Gear lube leaking out of rear wheel?

[Kdrnak91]

for the past 2-3 weeks I've noticed a small collected puddle, about the size of a dollar underneath the vehicle, leaking against the tire and onto the garage floor. My hypothesis is that while driving, the rear diff gears are spinning obviously and centripetal force is carrying a small amount of gear lube out the the axel and it's leaking through a seal.

My question is is there a seal? I asked a parts store if such a thing existed and of course they had no clue ergo I'm inquiring here! Any help would be appreciated

 

[1920SF]

Yes there is a seal, though the first thing to do is clear your axle breather as often it will get clogged and then pressure builds up blowing oil out through the path of least resistance.

 

[Kdrnak91]

Yes there is a seal, though the first thing to do is clear your axle breather as often it will get clogged and then pressure builds up blowing oil out through the path of least resistance.

Hate to be needy, but I've never delved this far into vehicle maintenance what am I looking for when looking for the axel breather? Also thank you for the hasty reply, much obliged!

 

[Jagfixer]

Follow the breather hose that comes out of the rear end, usually near the middle on top. Follow up to a height of about 28-36" inches up. Usually a black plastic line with a 90-180 degree bend in the end.

 

[Kdrnak91]

Thank you so much for the details! One more question, can anybody point me in the direction for a seal? What's it exactly called assuming it could be found on eBay or Atlantic British.

 

[scottsdalerrc]

www.roversnorth.com
a good starting point. great exploded views and parts listings. granted, you can find parts cheaper elsewhere but their phone support and customer service is hard to beat.

 

[Dangeruss]

You didn't specify model, but on D2's the seal is a $4 o-ring that requires you to pull the hub/axle assembly to change it.
http://www.roversnorth.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=FTC4919&type=0&eq=&key=it
You can remove the hub and axle as a unit, you only need to undo the axle nut to change the hub. When you have the hub off you might find that it is shot and is the source of the leak. If you remove the ABS sensor and turn it over and oil pours out then that is the problem. Careful driving it like this as you have now lubed your rear brake, which will need new pads, and the diff oil level will get low fast. The drop you see in the garage is the residue, it's coming out faster while you are driving.
If you have a D1 disregard everything I said.

 

[Kdrnak91]

Sorry for not specifying, I'll be sure to do that in the future. I have a D1. Making really glad I don't have a D2 though. thanks! lol