Rover DEFENDER 300Tdi, Workshop Manual

Page: 178 / 450

REAR AXLE AND FINAL DRIVE
1 FAULT DIAGNOSIS
FAULT DIAGNOSIS
Complaint - Oil leaks
An external leak of lubrication from the hub seals can
be caused by a faulty internal seal. For example, if the
seals which separate the differential from the hubs are
faulty and the vehicle is operating or parked on an
embankment, oil from the differential may flood one
hub resulting in a lack of lubrication in the differential.
When a seal is found to be leaking check the axle
ventilation system, as a blockage can cause internal
pressure to force oil past the seals.
See ’Description and Operation’ for illustrations of oil
seal locations.
When investigating hub seal leaks check the grease
for dilution with oil. Also check the differential oil level,
for signs of metal particles in the oil and the condition
of internal seals.
If the vehicle is driven in deep water with defective oil
seals, water may contaminate the lubricants and raise
the differential oil level, giving a false impression that
the housing has been overfilled.
Do not assume that a high oil level in the
differential is due to over filling or, that a low level
is because of an external leak.