It looks like my differential side axle seals were leaking, so I replaced them. However, I also read that a clogged differential vent allows pressure to build-up, and then FORCE the oil out of the side seals.

As a pre-caution, I'd like to clean-out the vent, but I'm not sure where it is.

I think the attached picture is it, but I'm not sure, and I don't know how to remove it, let alone what size it is.

Can some confirm/tell me where the differential vent is, and how to clean/remove it ?

TIA,
:-) neil

 

Yeah, that's it. Hard to imagine how they'd clog unless driving through mud and then let them bake. They're just a press fit and come out without much effort

If you ever plan to run diff or gearbox coolers - not really going to happen easily on the standard diff cover, they are one way (for expansion), so really need to be removed and something else put in, otherwise pumps will draw a good vacuum...and not much oil.

 

So just put some pliers to it and lift up to remove ? Or do I have to remove the rear cover to clean/unclog it ?

TIA,
:-) neil

 

I REALLY doubt your's is clogged. Did BOTH side seals fail at the same time?

I've never messed with the vents, but I think I'd rather remove the cover and blow some air thru it from the inside to make sure it's clear, rather than try to remove it from outside.

 

Actually, the side axle seals were perfect. So I'm thinking either a clogged vent (aka, breather), and/or the bearings are shot as the fluid was blacker than normal, and it looks like there some "glitter" in the old fluid :-( neil

BTW: I finally found the vent/breather in the factory manual (p. M-34), and it looks like it screws in from the top, with a torque spec of 16-22 N*m.

Unfortunately, I don't think I can get a wrench or socket on it, so I guess time to drop it slightly and remove the cover . . .

:-( neil

 

Ah, it's the gearbox one that is press. Probably get to it dropping the pair of diff mount bolts and letting the axles support the weight. Still find it hard to believe they'd clog easily....think there's even a recess internally to stop fluid exiting, only air.

 

I am glad I read this. So I was changing fluid in my miata race car Saturday and noticed the diff was spewing shock proof all over the place. Slinging out of the out put shaft seals. Which are new... So when i opened the drain The fluid was chugging out of the drain gasping for air. So once opened the fill Bung it drained out smoothly.

So I never put 2 and 2 together until right now.

So thanks