Leak at back wheel.

So I have a small leak or something at the back of my wheel. While it has ever leaked or fallen off on the floor of my garage the bottom part of the drive unit (dont know its real name) is leaking a little bit of fluid. Its not bad but I would like to fix it before summer so it doesnt get worse. My question is, whats in thier? Is it just a bad seal? or what all is involved in taking it apart. I unfortunitly dont have a manual yet (which I do need to get) but if anyone has any help that would be great. I'll probable just tear into it but a little info before hand would be nice. Thanks

 

The final drive is filled with gear oil. There is a drain plug at the bottom. Is it leaking there or coming from behind the wheel?

 

Mine leaked from the top valve as soon as the weather got cold.

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=7001.html

There's some rusty tank and gasket issues in there too, but if the leak in back looks like yours, I got some answers in that thread.

 

No the leak forms at the bottom neat the drain plug. The plug is in their tight so I think its somewhere else and just dripping to their.

 

try to replace the drain plug gasket (kinda like a drain plug on a car), just like on autos, they should be replaced every so often

 

Alright Ill have to give that a try. I wonder if for a test I could just use the old gasket and liquid gasket just to test if thats the problem?

 

If it is the problem then you end up draining it and fixing anyhow. If you want to be sure clean the area real well and watch it to see where it starts coming from.

I had a drip from my engine oil plug. New gasket was the ticket. I just took the plug to the corner auto parts store and found a fit.

 

a new drain plug gasket is very cheap and worth the peace of mind. You'll also have to put in new gear oil, which is also fairly cheap and good insurance against any rear drive problems.

 

Sounds like a plan. Thanks guys!

 

Be sure its not a bit of Gear Oil seeping-out the breather.
That's a pretty common thing on all XJ's when the Final Drive Case is cold and the fluid is chilled; too.

The Fluid gets pushed-out the breather and just leaks right down the front of the Drive.

It might go away and not be a problem when the weather warms-up!

 

I would put some silicone plumbing tape around the various drainage bolts threads (the white soft tape used when you change showerheads and such). I would try that to see if that stopped the leak at least temporarily until you get a new gasket. I've never had the need to try it, so use at your own discretion.