber band which is a spring, this can be a pita to do as me and s2driveruk messed around with his for a bit you have you take that side off and open the spring out on the lip on the inside of the diff, fidly but can be done, david managed to do his whilst on the car.

hth's

[Skull]

speaking of the passenger and drivers side is a little confusing, as i have a lhd.

the side in the pic is the rights side of the car, and the leak is on this side for sure.
the other side (left side of the car) looks totally different, and has the diff lock mechanism there too.

[sheppardnias]

Not sure if these are of any use but you should at least see where all the seals are.

Steve

[Acidburn]

Ok on ours/david's it was the diff lock side which had the seal.

[Skull]

Not sure if these are of any use but you should at least see where all the seals are.

Steve

very nice, thanks!

What is the tool number 2062 used for?

[Skull]

just opened it, nothing to be worried about.

the seal is right there, waiting to be replaced:





and the inner side of the flange:

[s2driveruk]

Here is a view from the other side.....

[s2driveruk]

...and the other driveshaft flange, though note this one is from a n/a 20v 90 Quattro, the only chance is the pcd afaik

[s2driveruk]

linky to the now sticky on the passenger side if needed

[Skull]

I have finished the job, and need to refill (new) oil. How much to pour into?

[s2driveruk]

till it comes out the fill hole.......

[Skull]

and the fill hole is the big nut on the left of the flange?

[s2driveruk]

yep, might need a good clean out of the hole to ensure it doesnt round off. Give it a good soak with some penetrating fluid and lube the threads when u replace so it doesnt sieze up. Make sure u check u can open the fill plug BEFORE undoing the drain for obvious reasons. When I did mine, I flushed mine, drove it 40miles and then drained and refilled. The amount of gunk which came out was amazing.....

[Skull]

Well i loosed both bolts and drainde before i started. Are you saying that i should put in some cheap gearbox oil, make some miles, flush, and then pour in the original fluid (30€/L)?