Date:         Wed, 5 Jun 2019 17:09:55 -0700
Reply-To:     alex@MEVAY.ORG
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alex MeVay <alex@MEVAY.ORG>
Subject:      Worn Diff -> Drive Flange Leaks?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

Can a worn differential cause leaks at the drive flanges?


I have some drips from both flanges that appear to happen only when
the vehicle is moving (no puddles when parked).  It's worse on the
driver side than passenger.  Seals were supposedly replaced 2 years
ago during a transmission rebuild.  I cleared out my breather hole,
which may have helped, but didn't eliminate the problem.

With firm hand pressure, I can wiggle the driver side flange ~1mm or
maybe 1/16", which seems maybe suspect.  The passenger side, which I
believe has a longer stub in the diff (less wiggle for the same wear)
doesn't move much, and also has less severe of a leak.

Only other possibly relevant symptom I can think of is a slight
grumbling noise during hard acceleration up on-ramps in second.  CV's
replaced in 2016.  Van has ~170k, assume diff original.  4sp manual.

I would like to have a 5+ year fix, and don't want to bother just
trying to replace the seals if the root problem is the diff.  Also not
averse to having an excuse to put in a TBD/Peloquin/etc. for a little
less digging out off-road (suggestions welcome there too).

Thanks as always,

Alex