Leaky Rear!

Hi all. Am new to this site and have a question. I have reasently serviced my 110, and as part of the service changed the oil in the rear axle. I've only owned this vehicle a few monthes so have no idea when this was last done. The oil that came out did not look good. There was quite a lot of rust in it and I think the level had fallen very low. Since the new oil had gone in there has been quite a lot of leakage from the diff, at the point where the prop shaft joins (sorry can't be technical). Is this an oil seal gone, or could it be something more serious? If it is an oil seal, how easy is it to replace and how is it done? Is it a job suitable for a DIY tinkerer?

Cheers Fran

That will be the diff pinion oil seal mate, disconnect the propshaft and you will see a large nut securing the flange. Undo this nut (very tight!) withdraw the flange and simply remove the seal. Make sure its all clean in and around the housing, with no damage , fit in a new seal nice and flush then simply assemble back together. The seal is pennies and can be bought from any land rover parts companys.
Good luck!

There on ebay for £4. Drain the oil first though or it will come out!

The reason you have rust in there is because water has been getting in, and sounds as if most of the oil had come out as well.

Would flush it through with some oil before finaly filling it up.

you may wish to remove the axle, and flush the whole thing through with parafin/petrol (with out the seal in as it will destroy it) and then put it all back together), and thn refil it - depends on the level of contamination - You could also just rechange the oil after 1000 miles

bigdenbailey said:

That will be the diff pinion oil seal mate, disconnect the propshaft and you will see a large nut securing the flange. Undo this nut (very tight!) withdraw the flange and simply remove the seal. Make sure its all clean in and around the housing, with no damage , fit in a new seal nice and flush then simply assemble back together. The seal is pennies and can be bought from any land rover parts companys.
Good luck!

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Thanks very much.

Forgot to add, you may also need to make/get a tool to hold the flange while you remove the nut - see the photo guide in the defender photo guide forum for the transfer box oil seal replacment - i got away without one for the transfer box but it can cause damage)