LR
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Axles & drivelineLow severity

Oil leaking from hubs and diff seals (blocked axle breathers)

Annoying rather than dangerous.

Symptoms

Oil weeping from the hub seals, pinion seal or swivels. Water in the axle oil after wading.

Likely cause

Blocked breathers let pressure build up as the axle warms, pushing oil past the seals. When it cools, water can be drawn in.

Suggested fixes

Listed roughly in the order most owners try them.

  1. 1

    Clean or replace the breathers

    Check the breather on the top of each axle casing and on the gearbox and transfer box.

    Difficulty:
    Easy DIY
    Cost:
    £ (Under about £50 in parts)
  2. 2

    Fit raised breathers

    A kit runs pipes from the axles and gearboxes up to a point high in the engine bay, which helps a lot for wading.

    Difficulty:
    Easy DIY
    Cost:
    £ (Under about £50 in parts)
  3. 3

    Change the oil after wading

    Milky axle oil means water has got in. Drain and refill with fresh EP90 straight away.

    Difficulty:
    Easy DIY
    Cost:
    £ (Under about £50 in parts)

This is general guidance gathered from owner experience and workshop practice, not a substitute for a workshop manual or a qualified mechanic. Costs are rough parts-only guides. Brakes, steering and suspension work affects safety, so if in doubt have it checked professionally.

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