Front Diff Question - Strange Color Fluid

[jgold47]

I did a service this weekend and attempted to change my front Diff fluid. I couldnt get past the undershield bolts, but realized I could access the fill plug from within the wheel well. I tried to use a fluid extractor to get some of the fluid out, but nothing would really catch. What did catch, however was this really strange looking orange colored fluid. I've never seen anything like that before I cant really find any other references to a fluid this color. I would suggest that the color is closer to like HOAT antifreeze. Anyways, I further expected there to be some fluid in the diff, but figured I would top it off regardless. It then proceeded to consume 1/2 of a quart of fluid before running out of the hole.

My question is 1) has anyone come across that situation with the fluid before

2. how on earth could that diff have been so low on fluid without any other signs?

I've got some other misc oil weeping on my car (high pressure PS lines weeping, and an undentified weep from the back of the engine (on the transmission crank bellhousing), but nothing coming from the diff....


thoughts?

[TiAgX5]

Orange would mean water has gotten in and caused rust. Not good.

[admranger]

The fluid is pretty much clear, iirc, for the X-drive when new. 1/2 liter sounds about right for the drain/fill. The stuff is made from unicorn testicles or something like that as it is >$50/liter.

[Russianblue]

i've got that same oil weep on my tranny bellhousing. i think Valve Cover, oil pan or oil filter housing are the only possibilities, no?

[jgold47]

Originally Posted by admranger

The fluid is pretty much clear, iirc, for the X-drive when new. 1/2 liter sounds about right for the drain/fill. The stuff is made from unicorn testicles or something like that as it is >$50/liter.

straw colored. and yes, its unicorn testicles but it has to be ground by ninja's which is the extra cost.


That weep from the back is probably the OFHG.... spring time!


The front diff thing was strange. It was late, dark and I was tired, but it didn't look gritty, which is why I didn't think rust. I found some other posts talking about gold coloring which could be brass from the gears?? I dunno, its always been smooth as a top. But I've only had it for a year, so who know what services were done prior.

[JCL]

The brass usually relates to worn synchros, which are in a transmission.

Orange coloured fluid most likely means someone put orange fluid in there last time. I don't know what the official colour spec requirement is for 75w-90, but no doubt smaller oil companies could add orange, red, or purple dye in it, depending on what colour is part of their brand name and marketing strategy.

[jgold47]

well- I suppose so, but ive never come across bright orange fluid of any kind before. Red for tranny, and various browns/straws but not in a 75/90. Oddly, not the same color as the rear. Someone else mentioned that a) if there was moisture in there and it was low it could have created a froth and caused the oil to burn funny. I'lll just keep driving it and see. I can check it in the spring and see if that level is still full or if I'm losing some. I'd also venture that the CV's have been changed before, so maybe it wasn't refilled last time.

[bcredliner]

The reason the fluid is low could be a leak even though you have already checked. The orange color ties--if fluid gets out, water can get in.

I don't know how long you have owned your X but the fluid could have been changed and could have been that or close to that color out of the bottle--just not properly filled. Is it translucent? Do you know whether it has been previously changed?

That said, If I couldn't find a leak, and I didn't know it it has been changed my first effort would be to extract all of old fluid out, refill it with an appropriate fluid that is a contrasting color. I would drive it a few miles and check the color. If it has changed I would remove it and refill it again. I would repeat that process until I was OK with the color. .

Going this route might be ignoring logic but it would correct the problem of low and discolored fluid. I would check the fluid level in 100 miles and see what it looked like and see if it was down see where I am.