Help Loosening Breather On Top Of Diff 2WD

[Bluespanner]

I had some diff oil dripping onto the inside of one of the rear wheelhubs on my 2.5 TD 2Wd. I've read the posts on here about a blocked breather valve being a possible culprit. Having looked and located the breather on the rear diff, It appears smooth and bullet shaped and I cant see how you could loosen it without wacking a pair of mole grips on it. Am I missing someting ? Is there a nut at the base of the breather? Also I'm going to need to change the oil in the diff, any recommendations ? Its 2Wheel Drive NON limited slip diff.. Thanks in advance

[Simon Jones]

The diff oil is standard SAE90 gear oil which is readily available for EuroCarParts, Halfords etc. You need about 1.4 litres for the rear.

[rita]

The recommended oil for your vehicle is SAE 90 GL-5.A limited slip diff would be GL-6.
Forgot to mention ,the breather screws out from the diff casing, under the domed cap you will find a Hex for your spanner, give the unit a wee clean and it should be apparent.

A wee tip, remove the level plug before you remove the drain plug just in case it is seized or badly worn.

Good Luck

[Northern Bongolow]

if its that rusted i would leave it in for now and just get the top cap loose and spinning, this will allow it to breathe, if you go too heavy it may just snap off,
squirt some penetrating gunk in and around, then gently grip until it spins, then lube again then try to get more movement on it until it starts to slightly lift.

[rita]

if its that rusted i would leave it in for now and just get the top cap loose and spinning, this will allow it to breathe, if you go too heavy it may just snap off,
squirt some penetrating gunk in and around, then gently grip until it spins, then lube again then try to get more movement on it until it starts to slightly lift.

The dome cap is basically just a dust cover it can spin and the breather may still be blocked, you need to make sure that the actual breather port (hole) is not restricted.

Good Luck.

[jimmo62]

I have some spare diff oil if you are in the Bristol/N Somerset area?

[Bluespanner]

Thanks to everyone for the info and the offer of diff oil (Not in that area but thanks anyway) I'm off into to town to purchase a 23mm socket, (got a 24mm) and some gear oil. I've been soaking the top breather area in wd40 for a couple of days and will have a go at trying to loosen it later on.