Discussion
Hi All - I own a 96 N plate Chimaera which is my pride & joy. I have hopefully a very simple question that one of you experts will be able to help me with. After a long drive, I get out of the car and notice a burning smell at the back from under the car. I’m pretty sure it isn’t the bodywork and have narrowed it down to a couple of things – a) possible a sticky calliper at the rear (the wheel squeaks every rotation) but doesn’t seem abnormally hot, b) dodgy bearing (the squeaking noise again) or c) most worryingly the diff.
Regarding the diff, not that I have noticed, but there is no clunking or whining noise as it drives. Can a diff smell of burning? First thought is to check the diff oil – here comes the main question – what diff do I have / what oil does it use / where do I fill it up ? I have searched high & low and from the research I have done, I think it is a GKN Diff – can someone confirm this please ? As you can see in the photo, it looks as though it has leaked, but there is nothing on the ground.
Any thoughts would be much appreciate as nice weather is coming and I want to drive my car.
Thanks, Dan
Regarding the diff, not that I have noticed, but there is no clunking or whining noise as it drives. Can a diff smell of burning? First thought is to check the diff oil – here comes the main question – what diff do I have / what oil does it use / where do I fill it up ? I have searched high & low and from the research I have done, I think it is a GKN Diff – can someone confirm this please ? As you can see in the photo, it looks as though it has leaked, but there is nothing on the ground.
Any thoughts would be much appreciate as nice weather is coming and I want to drive my car.
Thanks, Dan
That looks like GKN, there is a vent on the top of the diff, which can blow out a little fluid during spirited use 
It is poss to extend the vent with a pipe..
Dave
ETA: must read what I write before pressing the button, even if I am rushing
It is poss to extend the vent with a pipe..Dave
ETA: must read what I write before pressing the button, even if I am rushing
Edited by spend on Wednesday 20th February 19:00
Any diff leaks usually drip onto the hot exhaust causing the burning smell and splatter the rear underside as well.
As Spend says some oil being ejected from the breather is the most likely. See a thread here in which myself and others have made extension pipes for the later BTR diff to stop this happening.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Worth checking it is not the seals round the driveshafts etc by getting underneath and having a look.
As Spend says some oil being ejected from the breather is the most likely. See a thread here in which myself and others have made extension pipes for the later BTR diff to stop this happening.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Worth checking it is not the seals round the driveshafts etc by getting underneath and having a look.
Cheers guys - thank you for the prompt & helpful responses. Regarding the oil, what oil should I be using with this diff as I know it is quite particular and how much should I be using ? Here comes the stupid question - where is the filler cap on the diff ? 
Sorry, last question - how do you check how much oil is in there - is the only way to check is to empty it ?
Sorry, last question - how do you check how much oil is in there - is the only way to check is to empty it ?
spend said:
So if you make sure you fill it exactly level, chassis rails, wheels or some imaginary c/l of the diff?, then drive like a fairy you wont have any discharge from the vent... 
Or failing that he could do what you do, what was that ridiculous piece of "advice" you gave someone jack the car up on one side so you can get more oil in the diff.Possibly one of the daftest things I have read on the internet
Certainly a good idea to check the Diff oil, especially if it has been leaking and isn’t any more. As others have said there is a breather on top which can be the source of a few drops after some “ spirited “ driving.
You indicate that there may be an issue with a squeak from the rear. If you go for a drive and then feel each rear wheel centre are they the same temperature ? Wheel bearings are not (as far as I know) a common problem but sticky break callipers are and these can cause both the burning smell and a squeak, so worth checking that all is well around the brakes while you are underneath dipping the Diff.
You indicate that there may be an issue with a squeak from the rear. If you go for a drive and then feel each rear wheel centre are they the same temperature ? Wheel bearings are not (as far as I know) a common problem but sticky break callipers are and these can cause both the burning smell and a squeak, so worth checking that all is well around the brakes while you are underneath dipping the Diff.
Ribol said:
That Daddy said:
spend said:
Could be... more or less?
Dave
Dave, you upsetting more owners againDave
Mind you, I for one would miss not seeing him around anymore
thing is Spend you do like making points of a sexual nature,you havent got any issues have you?
Ribol said:
That Daddy said:
spend said:
Could be... more or less?
Dave
Dave, you upsetting more owners againDave
Mind you, I for one would miss not seeing him around anymore
thing is Spend you do like making points of a sexual nature,you havent got any issues have you?Dan, if there's oil in the diff, it's quiet and it's not too hot to touch, I wouldn't worry about driving it.
Some years ago I drove over a plastic bag, a part of which stuck to the top of the exhaust out of sight. It literally took weeks to burn away - in fact I found it before it had. It's difficult to describe a smell on an internet forum, but this is worth bearing in mind.
Some years ago I drove over a plastic bag, a part of which stuck to the top of the exhaust out of sight. It literally took weeks to burn away - in fact I found it before it had. It's difficult to describe a smell on an internet forum, but this is worth bearing in mind.
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