Diff leaking and wheel bearing noise - NA6

[mightyrollaman]

Hi All, just after a bit of advice.

About 2000km ago, I noticed a very slight seepage coming from my diff on one side, where the axle bolts up.

The other day, I noticed what sounded like a faint wheel bearing noise when accelerating from rest. It was so faint, I couldn't identify what end of the car it was coming from.

Today, I noticed a scent of diff oil. After having a quick look underneath, I've observed that the diff is leaking from both sides (where axles meet diff), and can only assume that this is all related.


Should I:

A: stop driving it, pull out the diff and take it to a diff shop, or

B: keep driving it and look for a 2nd hand replacement unit


For those in the know, I'm just wondering if the diff sounds rescuable at this point.


Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[project.r.racing]

Clearly it needs 3 new axle seals.

The noise could be as simple as low diff oil.

You could try to top up the oil with cheapo stuff and see if the noise goes away.

If the noise goes away, then all you'll need is seals replace.

[timk]

Can you describe the wheel bearing noise?

My TorSen had stuffed pinion bearings and it sounded like dragging brakes.

[mightyrollaman]

I'll definitely do the top up test before stressing any further.

The wheel bearing noise is the usual vm, vm, vm, vm noise that increases with frequency with speed. Its only very slight though at this point and can't be heard over about 40.

It does make a dragging brake sound as I reverse up the driveway though.

[mightyrollaman]

Okay, tonight I topped up the diff, which didn't take more than a few drops.

I then drove it and there was no difference to the sound.

I think I'll drop the diff and take it to a diff shop.


Cheers for your thoughts and advice everyone. Will report back with the findings.