front diff leak

[bryandc3]

I have a 1990 MK1 2.5TD and this week I rebuilt the front brake calipers after having one seize on me and get a bit smokey on the way home. Also replaced the power steering belt after getting fed up with the squealing it made under and load.

now for my question, while doing all this I noticed a leak on the front diff coming from the seal (I think) just in front of the drain plug. Have done a bit of a search online for some info and I suspect it to be the diff breather blocked but all I could find was a small valve looking cap where the breather would be.

Has anyone had this problem, know how this type of breather works or any other advice would be greatly appreciated

Cheers

[Cameron]

look like the one labelled 'stock breather'?


if it's running out of there it couldbe something as simple as the front diff being a little over full. if it's only a little bit coming out there I wouldn't be too worried. it'll find it's own level if it's just damp there then, no problem.
if you're worried just check the level.

although, by the sound of things it's dripping out the filler bung, or the actual pinion shaft seal? if it's the fillr bung it might just need a new copper washer. if the pinion shaft: a new seal. should be an easy enough fix.

[bryandc3]

Yep thats the stock diff breather in question, I've heard if it gets blocked and the diff heats up it can cause the seal to burst making it leak oil. making me think that this is the cause of the problem. In that photo the breather has a nut attached to it so a socket should do the trick to pull it off and check for any blockages?

thanks for the reply, that photo was a huge help

[Cameron]

yeah it should just unscrew. if it's blocked, just wash it out in some petrol or something. even hot water would be sweet. just make sure it's nice and dry when you put it back on. should be able to blow though it without too much resistance.