Rear differential leak are a common problem in older vehicles and can be seen in fluid leakage around the differential. The rear differential is a main device used in vehicles. But sometimes, due to some reason, leakage problems occur in the rear differential. Through this article, you will get detailed information about rear differential leakage. For example, what causes differential leakage, how do you fix the leak, and how much might it cost to fix it?
What Does Rear Differential Leak Mean?
A rear differential leak refers to differential fluid leaking from the rear differential housing of a vehicle. Typically, the main cause of rear differential fluid leakage is damaged seals. Additionally, damage to the differential gasket, pinion seals, and axle side seals can also cause differential fluid leakage.
What Is Rear Differential?
The rear differential is a vital component of a vehicle’s drivetrain system, transferring engine power to the rear wheels and allowing them to rotate at different speeds while the vehicle is turning. The differential has gears that distribute torque evenly, which is helpful in maintaining stability and preventing tire rub, allowing the vehicle to turn smoothly without any friction or slipping. A rear differential is typically found in vehicles with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.
Why Does Rear Differential Leak – Causes
Causes of rear differential leakage may include a worn axle, a damaged driveshaft seal, a damaged gasket, loose bolts, differential cover cracking, axle tube cracking, a loose drain plug, or other damaged components. Additionally, exposure to road debris or extreme heat can cause these components to degrade, causing the rear differential to leak.
Let us know the causes of rear differential leakage one by one in detail so that you can solve the differential leakage of your vehicle based on these causes.
1. Damage Differential Gasket
To keep the differential of any vehicle running smoothly, it is very important to lubricate its mechanism so that the differential does not make any kind of noise and any kind of friction can occur in the teeth of the gears running in the differential. Therefore, fluid is filled into the differential unit, and a gasket is used to prevent its leakage so that the differential unit can receive lubrication from the oil and the differential gears can be lubricated.
But sometimes, due to the differential not being serviced for a long time or due to the wear of the fluid, the differential gaskets get worn out, causing fluid leakage from the differential. If it is not corrected in time, So this leakage may increase and the fluid level may decrease.
2. Axel Seals Failure
The wheel axle differential is mounted on both sides inside the axle tube on the right and left sides of the unit, which connects to the drive wheels of the vehicle, thereby transferring the engine power to the drive wheels through the differential and causing the vehicle’s wheels to rotate.
Whether it is moving in a straight line or turning, To prevent differential fluid leakage, an oil seal is installed between the axle and the differential tube, so that the differential fluid does not leak along the axle. But sometimes, due to the oil seal being too old or the differential overheating, these differential oil axle seals get damaged, due to which the differential fluid starts leaking.
3. Driveshaft (Pinion) Seal Failure
The torque power of the engine is delivered through the driveshaft in the differential. The drive shaft is attached to the pinion inside the differential system. One end of the pinion attaches to the crown ring inside and the other end is connected to the drive shaft. There is an oil seal between the pinion drive shaft and the differential to prevent leakage of fluid.
But this seal gets damaged due to ageing or overheating of the differential. Due to this, the differential fluid starts leaking. These leakages can become more serious if the vehicle is operated for a long time with an oil leak.
4. Differential Cover Cracking
The differential mechanism system is fitted into a cover in the middle of the axle tube, and this cover is tightened with seals and gaskets. This cover box is filled with differential oil (fluid). So that the differential mechanism gears can be lubricated. But sometimes, due to some reason, the differential cover breaks or gets cracked. This causes leakage of interstitial fluid (oil). This can also be a major reason for differential leaks.
5. Rear Seal Leaking
There is a bearing on the rear of the differential, which is installed behind the differential cover. This bearing is provided with an oil seal, which prevents fluid from escaping from behind the differential. But sometimes this seal gets damaged due to age, and oil (fluid) starts leaking from it, due to which the level of differential fluid can be reduced or eliminated. This can also be a major reason for differential leakage.
6. Axel Tube Cracking
The axle tube is attached to the differential cover on both sides. In this, two axles from the right and left sides are connected to the drive wheels. The axles fit into differential tubes and move in the tubes, with differential fluid flowing through the axle tubes. It is equipped with an axle seal, which prevents fluid from escaping through the seal. But sometimes, due to some reason, the axle tube gets cracked or broken. This causes differential fluid to leak from the axle tube. This could also be the cause of the differential leak.
7. Differential Fluid Drain Plug Leak
The differential cover box has a drain plug for changing the differential fluid and a hole through which the differential fluid flows out. Sometimes the fluid drain plug is not completely tightened due to differential service or some other reason. Due to this fluid drain plug becoming loose, fluid starts leaking from the drain plug. This difference can also be a reason for leakage.
How To Stop Rear Differential Leak?
- Look at the differential gasket. If a gasket is leaking, replace it with a new one immediately.
- If any seal on the rear differential is leaking fluid, take out the old oil seal and change the new oil seal.
- Check the rear differential unit cover. if the box is cracked or broken somewhere. So get it repaired, or you can replace it with a new one.
- Check the axle tube to see if any fluid is leaking from it. So repair it or replace it with a new one.
- Check fluid drain plug. If there is a leak from the fluid drain plug, tighten it again after cleaning it and putting Teflon tape on it.
Is a Rear Differential Leak Serious?
If you have a slight leak from your vehicle’s differential, it is not a serious problem. But if it is ignored for a long time, rear differential leaks can become a serious problem. Because the rear differential is critical in transferring power from the engine to the rear wheels and allowing them to rotate at different speeds when turning, it requires lubrication.
But leakage can lead to loss of lubrication, leading to excessive friction, overheating, and potentially serious damage to differential components. This can result in costly repairs or even a complete failure of the rear axle.
What Does The Differential Do?
A differential is a vital component in a vehicle’s drivetrain, allowing the wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds as needed, preventing tire wear during turns, and providing smooth operation. This helps the vehicle navigate through slippery or uneven terrain. The differential plays a vital role in ensuring the optimum performance of the vehicle during cornering and challenging driving conditions.
Rear Differential Leak Repair Cost
On average, the cost to fix a rear differential leak can range from $180 to $450. You can expect this to include mechanical labor, seals, bearings, and differential oil.
This cost can vary depending on the location of the repair, and if major parts of the rear differential need to be repaired or replaced, it can cost anywhere from $900 to $1600. However, the cost to fix a rear differential leak on any vehicle depends largely on the make and model of the vehicle.
FAQ’s
Q. What symptoms indicate a damaged differential?
The driveshaft will vibrate at first, and you’ll hear the sound of gears grinding along with the driven wheels. If you suspect a leak, give the area under the gap a cursory inspection.
If you are well acquainted with your automobile, you will notice a change in handling. Turning a corner will be more difficult, and in the worst case, the differential may lock. Another sign that a differential is starting to deteriorate is uneven tire wear.
Q. How much can differential repair and replacement cost?
The repair and fluid costs of the differential unit can range from $200 to $450. And the replacement cost depends on the size and model of the vehicle. Typically, new differential replacement costs can range from $900 to $1600.
