Damp diff; how bad is it?

[nijost]

Hi

I have a WD210 320CDi estate on a "Y" plate, and at the last service, 84,000miles, I was informed that the rear diff was "damp" and would need attention at the next service. How bad is this, and how much would a fair price be to fix this problem?

In addition when the car is fully loaded, (4 people plus luggage or 6 teenagers + me) I get a warning light in the centre console advising me that
"STEERING GEAR OIL-VISIT WORKSHOP". I have mentioned this to the mechanic but he seemed slightly non-plussed and assured me that the various oil sumps are checked during the service. The light does not come on at any other time, and the steering seems to be OK (no noise or pulling).

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

NS

 

[type49]

Have a look yourself at the diff. It is not rare that a diff is "damp" with oil. Sometimes the breather at the top lets a bit of oil mist out & causes this. If it is soaked with oil then get it looked at. If it is just a bit smeared, it probably just needs the level checked & maybe topped up, or maybe even drained!

 

[Parrot of Doom]

My diff is always slightly damp. Doesn't bother me, my last car was the same.

If you start noticing drips of oil everywhere you go, then start worrying

 

[bigasotonuk]

My diff is always slightly damp. Doesn't bother me, my last car was the same.

If you start noticing drips of oil everywhere you go, then start worrying

Agree 100%, mine has been damp for 100,000 miles level always gets checked at service time and only has ever needed topping up once and then very little was needed.

 

[television]

These oils used in diffs foams when hot and do look wet.
Do what type49 says and clean out the vents

Its quite normal

 

[nijost]

Damp diff

Thanks for the replies so far.

The mechanic stated that at the next service the diff would have to be "rewound" and that the car would be off the road for a few days as they have to send the diff off to a specialist. (I use a local MB specialist not a main dealer). Does this strike a chord with anyone. The work is not urgent, he said at the time of the next service would be OK, and this is in about 11,000 miles time.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

NS

 

[television]

You are being had, taken for a ride.
If the diff does not whine when pulling there is nothing wrong with it, I was going to say change the oil, but with the guy doing he would probably only half fill it to prove his point

 

[MIW615]

My wife's SLK has had a "damp diff" for the past 6 years, it never seems to loose any oil, I recently put the car into MB to have the brakes bled and they reported that the diff needed removing in order to replace the oil seals, I asked them to check the oil level and they said it was okay - so much for having to replace the seals

My W210 also has some oil residue around the diff, and when checked the level was okay, certainly not worth the major expence of replacing seals.

I agree with the comments above, you are being badly advised by your repairer, it's "quite the norm" for oil residue (not leaks) to be visable around the diff.

Replace the oil and forget things

 

[David Nock]

Agree with all the above, no oil leak on garage floor, no problem. Our Mazda has gone for years and years with what looks like fresh transmission oil around the drain plug. It's always alright when I check it. (Old style Banjo rear axle but same principle applies).

 

[stevesey]

The mechanic stated that at the next service the diff would have to be "rewound" and that the car would be off the road for a few days as they have to send the diff off to a specialist.

"Rewound" - someones being wound up

 

[BlackC55]

Thanks for the replies so far.

The mechanic stated that at the next service the diff would have to be "rewound" and that the car would be off the road for a few days as they have to send the diff off to a specialist. (I use a local MB specialist not a main dealer). Does this strike a chord with anyone. The work is not urgent, he said at the time of the next service would be OK, and this is in about 11,000 miles time.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

NS

That is a load of BS.

A complete diff re-seal on your model car book time is around 4.5 hours work.

 

[nijost]

Damp Diff

Again, many thanks for your replies. I did think something did not quite stack up hence my question.

The car drives well, with no strange grindings or whines and I could not see how a diff needed to be "rewound". I will keep an eye out for any heavy oil drips but otherwise I will carry on regardless.

Cheers

NS