Diagnostics and checks of the rear axle (Defender 2007+)

Oil leaks

External grease leakage from the hub seals can be caused by a defective internal seal. For example, if the seals that separate the differential from the hubs are faulty and the vehicle is running or parked with one side higher than the other, oil from the differential can flood one hub, causing the differential to lose lubrication.

When a seal leak is detected, check the axle venting system, as if it is clogged, an increase in internal pressure can cause oil to be forced out through the seals.

Drawings with the location of oil seals are given in Ch. «Construction and work».

For more information refer to: Rear Drive Axle and Differential (205-02, Description and principle of operation).

When examining leakage from the hub seals, check for oil in the grease. Also check the oil level in the differential, for signs of metal particles in the oil, and the condition of the internal seals.

When a vehicle with defective oil seals is driven through a deep ford, water can contaminate the lubricant and raise the oil level in the differential, giving the illusion that the crankcase is full. Don't assume that a high differential oil level is the result of a fill overflow and that a low level is necessarily an external leak.