Is it bad if your differential is leaking?

Depending on the amount of oil seeping through the gasket, this may leave noticeable traces of oil on the undersides of the differential housing. A seeping differential will usually be okay to drive for a while, however, it will eventually progress into a full on leak as time goes on.

Why would my differential be leaking?

There is a number of causes for differential leaks which you need to have repaired as soon as possible before you damage the gears inside your differential housing. The cause for a leak could be a leaking gasket, a leaking pinion seal or a differential side seal.

How do I know if my rear axle seal is leaking?

One of the more common signs the axle seal is leaking is oil drops below your vehicle after it has been parked. Your driveway is one of the spaces you will notice the oil leak. If you start to notice oil drops on your driveway, it could be a sign of a leaking axle seal.

How long does it take to fix a leaking differential?

There are side bearings and a pinion bearing which can pit or deteriorate, causing your rear differential noise. These bearings are part of a rear differential overhaul, taking three to five hours to complete.

What happens if my rear differential is leaking?

If the output seals leak to the point of running the differential low on fluid it may cause the differential to produce a howling, grinding or whining sound from the rear end of the vehicle. They will be able to determine if your car needs a differential output seal replacement.

How much does it cost to fix a rear differential leak?

A typical rear differential repair costs anywhere between $200 and $400. These typical repairs would include your bearing, seals, and fluid changes. Of course, when a gear change is required, that’s when things get pricey.

What does a differential leak look like?

Differential fluid often looks just like motor oil. Usually, if you have a leak at the rear of your vehicle and it’s rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, it means your differential is leaking. Differential oil usually has a distinctive smell.

What happens when an axle seal is leaking?

An axle seal leaks more during highway driving, so the oil drops on the driveway may not always be present. As more fluid is leaked out, the transmission fluid level drops and the transmission will start slipping. If not caught in time, the transmission may even get permanently damaged.

Where does the fluid leak on a BMW E46?

Any owner of the BMW E46 will encounter fluid leaks. The following guide will shed some light upon common leaks. 1. Valve Cover Gasket (VCG) leak. This happens to every E46 eventually. They mostly leak on the passenger side of the motor near the rear of the valve cover on top of the heat shield for the bank 2 exhaust manifold.

What is the hose number on a BMW E46?

Ever since BMW changed the style of the pump, the pressure hose changed as well. They changed where the pressure hose mounts to the pump therefore the new style hose has different bends. The new style hose part number is 32-41-6-764-725. The old style hose part number is 32-41-6-774-215.

What is the pump part number on a BMW E46?

For the part number on this, it depends on which pump you have installed in your car. Ever since BMW changed the style of the pump, the pressure hose changed as well. They changed where the pressure hose mounts to the pump therefore the new style hose has different bends. The new style hose part number is 32-41-6-764-725.

What causes a BMW power steering hose to leak?

This is one of the other power steering hoses that can leak. These leak from the crimp seams and build up alot of reside on the rubber portion of the hose. For the part number on this, it depends on which pump you have installed in your car. Ever since BMW changed the style of the pump, the pressure hose changed as well.