2.5T awd front diff leak @ 5400 mi

[JSolo]

Did an oil change today. While inspecting the underside found this.



There was a thin line of oil on the oil filter housing (black blob above the shaft) and on this mid shaft (driver front). It wasn't there before when inspected back in march. Nor was it there at last oil change last fall.

I wiped it all down and will reinspect in a thousand miles or so.

 

[JSolo]

Looks like its getting worse... Got appt scheduled this week.

 

[General_Vodka]

Looks like its getting worse... Got appt scheduled this week.

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Wow that sucks. Let us know how it goes

 

[JSolo]

^^More like blows... ~6300 on the car now.

 

[StingertimeNC]

yes, keep us posted on the fix. that sucks big time!

 

[JSolo]

Update: The diff is fine. Tech did have to lower the steering rack to check level.

The problem is this part - 49560-J5000 - Bearing Bracket Sh(aft?)




As pictured above, the left side connects to the inner CV shaft. The bearing bracket itself is bolted to the oil pan. The rest of the shaft goes through the oil pan into the front diff. Given the white color of the grease, he suspects a seal failed within this bearing. Repair requires replacement of the whole shaft as it's one assembly.

Of course to get at it requires teardown of some suspension/brake parts. Parts on order, eta a week or less.

They were surprised to see this go on such a low mileage vehicle. My guess poor construction/assembly. Maybe the seal wasn't fulled seated.

 

[StingertimeNC]

Sounds like that’s the best outcome then.

 

[JSolo]

Done.

Got to examine the old part. No visible leaking on the visible side. Must of blown its load on the hidden side (facing short end of the shaft). The old bearing wasn't crunchy or grinding, but did have less smooth feel than the new one.

Had to twist some arms to get the alignment covered.

The whole repair cost ~$1900.

 

[StingertimeNC]

Phew!!!

 

[JSolo]

It irked me that I didn't get to see the bottom of the car before it left the lift.

Earlier I took the wheel off to examine the lower ball joints to ensure cotter pins were there, thread protrusion matched pass side. After dinner, I had concerns if all the lower cover bolts were still there.

Bothered me enough to jack up the car and examine. By some miracle all the bolts were there including the little plastic push pin. Five of the 6 were gorilla torqued (they don't have to be that tight, just holding a cover on), while the 6th was not even finger tight and would vibrate off long before the next oil change.

 

[StingertimeNC]

LOL, but not really. you had to check and of course, found a nut that was loose. It sucks that we care this much.

 

[JSolo]

<shrug> This car has a bit of sentimental value in it. Funds for it came from two cars - my beloved G37 6mt - first car I really connected with in a long time. The other, dad's last car which I helped with selecting/buying then acquired after he passed away 3 years ago.