Diff./axle seal problem

atwork · Sat, Feb-05-2005, 07:27:30 PM

I just looked at the underside of my car on a lift as the belts were being replaced. The passenger axle and differential connection looks like it has developed a leak as there is clearly fluid covering both areas. I haven't ever seen any fluid drips on my driveway or garage floor. Has anyone experienced this problem before? This may seem like a small problem but I am concerned about it. My car just hit 36k miles, it's an '01 model year. Any comments or suggestions are welcome. TIA

Thrill · Sun, Feb-06-2005, 02:44:18 AM

If it is not actually leaking, just turned the area where they fit together dark, I would not worry about it. I have seen that several times and it’s not that unusual. Often times it will be that way on both sides.

Kendrick07 · Thu, Feb-17-2005, 09:30:52 AM

anytime fluids are leaking from a car, it isnt good. I think that is common. Have it checked out.

tec548 · Thu, Feb-17-2005, 12:49:03 PM

Welcome to the ever growing group of M owners that have a bad M-variable diff unit. Don't worry everyone else will eventually be in this group with you.

kmurph · Fri, Feb-18-2005, 02:14:08 AM

Does this look familiar???

I don't know where to begin...I'm already on my second diff. I had a remanufactured diff put in over a year ago after noticing a lot of fluid around the output shaft seals.

These pics were taken a few months ago so it's the new diff. Along with the fluid, I also noticed a lot more noise coming from the diff. I thought maybe the fluid needed to be changed so I flushed out the old fluid and replaced it with Redline...the noise definitely decreased and it drove much smoother but there was still some noise when making tight left turns...noise that was never there before.

I took it to the dealer and they said that an output shaft flange needed to be replaced...I had that work done along with the bearings SA...and while doing that they found 3 leaking power steering line...but that's another story ...

Well, after the flange was replaced and fluid changed with the BMW "special" fluid from the Diff Service Bulletin, the noise still exists...oh well. I'll have to keep an eye on it to see if there is anymore leaking.

Sat, Feb-05-2005, 07:27:30 PM	#1
atwork Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 2 Reputation: 0	Diff./axle seal problem I just looked at the underside of my car on a lift as the belts were being replaced. The passenger axle and differential connection looks like it has developed a leak as there is clearly fluid covering both areas. I haven't ever seen any fluid drips on my driveway or garage floor. Has anyone experienced this problem before? This may seem like a small problem but I am concerned about it. My car just hit 36k miles, it's an '01 model year. Any comments or suggestions are welcome. TIA

Sun, Feb-06-2005, 02:44:18 AM	#2
Thrill Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,396 Reputation: 0 Location: Cincinnati	If it is not actually leaking, just turned the area where they fit together dark, I would not worry about it. I have seen that several times and it’s not that unusual. Often times it will be that way on both sides. __________________ 2004 M3 SMG LSB Black Nappa Prem. Pkg. 19s Shoot Bear When Bear In Season

Thu, Feb-17-2005, 09:30:52 AM	#3
Kendrick07 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 726 Reputation: 0 Location: Silicon Valley	anytime fluids are leaking from a car, it isnt good. I think that is common. Have it checked out. __________________ 12 Honda CBR 1000RR - Jet Black 09 Lexus GS350 - Sapphire Pearl/Black 04 M3 Coupe SMG - Jet Black/Black (sold)

Fri, Feb-18-2005, 02:14:08 AM	#5
kmurph Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 564 Reputation: 0 Location: Pittsburgh, PA	Does this look familiar??? I don't know where to begin...I'm already on my second diff. I had a remanufactured diff put in over a year ago after noticing a lot of fluid around the output shaft seals. These pics were taken a few months ago so it's the new diff. Along with the fluid, I also noticed a lot more noise coming from the diff. I thought maybe the fluid needed to be changed so I flushed out the old fluid and replaced it with Redline...the noise definitely decreased and it drove much smoother but there was still some noise when making tight left turns...noise that was never there before. I took it to the dealer and they said that an output shaft flange needed to be replaced...I had that work done along with the bearings SA...and while doing that they found 3 leaking power steering line...but that's another story ... Well, after the flange was replaced and fluid changed with the BMW "special" fluid from the Diff Service Bulletin, the noise still exists...oh well. I'll have to keep an eye on it to see if there is anymore leaking. __________________ 2007 Audi RS4 / GMG Exhaust 2001 BMW M3 - sold

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Thu, Feb-17-2005, 12:49:03 PM	#4
tec548 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 1,720 Reputation: 0 Location: H-town, Texas	Welcome to the ever growing group of M owners that have a bad M-variable diff unit. Don't worry everyone else will eventually be in this group with you.

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