What are the effects of differential oil leakage?
2 Answers
Differential oil leakage can cause dry grinding of gears, accelerating wear and tear, so it is recommended to replace it promptly. Below is the relevant information: 1. Function: Its role is to bear and transmit the driving force of the differential and reducer, reduce transmission friction resistance, and improve transmission efficiency and reliability. 2. Interference fit: The inner diameter of the bearing and the shaft neck of the differential housing, as well as the outer diameter of the bearing and the bearing seat hole of the reducer housing, are generally interference fits, meaning the inner and outer rings of the bearing are not allowed to move relative to the connecting parts, but the bearing clearance is adjustable. 3. Lack of lubricating oil: Due to long-term lack of maintenance and severe shortage of lubricating oil in the rear drive axle transmission part, or prolonged use on special roads and improper adjustment during maintenance, the inner diameter of the bearing inner ring and the shaft neck of the housing may loosen and wear, leading to excessive play, burning of the tapered rollers, and scorching of the friction surfaces of the bearing inner and outer rings, resulting in differential axis deviation.
Last time my car's differential was leaking oil. At first, I just noticed some oil stains on the ground and didn't pay much attention. Later, while driving, the rear axle started making constant noises, like a metallic grinding sound, which was really annoying. When I took it to the repair shop for inspection, the mechanic said all the oil had leaked out, and the gears inside were grinding dry without lubrication, causing them to become pitted. Not only was the noise loud, but it also caused the entire differential to overheat. I could clearly feel the car becoming unstable when turning, with a risk of losing control. Over time, the wear worsened, and the gears could seize or break, requiring a full replacement that cost me several thousand dollars. Since then, I've been diligent about checking the oil level and seals to prevent it from happening again. Regular maintenance really saves money and effort, especially before long highway drives—always check the rear axle for any signs of abnormal oil leaks.
