2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission water in front D60

[metal tech]

I was checking the oil level in the front diff when this snot yellow crap came ozzing out, water in the gear oil. I checked the diff vent hose(on CAD box) it's tight. No oil loss out either axle tube end. The cover was sealed and not leaking, no leaks at the pinion seal area either. Is it possible to hit a big puddle and throw water up and into the diff vent cap? This is the only way I can see water getting past nonleaking seals. Let me know what you think.



Al

 

[Fishin Guide]

How much water are you talking about?



Have you been in any puddles that are up to the level of the axles?



I would doubt that a splash from any puddles could allow the vent to suck that much water.



I have seent eh effects of condensation in gear oil however. But, what you describe is usually a submerged axle of vent.



Dave

 

[metal tech]

the oil level was above the plug on the front of the cover. I usually leave it just below the edge. When I removed the cover it all the oil was a snot yellow color. I haven't been parked or through in the water up to the axle. I have hit some serious puddles since the roads fail to drain well around here. I have splashed the alt with water, enough to have the charge light come on.

 

[JFitzgerald]

You might want to to check to make sure the vent hose is clear and doesn't have any droops to form a water trap . Could be condensation, but it sounds like more water than that. Another way water can get in is if the axle gets submerged and the axle is warmer than the water, it can draw it past the seals if the vent is blocked. I've had this happen before, but it was with locking hubs which have more places to leak water in.

 

[metal tech]

It looks like the vent hose & connection is the possible source. The fitting had very little thread sealant on it, the clamp on the hose isn't as tight as I'd like. When I pulled the hose off, the inside had a wet look to it. The indicator switch only has a small o-ring to seal it also, gonna put some thread sealant on it also, it wasn't very tight either.