lubrication service. When and how?

I would like to check and possibly change the oil in my front and back axle differential.
I have not purchased the oil yet but i need to know if i will need to renew any gaskets/seals on the drain nuts before i start.
Is it an easy job?

Which axles?

Mine didn't have any on, so I didn't put any back, just nipped them up nice and tight, about the only things that aren't dripping oil actually, I might be on to something.

The rover diffs have drain plugs in the bottom that have a slot in the bottom. I found a reasonably slim 17mm open ended spanner had just the right curve to fit in. Theres a copper washer which should be reusable if not damaged. The Salisbury ones look like they have a tapered plug in the bottom but I'm only guessing from the parts book - PTFE tape works well if tapered plugs leak.
Filler plugs are in the back/front plate of the diff or are in the cast section of the diff at the side. Fill up until it starts to overflow. I've just bought a big syringe pump with a tube from Machine Mart to transfer from 5l bottles into the diffs and gearbox 'cos they're a bit inaccessible.

Thanks for that, I managed the front but did not have the correct size socket for the rear nut. Both are Rover axles.
There is a steady drip of clean oil from the rear drian plug so if i can find a tool to get it off, then i'll try sone PTFE tape.
All of the other drain plugs seam to be dripping to verious degrees also si i might have to do it all round
Thanks alot guys.

I have one of those tools, if yu fancy a drive down this way .

shirley its a half inch socket drive
well al my filler/drain bungs are

buckshot said:

shirley its a half inch socket drive
well al my filler/drain bungs are

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Not on an original S3. Yu must have later rover axles fitted.

The Mad Hat Man said:

Not on an original S3. Yu must have later rover axles fitted.

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:doh: did'nt see it were the series section :doh:

Specsavers - Browse and buy glasses and contact lenses online

The Mad Hat Man said:

Specsavers - Browse and buy glasses and contact lenses online

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funny enough i left me reading glasses over me parents place just about to go back for um

My series 3 has rover axles and I'm fairly sure the square filler plugs are half inch - I use the square end of a socket on them with the 12 point end on the ratchet and one of 'em is a good fit. The other way round doesn't work as well 'cos the filler plugs have chamfered corners.

Make sure you undo the filler plug before the drain plug, just in case you can't get the filler plug undone after you've let all of the oil out.

Good advice.
I founf that the front was a square plug which i used an adjustable spanner for, The rear took a 7/8 inch socket which i borrowed from a neighbour.
I have yet to find anything that i can use to undo the drain plugs that will fit in the ground clearance.
Still working on that.
Do the drain plugs have washers at all???

Yes, the drain plugs have washers, copper ones so they're reusable. The slot
can be a bit of a bugger to get anything in 'cos it's curved. You can make a suitable tool from steel plate but I've always found there's at least one spanner in the box which will fit in and allow you to tap it loose.

For the slot I just cut the end off a knackered spanner put the shaft in the slot, very erotically, and twist it with a pair of swan neck pliers also erotically.

Did you lube before insertion?

R-tron said:

Did you lube before insertion?

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NEVER!!! I dig the friction.

Mine's usually lubricated enough, but I often have to scrape the mud out first.

oxides said:

Mine's usually lubricated enough, but I often have to scrape the mud out first.

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You really are a sick, sick puppy.