dipstick on diff leaking - not o-ring

DavieGravy · #1 03-18-2004, 10:31 PM

Today, I noticed a nasty oil smell and some smoke. It smelt like heavy diff oil (I haven't really noticed this kind of smell before. It was fairly rank). I pulled over and some diff oil had appeared to have come out the top and drip down the sides. I've already replaced the o-ring on the dipstick so that it fits snugger. I'm sure that the notch on the dipstick was in place and that it was pushed all the way down into the hole, so I don't know why it would leak. Would replacing the entire dipstick help perhaps?
Thanks.

SubaSteevo · #2 03-18-2004, 10:33 PM

Could there be a crack near the hole for the dipstick?

DavieGravy · #3 03-20-2004, 09:58 AM

The dipstick tube doesn't appear to have any cracks.

There's a slight rotational wobble when inserted into the tube with the notch in place, but up and down it seems to be snug.

I checked the fluid level when cold. It's past the full mark. Could it be overfilled and coming out the top?

#4 03-21-2004, 08:15 PM

How long have you had the vehicle, and have you added any lubricannt to the differential?

The dip stick isn't the problem, but for it to be coming out the dip stick hole is very wrong.

Has anyone else had access to the vehicle and could possibily added something in the wrong access hole?

Achtung: drain it completely asap, have the car on a level surface, then slowly add 80w or 80W90 APi GL-5 gear lubricant (supposed to hold 1.3 quarts, but 1 quart may be enough) to the proper level, drive and check it out, and let us know the results.