Axle/Diff Breather

[Adi_k]

Hi

Can anyone provide a "how to" on how to clean the axle breather on a mk6.

The pinion seal is weeping and I want to rule out the breather before getting the seal changed if needed.

Also am I right in believing the filler plug on the diff has a torque of 30nm?

Thanks

[loot]

AFAIK I believe it is just a pipe into the pipe, you could remove the rubber pipe and offer a welding rod or whatever into it to make sure it it's free of gloop.

However, I would expect that there would be slim chance of pressurisation tbh, if there was then I'd expect it to leak at the half shaft seals anyway.

30 sounds about right but I think it is an interference fit so just be careful tightening it by feel.

[Adi_k]

Thanks for the info!

I thought it would have been abit more involving than that. I had a quick look and the rubber hose seems to be clear. Is it the same with the metal pipe in terms of clearing or should I unscrew it from the axle? Was abit wary as I don't want to end up with another leak point.

There was some metallic residue on the filler plug but I left it on there as I thought it may have been anti seize compound as the fluid level was fine.

[loot]

If the oil is old then I would expect a metallic sheen on it imo, you can replace the oil if you want but Ford stuff will be expensive if it is 75/140.

I wouldn't try removing the metal part, I think it is just hollow so poke it with a pipe cleaner or something. Most likely be fine, the axle won't be pressurised so as said a leak is a faulty seal

[Adi_k]

I bought 5L from Smith and Allen off eBay for £30. Not sure how good the oil is but they claim it meets the Ford spec.
I also bought a gasket as well as a new pinion seal from tpuk so hopefully it won't be too much of an issue if the cover needs to be removed again.

Didn't expect it to be the seal as it's only done 100k or is that normal?

Thanks

[loot]

I wouldn't think so but in my opinion if someone has been carrying heavy weight or reaching it up hills etc then it's possible.
Could even be long reversing or have been submerged in water and drained or anything.

Who knows.

[Adi_k]

I'm guessing it's the weight then as when it was last on a ramp the guys couldn't lift the back end lol