Member Since: 12 Jul 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 956
Dark spot on rear diff?
I was repainting my undercarriage today, and I noticed on the rear diff there was a dark spot that went about halft way up it on the sides. I felt it, and the spot felt just like the dry areas. It wouldn't clean up with Simple Green. So I sprayed it flat black and will keep an eye on it. My thought is that if the spot was dry...it's not an active leak, right?
But, if something is leaking, what would be a possibility and what would it cost to fix it?
Thanks!17 Discovery 5 HSE Si6, Fuji White on brown | 07 LR3 SE 4.4 Java Black on Alpaca
Club V8/Club OCD
10th Jul 2012 6:20 pm
-J's AUTOS-
Member Since: 14 Apr 2012
Location: Sheffield Yorkshire
Posts: 27
Hello mate, I wouldn't worry about it especialy if it was dry, it could be anything from an old leak that has been now fixed to something splashed on ther from the shaft or something wrapped around the shaft rubbing the diff changing the colour, anything is possible A seal can weep especially on a moving part (especially on a land rover)
If your worried keep having a look to keep your mind at rest
Hope this helps cheers -J-
10th Jul 2012 9:38 pm
CMG
Member Since: 12 Jul 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 956
Thanks!
I will keep an eye on it... 17 Discovery 5 HSE Si6, Fuji White on brown | 07 LR3 SE 4.4 Java Black on Alpaca
Club V8/Club OCD
10th Jul 2012 10:24 pm
CMG
Member Since: 12 Jul 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 956
We've got a leaker I think...dark spot is back and seems slightly oily.17 Discovery 5 HSE Si6, Fuji White on brown | 07 LR3 SE 4.4 Java Black on Alpaca
Club V8/Club OCD
12th Jul 2012 2:35 am
amazing
Member Since: 05 Mar 2011
Location: chengdu
Posts: 1542
whoever swapped your diff for Neptune please put it back.
seriously try to follow the leak up to its starting point may be from somewhere else.(but maybe not)It is better to have and not need it then need and not have it.
12th Jul 2012 6:22 am
CMG
Member Since: 12 Jul 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 956
I took some pics...
Click image to enlarge
-tastic pics I know, but here are a few observations I made.
1. The diff isn't too "oily", but as shown the intermediate shafts are.
2. The crossmember in front of the spare tire was damp.
3. Some wires/hoses above the diff were damp
4. The "oily" substance seemed more like water, but it was light brown in color and didn't feel slick like the diff oil I remember. Diff oil also had a distinct smell too- didn't really smell it. Didn't put any up to my nose though.
This leaves me with a few questions:
1. Is it likely the intermediate shaft seals are leaking (it's interesting to me that both are equally damp)
2. Is their something above that could be leaking (AC condenser or something) and is mixing with dirt and crap to create the substance? (Or is that wishful thinking?)
Thanks for everyone's time.
Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated 17 Discovery 5 HSE Si6, Fuji White on brown | 07 LR3 SE 4.4 Java Black on Alpaca
Club V8/Club OCD
13th Jul 2012 12:43 am
CMG
Member Since: 12 Jul 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 956
Are these the seals that go to where the intermediate shafts connect to the diff?17 Discovery 5 HSE Si6, Fuji White on brown | 07 LR3 SE 4.4 Java Black on Alpaca
Club V8/Club OCD
13th Jul 2012 4:56 pm
jhaddock
Member Since: 08 Oct 2011
Location: Puerto Rico
Posts: 47
Look for part number TZB50050, change mine few months ago. Everething is dry now.
15th Jul 2012 2:36 pm
CMG
Member Since: 12 Jul 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 956
Thanks! How hard was the install?17 Discovery 5 HSE Si6, Fuji White on brown | 07 LR3 SE 4.4 Java Black on Alpaca
Club V8/Club OCD
15th Jul 2012 11:39 pm
jhaddock
Member Since: 08 Oct 2011
Location: Puerto Rico
Posts: 47
It was two men 4 hours job (my neighbor who has lot of mechanic background and his cousin). The job consists mainly in getting both half shafts out and replacing the seal. Once you remove the wheels, you will see what to tear out. of course, you should change the old nasty oil (it will help to have handy a 14mm hex bit to drain the old oil). I am including some pictures so you can get an idea.
16th Jul 2012 12:15 pm
jhaddock
Member Since: 08 Oct 2011
Location: Puerto Rico
Posts: 47
Sorry, part number is TZB500050
16th Jul 2012 12:16 pm
caverD3
Member Since: 03 Jul 2006
Location: Oberon, NSW
Posts: 6922
Check that the diff breather valve is not stuck as this may be what caused the leak. It is somewher behind the rear lights. “There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely gamesâ€
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A seal can weep especially on a moving part (especially on a land rover) 
-tastic pics I know, but here are a few observations I made.
