Rear diff

[mgray167]

hi guys

has anyone one ever had to sort a weeping rear diff?

about feb i was aware that my diff was weeping out the drain hole in it.bought the fluid for refilling it but never actually got round to do it.

so earier this week i though id better look at it and sort it out before the snow arrives.apon doing so i found signs of weeping coming from the drain hole and where the driveshafts attach to it.so im obviously worried its got a lot worse and wondered if anyone else has had this problem and what sort of man hours are required to sort it

any advise is appreaciated

[spartacus 68]

Sounds like damaged oil seals (drive-shaft). The only way to fix is to dismantle. I had the rear diff oil changed about a year ago. Now at 130k. It's meant to be a sealed for life unit, but if it's weeping - then you'll need to sort. Link here about rear diff oil change (it's for B5 model but B6 is basically the same): http://www.audiworld.com/tech/misc33.shtml

As far as I know it's a morning's work plus parts. The output seals on the axles are easier to do from what I've read.

[mgray167]

oh another thing iv noticed is when going from a stopped position in reverse and turning the wheel from the right to the left there is a clunk,could this be related?it doesnt do it when going forward

[spartacus 68]

oh another thing iv noticed is when going from a stopped position in reverse and turning the wheel from the right to the left there is a clunk,could this be related?it doesnt do it when going forward

I wouldn't have thought so. More likely to be a CV joint, centre support bearing or the universal joint on the prop-shaft. Only way to tell is to get it on ramps with all 4 wheels off the ground so you can check for play. I'd deal with the rear diff first, then if noise persists - investigate further.