Random Question About Rear Differential Fluid

[fdbyrne]

This isn't the old 75-90, 80-90, vs. SAE 90 question.

I have my rear axle out of my 4Runner to change out the bearing and I'm surprised by how little differential fluid is in the tube between the 3rd member and the bearing. Everything has a nice film on it and is lubricated but I expected there to be a nice pool in there and there isn't.

Is the fluid supposed to stay mostly in the pumpkin with only enough getting through to the tube to keep a film on things? I've checked the fluid level in the pumpkin a couple of times over the last few months and it's full, or at least it was not long ago. There aren't any leaks anywhere that I can find either. No drops on the garage floor and no signs of a failed seal letting fluid out into the brake system or wheel.

 

[radlynx]

Yes, it should just stay in the pumpkin area where the gears are. the level should be just as high as the bottom of the fill area bolt.

This isn't the old 75-90, 80-90, vs. SAE 90 question.

I have my rear axle out of my 4Runner to change out the bearing and I'm surprised by how little differential fluid is in the tube between the 3rd member and the bearing. Everything has a nice film on it and is lubricated but I expected there to be a nice pool in there and there isn't.

Is the fluid supposed to stay mostly in the pumpkin with only enough getting through to the tube to keep a film on things? I've checked the fluid level in the pumpkin a couple of times over the last few months and it's full, or at least it was not long ago. There aren't any leaks anywhere that I can find either. No drops on the garage floor and no signs of a failed seal letting fluid out into the brake system or wheel.

 

[fdbyrne]

Thanks. I assumed so, but thought I'd check while I have it apart.