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Grenadier

Member Since: 23 Jul 2014
Location: The foot of Mont Blanc...
Posts: 5804

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Corris Grey

Differential Oil Colour

Being a Bank Hol here, got up to some pre-winter maintenance. Ran out of time, but before putting everything away I checked the Front Diff oil level. Have everything to do the change this weekend, front and rear, plus transmission (just hit 55k), but thought I’d take a quick peek. I was shocked to see that whilst the level was good, the colour was more akin to one of Mrs Grenadier’s Farrow and Ball Greys, (likely called hamster’s guff or similar

), a light mid-grey. So I was wondering if this is right? Should I be worried, is it a sign of something? Is there anything I need to check come Sat? Thoughts or advice welcome.

Monsieur Le Grenadier

I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list.....

2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey

1st Nov 2017 6:57pm

shropshiredefender

Member Since: 05 Jun 2017
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 834

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Santorini Black

Could the oil be contaminated by water?

1st Nov 2017 7:27pm

DSC-off

Member Since: 16 Oct 2014
Location: North East
Posts: 1401

2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Aintree Green

Definitely sounds like water contamination.

Check the breather and tubes are clear and working.
It should be ok with an oil change, any damage to the diff or bearings will already be done.
Are the axle swivel housings also contaminated with water? If so they will need cleaning/ regreasing.

If you wade it in water regularly, check or change the axle oil more often.

1st Nov 2017 8:03pm

Retroanaconda

Member Since: 04 Jan 2012
Location: Scotland
Posts: 2642

More likely just swivel ‘one-shot’ grease mixing with the oil surely?

If water was present in a significant quantity I’d expect signs of emulsification.

1st Nov 2017 8:44pm

zsd-puma

Member Since: 09 Aug 2016
Location: Kent
Posts: 2720

2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Santorini Black

I would have said it's the one shot grease leaking out of the swivels, its usually a greeny grey colour. It wont hurt to check the breathers are clear, but most Defenders are running round with it swivel grease mixed into the diff oil.

1st Nov 2017 9:15pm

Grenadier

Member Since: 23 Jul 2014
Location: The foot of Mont Blanc...
Posts: 5804

Thanks all. Yes, greeny-grey. No sign of emulsification. Single colour throughout, no standing water, texture of cream. Will check all advised areas. Is this an easy DIY inspection? Maybe worth noting that the steering has started creaking in the last month. Would that point to swivel bearings? And in answer to DSC, no, I never wade. Not in the green-laning/overlanding sense anyway. Monsieur Le Grenadier

I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list.....

2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey

2nd Nov 2017 11:51am

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