Why does my axle oil go brown and become too full?

Mr Noisy · Jun 4, 2010

So...

I have very thick and gloopy brown gear oil after an off road day, so i put fresh oil in the axles, after a quick flush out with engine oil.

i do my another offroad day, and then when i return home i find the oil is chocolate brown and slightly thicker than gear oil. it also spills out of the filler hole, like it is half an inch too deep, yet i filled it to the line spot on.

so whats happening?

am i really getting that much muddy water in there that it is discolouring the oil and filling the axles up? i have no oil leaks from the hubs at all, although i did have a little weep from the diff pinion seal on the front axle when i took the axles off to paint them etc.

this never shows any sign of leakage once the axle is the right way up again.

also, i have extended breathers.

anyone else had this scenario???

cheers, sam.

goonarmy · Jun 4, 2010

waters getting in somehow

Mr Noisy · Jun 4, 2010

Well that's kinda answered that anyway!

Just drained the rear axle now and I'd say it was basically full! But, more full with water than oil

better look at replacing diff pinion seals I think!

Hard job???

auto · Jun 4, 2010

Emulsification they call it - water in oil. You will have a leak somewhere. Check all seals and renew, also the drain plugs will need at least a good clean on the threads if not replacing.

It may pay you to pick up a breather kit for the axle - which will extend pipes upwards, above the water level so it doesn't get in through the breathers. Get a wading plug for the gearbox too if you are doing alot of water crossings!

Pikey · Jun 4, 2010

auto said:
Emulsification they call it - water in oil. You will have a leak somewhere. Check all seals and renew, also the drain plugs will need at least a good clean on the threads if not replacing.

It may pay you to pick up a breather kit for the axle - which will extend pipes upwards, above the water level so it doesn't get in through the breathers. Get a wading plug for the gearbox too if you are doing alot of water crossings!

Do try reading before ya Post.:doh: OP has already said he has extended breathers.

Mr Noisy · Jun 4, 2010

Thanks for the replies folks

yea I have extended breathers already, and I'm pretty sure the drain plugs fit and seal well.

I'm gonna overhaul the rear axle this weekend/week, new bearings and seals all round. Had new hub seals on one side already, so it's either the diff pinion or the other hub I suppose.

Gonna take th diff out to check it all and clean the axle case nicely, hopefully new seals will sort it.

Somehow I'm doubtful

cheers, sam

classic kev · Jun 4, 2010

Glad you're going to strip the hubs too, check seals and wheel bearings. Muddy water kills wheel bearings if it can get to them.

Mr Noisy · Jun 5, 2010

thanks mate

yeah im ordering two wheel bearing kits and seals for the diff.

strip, clean and rebuild the lot.

then cross fingers

oldskool · Jun 5, 2010

Check your breather pipe isnt blocked if it is as the axle heats up it will push air out through the seals, when you go throug deep water it will cool down and draw water back in through the seals, im assuming its open end is above the level of water you are going through. I know it sounds obvious and to you it may be but i have seen extended pipes fitted along the chassis with the open end hanging free about half way along the chassis:doh:

Mr Noisy · Jun 5, 2010

Thanks mate

yeah I'm gonna check the breather is nice and clear tomorrow.

The pipes run to the top of the snorkel so that's fine, but it's worth checking.

I'm guessing it's the diff pinion seal tbh, but seeing as I'm stripping the axle fully and replacing all seals and gaskets, if I don't cure it then there's something very wrong!!

Regards the front axle, I think/hope the diff pinion will cure it as the swivels are not emulsified (yet)

cheers, sam

Why does my axle oil go brown and become too full?

Mr Noisy

Coming in your ears.

goonarmy

Beer tester

Mr Noisy

Coming in your ears.

auto

New Member

Pikey

Dummy Ejection Facilitator..

Mr Noisy

Coming in your ears.

classic kev

Well-Known Member

Mr Noisy

Coming in your ears.

oldskool

Well-Known Member

Mr Noisy

Coming in your ears.

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