Problem, leak

[ShotCobra]

I've been meaning to post this question for awhile, probably should have when I noticed the prob.

When I got my car out to start driving it a few months back(before I ruined my old engine) I noticed oil, not fresh had leaked from somewhere at the front of the car. I THINK it might be from inside the front diff or maybe the grease they used on the teeth on the outside of the diff liquidized. I'm just not sure, is there a seal on the diff to prevent leaks or is it just a tight fit?

 

[Amoeba]

What kind of car?

The diffs are usually sealed but can leak if the o-rings are shot. The gearbox the diffs sit in typically are not sealed, they are open on the bottom where it bolts to the chassis. Most cars use a paper gasket on the chassis to slow grease/oil leakage but it's not perfect.

Either way I'd recommend tearing down your diffs and replacing the oil every gallon, more often if you're racing or driving it hard all the time. You can check the o-rings when you do the teardown.

 

[ShotCobra]

OFNA Rav

What kind of grease should i use on the outside of the diff?

I was also thinking about using a couple pieces of wax paper cut to size to use as a gasket

 

[Scrogg]

Any grease for the ring and pinion will be fine. Use silicone to seal the diff housing to the chassis. It is the best way I have found to keep out dirt.