Offroad-Express

I've got an 87 surf thats leaking oil from the rear diff, and actually splattering oil all over the place around the area of the diff (ie petrol tank, spare wheel, axle housing, body floor). Guessing that it is a loose pinion bearing (as there is also considerable noise from diff when under load, and excessinve play in the prop shaft) or blown seal.

Tried to tighten the pinion bearing in the weekend, did it as tight as possible but still the pinion flange doesn't seem to sit flush with the axle housing and diff noise still there.

Taking to mechanic on thursday but was wondering if anyone could give me their diagnosis before i take it in.....

(Hope everyone can understand this, seems a bit wordy...)

you answered your own question there, bearing shot, crush sleeve shagged and pinion seal.

I agree, a couple of things to note when you replace the seal and crush washer (you can fit a solid one if you engineer one up).


there is an oil slinger in there make sure you pay attention to what way around it is (big disk washer thing) it throws oil up to the seal apart from that it is easy just need to get it torqued up to the right torque.

One other thing the pinion nut has a locking bit at the top make sure you lock it good as there are a few on here that have had the pinion nut loosen and allow the pinion to walk or purchased vehicles where this has happened.

Huh well i guess i'm not quite as clueless as i thought. Thanks for the advice.

Might use this as an excuse to get an lsd....