Finally got round to an oil change on the rear diff on my 64 fl2 at 96k. Oil was brown and 'emulsion like', not dirty black oil. Got about 500ml out and I've just checked the new bottle and I've put 700ml back in, so there's about 900ml in the diff now. Is this a big deal?

Also there was no obvious cooper washer on the fill plug, but it looked like there was a copper seal flushed into the fill hole in the case. It's never been out before as far as I know, I've had the car since 64 k miles.

To set the correct level just park on a level surface and remove the fill plug. Allow the oil to drain until it’s level with the drain hole.

As for the emulsion when I changed my diff oil at 50,000 miles it was brown like you described.

I allowed the oil to sit in a container overnight and was black not brown the next day.

I did check to see if I had an oil layer and water layer and I did not.

The brown color in my case was caused by air trapped in the oil because the oil was old and should have been changed sooner


Good luck


Paul

You cant easily overfill the rear diff (unlike the engine, Haldex and Autobox; which can be overfilled) as the fill hole is also the level too.
Its filled when the oil you put in runs back out - as per p_gill Jules

AndyPP wrote:

Finally got round to an oil change on the rear diff on my 64 fl2 at 96k. Oil was brown and 'emulsion like', not dirty black oil. Got about 500ml out and I've just checked the new bottle and I've put 700ml back in, so there's about 900ml in the diff now. Is this a big deal?

Also there was no obvious cooper washer on the fill plug, but it looked like there was a copper seal flushed into the fill hole in the case. It's never been out before as far as I know, I've had the car since 64 k miles.

Thanks for the replies. I used a 200ml oil syringe from halford, cost about 22 quid and comes with two hoses. Worked really well.

I only jacked the car up from the nearside and put a stand under the centre support, so was on an angle when I filled it, working on the driveway so no ramps or anything. No easy way for me to get under it when it's not jacked up.

Andy,

If the surface is level you can lift from the side with the fill plug and then remove the fill plug and then lower your LR2 back down with the plug removed. The excess oil will drip out. Just put a pan under it to catch the oil.

Then lift it back up and install the drain plug.

Take care

Paul

easy when one thinks about it. If none runs out then it needs filling. Jules

p_gill wrote:

Andy,

If the surface is level you can lift from the side with the fill plug and then remove the fill plug and then lower your LR2 back down with the plug removed. The excess oil will drip out. Just put a pan under it to catch the oil.

Then lift it back up and install the drain plug.

Take care

Paul

Didn't think of lowering it with the plug out ! Seems a simple solution.

I dont think my gut will fit under the car unless its jacked up 🤣

Should not matter^^^. After lowering and draining just jack up the diff plug side again and pop the plug back in. Jack stands are a must of course!

The colour of my rear diff fluid below. 2010 LR2 with 69,000km. (bad bearing in there...)

One of our FL2s had a rear diff job done at the dealers under warranty and when i got it home soon noticed that there was oil dripping on the drive. Took it back and they sorted it but said that the oil was coming out of the breather and that too much had been put in. They said that only 700ml is required but as it comes in 1 ltre bottles the mechanics often put a bit more in or sometimes empty the bottle (sounds professional?). I was worried that it was overpressurised and pushing through the seal but they said not as it just come out of the breather (and makes a mess!) 3 x FL1 2 manual + 1 auto
5 x FL2 4 manual + 1 auto
Now Discovery Sport P250 MHEV SE

Quote:

.....One of our FL2s had a rear diff job done at the dealers under warranty ...... They said that only 700ml is required but as it comes in 1 ltre bottles the mechanics often put a bit more in or sometimes empty the bottle (sounds professional?).

Makes you cringe doesn't it ? squirt the oil in and hurry to get the level plug back in before it all runs out

dorsetfreelander wrote:

One of our FL2s had a rear diff job done at the dealers under warranty and when i got it home soon noticed that there was oil dripping on the drive. Took it back and they sorted it but said that the oil was coming out of the breather and that too much had been put in. They said that only 700ml is required but as it comes in 1 ltre bottles the mechanics often put a bit more in or sometimes empty the bottle (sounds professional?). I was worried that it was overpressurised and pushing through the seal but they said not as it just come out of the breather (and makes a mess!)

When was the last time you saw a mechanic measure out 700 ml ?

Having never got around to changing my diff oils yet at 77k I figure it's about due. I have a small 12v fluid pump (lidl's finest) presumably this would be suitable for sucking out most of the old oil? Have considered but haven't got around to the excellent diff drain modifications and if the suck out method works I probably won't!
Is front and rear diff oil of the same spec? Landrover - turning owners into mechanics since 1948

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