Oil leak from LSD

gslender · Postby **gslender** » Sat Oct 25, 2014 7:21 pm

Just a thought, are you 100% sure it's leaking from the case and not just the half shaft seals? I've had two need replacing and that's more common than the pumpkin seal itself leaking. It would run down the sides and look like a leak from the diff halves, but would originate from one or both sides near the shafts. If so, fairly easy to replace the seals in the car with diff installed.

G

Black_Penguin · Postby **Black_Penguin** » Sat Oct 25, 2014 9:50 pm

Mr M the workshop manual only tells you how to remove the differential. Any large issues would have them simply replacing it and sending it away for reconditioning. An enthusiast manual would be a better bet on how to reseal it.

manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Sat Oct 25, 2014 10:15 pm

Actually the full NA6 workshop manual has the diff overhaul details. Download from https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/890 ... 201990.pdf Password is bcotton

Just by the way, how much power are you putting into it? Is it possible to spread an NA6 diff?

sticky nicky · Postby **sticky nicky** » Sat Oct 25, 2014 11:52 pm

My manual does have a section on differentials, however, when it talks about pulling your differential apart it quotes " we strongly advise you not to attempt it" I have already followed the manual to remove my old diff and install the new one.

Postby **Okibi** » Sun Oct 26, 2014 2:14 am

Greg Dally has a great reputation in WA for setting up Nissan diffs. He'd probably be good with Mazda ones too. Think he goes by the name dalspec on a few forums but not sure how to get in contact with him.

cookie · Postby **cookie** » Sun Oct 26, 2014 9:03 am

If it's just the rear housing a removal and cracking open sealing and reinstalling is all that'd be required (while doing side shaft seals)

Nothing hard about it really. Just a pita when you shouldn't have to I guess.

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Sun Oct 26, 2014 11:09 am

Similar to G's suggestion, could it possibly be running down from the diff nose (front) oil seal?

Rod's Miata 1.8 Enthusiast's Shop Manual, like the Haynes Repair Manual, also doesn't go into dismantle & rebuild of the diff unit itself. Similarly, the Norman Garrett & the three Keith Tanner books.

sticky nicky · Postby **sticky nicky** » Mon Oct 27, 2014 11:36 am

Ive had a good look, its definately not leaking from the propshaft or the drivers side half shaft as they are both bone dry. The passenger side half shalf seal is ever so slightly damp but was wondering if it had blown up there when driving as its actually dripping off the bottom. When looking closely there appears to be a tiny section where it looks like someone has wedged a screwdriver inbetween the pumkin to open it at some stage. That is located at the bottom of the pumkin but slightly to the passengers side. Im wondering if it could be coming from there. Ill give it another really good clean, take it for a drive and have another look, would be great it I didnt have to take out the diff. Im running around 180hp.

gslender · Postby **gslender** » Mon Oct 27, 2014 11:59 am

if it is only a slight leak that is really a slow weep, why not clean it up and try some gasket sealant - it might be enough to keep it clean. the diff oil isn't under any pressure, so it might just hold up

sticky nicky · Postby **sticky nicky** » Mon Oct 27, 2014 5:10 pm

Thanks gslender, another forum member has pm'd me with that idea too so I think that is my next move. Will try that tomorrow.

taminga16 · Postby **taminga16** » Mon Oct 27, 2014 8:47 pm

Is there a vent on the housing? and if there is it would be prudent to ensure that it is clear and operating properly.
Greg.

sticky nicky · Postby **sticky nicky** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 1:23 am

Im not sure, ill have to check. I cleaned it up and took it for a drive. Both half shaft and prop shaft seals remained completely dry. Im convinced its coming from where the screwdriver was wedged in, so I let it cool, cleaned it up again and used the silastic on it. Will let it dry for 48hrs then take it for a spin tomorrow, hopefully that will do the job........fingers crossed!

IMG_2934.JPG

Dont know if you can see in this pic the small indent to the right of the bottom of the diff. This is were the oil seems to originate from and then drips off the bottom.

speed · Postby **speed** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 7:35 am

Hopefully it seals. Know you know what happens when someone jams a screwdriver in there! My fingers are crossed for you

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gslender · Postby **gslender** » Fri Oct 31, 2014 8:44 am

Have ya pinched up the pumpkin bolts?

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sticky nicky · Postby **sticky nicky** » Sat Nov 01, 2014 7:00 pm

Ok, took the MX for a spin today and the diffs looking good! No leaks at all

Will be interesting to see how it goes on a track day, so will keep an eye on it. I will check the pumkin bolts too, good idea.
Thanks for all your help guys! :wink: