When is a diff too hot?

Post by **sudso** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 1:41 am

Got home today after a 180km drive on the highway and when I got out the ute I could smell diff oil. I got near the wheel arch and I could feel the warmth coming through there from the diff so I got under and felt the centre housing, well I couldn't leave the palm of my hand there for more than 5 seconds.

It did begin leaking a bit through the drive pinion seal a few weeks ago but I checked the oil level and it's still just below the filler hole so I'm wondering if it's a bearing thats gone.
I've never known a diff to feel that hot before from normal driving.Any clues or tips anyone?
sudso

Post by **pongo** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 7:59 am

My toyota diff done the same thing, Wasnt really sure of the end result, I just replaced the centre. Mine was leaking from the pinion as well.

CHeers

Post by **bazzle** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 10:20 am

Prob about 60c. Should be ok. have many a dif I could touch for long but temp measured only about 65c.

The heat makes any leaks smell worse.

Bazzle

Post by **Shadow** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 10:54 am

i believe and LSD with LSD oil can run as hot as 100c before the oil starts to break down

Post by **pongo** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 1:57 pm

Shadow wrote:i believe and LSD with LSD oil can run as hot as 100c before the oil starts to break down

Thats intresting to know, I might get my old centre looked at. I thought it was fried for sure.

Cheers

Post by **Shadow** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 5:34 pm

ok just read my LSD oil and it says 85degrees C

Post by **justinC** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 7:38 pm

I've infra red thermometer tested a lot of these over the years, most normal operating temps at around 20 deg ambient, and moderate highway use should be around 40 to 50 degrees TOPS>most I have done were 42 to 46 deg.

If any more, then you have a bearing problem and it will eventually fail.

JC

Post by **sudso** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 2:55 am

I changed the oil yesterday and I didnt like the look of what came out.
The oil was very metallic and the recessed magnet in the drain plug was full of shiny flaky bits.
I also found out that some dick had put LSX90 in it before and it should have been LSX80W/140 which is a much thicker oil.
I've ordered a new drive pinion seal but looks like I might need a new bearing too.

If the oil was too thin would that cause overheating thus bearing wear?
I've been through a few "puddles" but I saw no evidence of water in the old oil.

It's a 98 Rodeo and the diff is a Dana Spicer 12 bolt LSD

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When is a diff too hot?

When is a diff too hot?

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