Diff oil leak

mitch_f1 · Postby **mitch_f1** » Wed Jul 15, 2015 9:33 am

So I have a T2 torsen diff in a 1.8L housing, which was completely overhauled maybe 2 years ago, and after a trackday I notice that there is an oil leak at the front seal right behind where the tailshaft bolts on. It is only after a good trashing on a trackday, never on the road. It is probably only 5-10mL of fluid but it gets spun everywhere and is enough to wet the bottom of the housing. Initially I thought the diff might be pressurising due to faulty valve, so I replaced the valve, but it is still doing it. It is definitely not over-full because I put small amounts in last time until it was just dribbling out (while on a level surface).

Any ideas about what could be causing this would be appreciated.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Wed Jul 15, 2015 11:25 am

oil leaks out of faulty seals. Hot oil also thins out.

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Wed Jul 15, 2015 1:57 pm

I'd agree with Morlock.

Sounds like the front seal has split/worn/hardened

If I remember correctly, it's just a press fit in the front of the housing (not too unlike a rear main seal on the engine)
I might be remembering incorectly, but i'm about 70% sure it's an external seal.

ralt · Postby **ralt** » Wed Jul 15, 2015 2:18 pm

Hi Mitch.
When removing the nut holding the flange it is very important to count the number of turns it takes to completely remove the nut as there is a collapsible spacer inside. Once you have loosened the nut mark it and continue to count until it is of the shaft. Refitting is obviously the reverse of removal.

r3395 · Postby **r3395** » Fri Aug 14, 2015 8:36 pm

Get a diff shop to change the seal as like others said the collapsible wAsher if you get it wrong will cause more headaches and the diff will have to come out again