Leaking Differential
06-11-2012, 11:30 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2001 E55 AMG
Leaking Differential
Diff is weeping ever so slightly around the axle seals. Wondering if the diff vent cap might be clogged and needs cleaning?
Last edited by freedspeak; 09-21-2015 at 11:00 PM.
06-11-2012, 01:24 PM
#2
Out Of Control!!
Does this cap rise allowing the diff. to vent the built up pressure? Is there an "easy" way to check the vent function? Can the vent be cleaned without removing it? If it must be removed for cleaning, can this be done without dropping or removing the diff.?
Thanks[/quote]
Good afternoon,
The cap is fixed to the barrel. The only way I know how to check functioning is to remove, then blow out and then does air pass. Because of the design I can't see how you could clean the vents(they are small machined slots in the barrel under the cap.
If you have the frame cut out behind the diff---that is the space provided to remove the vent, however if you go this route, clean the area as you do not want dirt falling into the diff. Good Luck
Thanks[/quote]
Good afternoon,
The cap is fixed to the barrel. The only way I know how to check functioning is to remove, then blow out and then does air pass. Because of the design I can't see how you could clean the vents(they are small machined slots in the barrel under the cap.
If you have the frame cut out behind the diff---that is the space provided to remove the vent, however if you go this route, clean the area as you do not want dirt falling into the diff. Good Luck
06-13-2012, 07:27 AM
#4
Out Of Control!!
Thanks Pluto. You confirmed my assumptions. Fixed cap vent with tiny slits to breathe through...what could go wrong with that? LOL Should I use anti-seize or something on the breather threads when I replace it? It is a very tight fit for a normal wrench. It was all I could do to get one up there to try and size it (17mm I think). I'll see if I can find a shorter 17mm open end wrench. I did use a mirror and there seems to be a groove around the threads that allows dirt to build up. I may try some type of putty to clean that before I pull it. Any other tips?
As you know there are two schools of thought about spraying---one school sprays EFT,all electrical and mechanical parts. The other school uses spray sparingly especially on electrical parts. I am of that school and would put a small amount of WD40 on the thread area only.
As you have found out you have very little leverage in that area. I would not go shorter. I would go with the longest open end wrench I could find and just go quarter turn at a time.
If you looked carefully, taking the breather off is easy. Getting it on well that is another story. I just hope the vehicle is on a lift where you will be able to get your hand over and around the diff to start the thread. Go for it!!
06-15-2012, 07:21 AM
#5
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
99 E240 & 96 E230 & 78 280se
leaking diff
I had some success by removing the breather then the cap, and replacing the very dense felt with a wad of Air con filter material,
Last edited by johngelone; 06-15-2012 at 07:22 AM. Reason: Typo
