13 replies to this topic

[markosparko1994]

Hi there,

 

1990 998cc manual.

 

The car has a leak coming from where the driveshaft enters the differential. It could be the seal, it could be a bent side cover or worn bushes. i'm not sure. I am however thinking that if i've gone to the effort of removing driveshafts etc. it may be worth replacing the diff side cover so I don't have to do the whole procedure again.

 

I've only recently put the engine in so don't want to take it out again, is it possible to change the diff side covers whilst the engine is in the car? 

 

i've never separated the balljonts, what splitter is recommended? will I need a new ball joint? what other parts might I need?

 

cheers in advance, Mark

 

[RedRuby]

Hi,

Yes it is possible to renew the diff cover gaskets with the engine in the car and whilst out silly not to do the oil seals as well. It is a bit fiddly to get to the top bolts but definitely achievable. I use the ball joint splitter below as it is kinder to the ball joint rubber caps, but you can buy the rubber caps separately from Mini Spares and is worthwhile ordering a set just in case as they are now an MOT failure if damaged. You shouldn't need new ball joints, unless of course they have play in them already. Parts list below.

http://www.minispare...px|Back to shop

http://www.minispare...px|Back to shop

http://www.minispare...px|Back to shop
http://www.minispare...|Back to search

Edited by RedRuby, 03 March 2014 - 06:44 PM.

[RedRuby]

Hi again,

Just thinking, if you think the leak is coming from where the inner pot joint enters the diff it is very probable that the oil seals are the problem. If you can afford to have the car off the road for a day or two strip out the drive shafts and clean and inspect the cover plates to see if you can see any signs of leaks, if not just replace the oil seals but if in any doubt replace the gaskets as well.

[markosparko1994]

ok, thank you very much, how long should this procedure take?

[RedRuby]

Depends on how lucky you are. Undo and remove both hub nuts, split all ball joints and steering track rod end. Hang hubs out of way taking any strain off the brake pipes. Forgot to say drain engine/gearbox oil. Remove drive shafts from diff housing. If you need to renew gaskets undoe the diff cover bolts and with covers on the bench replace the oil seals. Reassembly is then the reverse. If the gaskets don't need replacing, prose out the oil seals and put new ones in, then reassemble in reverse order as above. A good days work I would say.

[Pigeonto]

", it could be a bent side cover or worn bushes. i'm not sure."

 

 

Certainly check those bushes. If they are worn ( it's rare if they aren't) the seals won't last long if you do renew them 

[markosparko1994]

If I remove the cover then I will be replacing it with a refurbished one.

 

The main info i'm after is whether it's possible or not to remove the cover with the engine in situ - seems like it should be?

[jedduh01]

Covers are aligned with the cv. in place to center it and ensure no leaks from a mis aligned seal.  I would simply replace the oil seal not disturbing the gasket, making more work for a.spot that may not be leaking.

[Pigeonto]

markosparko1994, on 04 Mar 2014 - 01:09 AM, said:

If I remove the cover then I will be replacing it with a refurbished one.

 

The main info i'm after is whether it's possible or not to remove the cover with the engine in situ - seems like it should be?

Don't see why not-some people have changed the whole diff assembly. Getting the shimming done properly may be more of a challenge but do-able.

I'm pretty sure you don't need to centralise the covers as the machined ring which locates them is a good fit and does that itself

[CaptCoop]

Running into my diff side cover leaking on the right side of car.

 

Ordered and installed new gasket with some joining compound and it still leaks from where the selector shaft locating sleeve is.

 

Any ideas?

[GraemeC]

Did you replace the o ring for the selector shaft detent?

[Bobs2293]

If you remove the side covers and replace with new ones. New gasket and new oil seal. Do you need to reshim the diff?

[GraemeC]

To do the job properly, yes.

[Bobs2293]

But can it be done? Any tips?