Diff Leak
 

My 1986 XJ-S passed its MOT today with one advisory. Inspecting Officer noted that Right Hand diff seal is showing signs of a leak. It’s not dripping just oil wet. Here in New Zealand the MOT is called WOF (Warrant of fitness). Cars of my vintage are subject to 6 monthly checks. I’m well aware that a leak could compromise the rear disc brake. Whilst it’s obviously just started would a learned member or members advise me the best course of action to replace the faulty seal. I’m at an age now that it may well be out of my abilities but my step son is and engineer (Aero) has a car hoist.
Thanks in anticipation.

Mike

Mike,

It is a cradle out task, sadly, and very time consumong.

BUT

On one of the S3 cars and a couple of the XJS beasts, I drained and refilled the diff with FRESH oil. All 3 were weeping as you describe, and NO drips or contamination.

FIXED.

That was 20 odd years ago, and the S3 is still OK, Jnrs chariot of choice. The XJS's, no idea, long time left the fleet.

For the sake of an hour (3 beers) it is worth a try.

REMOVE THE FILL PLUG BEFORE DRAINING THAT DIFF.

You beaut, thanks Grant. I had a similar leak, just wet in the diff of a Rover P2 I restored. Drain and refilled the diff , hunkadori, all ok.

The beer has transformed into Bandy (mainly) and lime and soda. Copious quantities helps one sleep with Nora da Sonora close by

mike

Years ago I had such a diff leak on my XJ6. Not serious but if left unattended it would eventually and surely migrate onto the brakes. But, replacing the seals is no 30 minute thing.

So I "attended" to the leaky seals by cleaning the area 2-3 times a year with aerosol brake cleaner. That 'fix' did the trick for many many years

:)


Cheers
DD