Rover DEFENDER 300Tdi, Workshop Manual

Page: 204 / 450

FRONT AXLE AND FINAL DRIVE
1 FAULT DIAGNOSIS
FAULT DIAGNOSIS
Complaint - Oil leaks
An external leak of lubrication can be caused by a
faulty internal seal. For example, if the seals which
separate the differential from the swivel housings are
faulty and the vehicle is operating or parked on an
embankment, oil may leak across the axle leaving one
swivel with a high level and the opposite swivel and
differential lacking lubrication.
See ’Description and Operation’ for illustrations of oil
seal locations.
When investigating leaks or checking oil levels, it is
essential that all the lubrication is drained from any
housing with a high level and that the other levels are
checked.
Swivel oil should be checked for signs of grease
leaking from the hub bearings and oil contamination of
the hub grease.
Check that the axle ventilation system is clear, as a
blockage can cause internal pressure to force oil past
the seals.
If the vehicle is driven in deep water with defective oil
seals, water may contaminate the lubricants and when
checked, give a false impression that the housing has
been overfilled with oil.
Do not assume that a high oil level is due to over
filling or, that a low level is because of an external
leak.