Why do differentials leak

Active Oldest Votes. Improve this answer. Good Luck!! The vent is probably blocked. Open it up so that pressure doesn't build.

Larry Larry 1. Sign up or log in Sign up using Google. Sign up using Facebook. Sign up using Email and Password. Post as a guest Name. Email Required, but never shown. Featured on Meta. Now live: A fully responsive profile. You may also notice a whining sounds as the gears mesh since there may not be enough fluid for the gears to operate smoothly. There is a number of causes for differential leaks which you need to have repaired as soon as possible before you damage the gears inside your differential housing.

The cause for a leak could be a leaking gasket, a leaking pinion seal or a differential side seal. The gasket for differential housings is usually silicon or rubber which can wear out with normal wear and tear. If this gasket deteriorates, then you may experience a leak. A failing and faulty differential will often create loud whirring and whining noises.

You may also hear some rattling. If you are dealing with a damaged differential, then you as the driver will have a difficult time turning your car around corners. Should you have an extremely damaged differential, then you may have an accident. If you notice a leak that is directly under one of your axles, then you have a diff leak. Should you ignore the leak, then you risk further damage to your drivetrain, transmission axles and wheels. Should both the tires and wheels travel at the same speed as you turn your vehicle, the inner tires will become worn fast, due to faster rotation taking place.

There will also be damage to the tire treads- which can worsen your driving performance. The exact price of replacement and repair of differentials does differ from vehicle to vehicle. Typically, the diff leak repair or differential repair can be categorized into:. The differential oil replacement process is not an expensive replacement. But depending on the labor cost, lubricant used and taxes, you may be paying more. The entire process takes about 30 to 45 minutes and can be performed at a home or at an auto garage.

In a word: yes. The differential gasket is the component that seals the differential housing. If this preload is not correct, then you could damage the differential. Be sure to check the service procedure for your vehicle for torque specs and proper procedure before you commit to replacing your pinion seal. It might be more involved than you suspect, and it would be good to have that information before you get in too deep.

Also, know that a limited slip differential takes a special fluid or additive to operate properly. Sometimes limited slip differentials are identified by a tag bolted to the outside of the unit. Other times, it might be stamped into the cover. Either way, be sure to use the correct fluid, especially if you have a limited slip differential.