Grand Cherokee diff oil leak

[pcn1]

Think I run the Quadradrive system, weeping oil from the front diff.
The front lower half was covered in oil/dirt so Ive cleaned up to try and spot where the oil is weeping from. Im assuming I'll need a new gasket but apart from the main dealer is there anyone else that sells them mail order ?

Also I didnt see a oil drain plug in the diff, just the fill plug ?

Thanks

[jay140285]

Pm sent re locating parts etc at good prices.

Also when I recently stripped my rear diff I used a good quality gasket sealent and it is perfectly fine some months later.

There isnt a drain plug, only a filler one.

Time to get messy.

[Ledaig]

As above, messy job but at least with the cover off you can clean it all out properly and check the condition of the diff itself.

For sealing I also used sealant rather than a gasket.......

4playjeep

ETA- the label by the shifter should say Quadradrive if it is, which means you will also need the friction modifier additive.

Edited by Ledaig on Thursday 6th June 20:41

[pcn1]

So doing an diff oil change means taking off the cover to drain the old oil ?

My old spanner man (now retired) did a oil change over 12 months ago for me. Perhaps he didn't seal it 100% at the time.

I've got the additive, just need some fresh oil !!

[pcn1]

Im trying to get the diff oil type/qty details of the net for my 2004 quadradrive, but Im not having luck at the moment. Id like to see if i can get out lunchtime and buy it if anyone has the details to hand ?
Is the drain plug A/F or metric hex drive ?

Thanks

Edited by pcn1 on Friday 7th June 08:54

[pcn1]

From "WJJEEPS.COM"

Either:

Thermally stable SAE 80W-90

Or

SAE 75W-140 Synthetic

From what Im reading on various forums, owners seem to prefer the "old" oil over the Synthetics for diff use on jeeps ?

[Ledaig]

For any fluids have a chat with Greg at 4playjeep using the previous link

He knows what is needed and generally stocks most, you'll need to call for mail order as they don't do online shopping.

Word of warning - make sure you've got time for a chat !!

[pcn1]

Ive ordered up 4 Litres of Castrol SAE 75W-140 Synthetic LSD oil now.
Not cheap but Im saving on the labour by doing it myself.

Dont know if I need to put any additive in it yet. Some say even if its in the mix already they have had to add a bit more.

I bumped into another 2004 Grand Cherokee owner the other day, and found out she was still going to the Main Dealer for servicing
I suggested she finds a decent local spanner to do the regular servicing and save some money !!

[scrwright]

varilok diffs need the 70-140 synthetic oil not the lesser spec oil. I run LSD oil with 1/2 the amount of FM jeep recomend, they lock up well & don't chater on car parks

[pcn1]

Thanks for the heads up.
I was thinking of adding just a little Mopar additive to the Castrol syth.

The Castrol bottle says its for LSD's, but dosnt say anything about it has additive already in it, so you dont need to add any etc.

[jay140285]

You have got the correct oil, and use the additive if quadradrive

Guide:
WJ Grand Cherokee '99-'04
Engine oil, 4.0L 5.7 10W40 or 15W40 semi synthetic engine oil
Engine oil, 4.7L 5.7 10W40 or 15W40 semi synthetic engine oil
Engine oil, 3.1L diesel 7.5 10W40 or 15W40 semi synthetic engine oil
Engine oil, 2.7L diesel 6.5 5W40 or 10W40 semi synthetic engine oil
Auto transmission 5.0 05013457AA Mopar ATF+4 or equivalent synthetic ATF
Auto transmission 6.5 05013457AA Mopar ATF+4 or equivalent synthetic ATF
Auto transmission 5.0 05013457AA Mopar ATF+4 or equivalent synthetic ATF
Auto transmission Do not service A 001 989 21 03 10 Shell Mercedes-Benz ATF
Transfer case 1.6 5016795 Mopar 247 transfer case oil
Front axle QuadraDrive* 1.2 4874469 API 75/140 GL5 synthetic gear oil
Front axle Std. 1.2 4874468 API 75W90 GL5 gear oil
Rear axle QuadraDrive* 2.3 4874469 API 75/140 GL5 synthetic gear oil
Rear axle Std. 2.3 4874468 API 75W90 GL5 gear oil
All Rear axle TOWING* 2.3 4874469 API 75/140 GL5 synthetic gear oil

• Use additive 04318060AB

with QuadraDrive

[pcn1]

Front diff done. Used Loctite Black silicone sealant as its for permanent contact with oil, so I hope it holds ok. Put 1/2 the FM in and it drove ok.
Just doing the rear diff now, allowing the sealant to "cure" overnight, had to drop the ARB to access the cover.
I think my spanner man just sucked out the old oil when he did it 18 months ago, as no sign the bolts had been undone and the sealant is weeping at both diffs, but the oil was nice and clean. All the gear teeth look good and no metal bits on the magnets so all good there.
Dirty work, on your back etc., but kind of satisfying when its done !

[tr7v8]

WJs don't use a gasket just sealant. They must have synthetic. 75/140 is technically for towing/heavy duty use. Most mechs suck the old oil out.
Check the cover, the front ones are prone to getting holed &/or rusting through. Pinion seals are also prone to leaking, which stinks as it goes on the exhaust.

[magooagain]

Sorry totally off topic but is a 3.1 grand Cherokee {2001} a good tow car? I have the chance to buy one to tow my trailor with a wieght of about 2 ton.

[pcn1]

magooagain said:

Sorry totally off topic but is a 3.1 grand Cherokee {2001} a good tow car? I have the chance to buy one to tow my trailor with a wieght of about 2 ton.

My mate had the 3.1 years before I got my 2.7crd.
Id say if you can stretch to it get the 2.7. I think I read somewhere it was a big step forward in power and economy over the 3.1.

Sorry cant be more helpful

[tr7v8]

magooagain said:

Sorry totally off topic but is a 3.1 grand Cherokee {2001} a good tow car? I have the chance to buy one to tow my trailor with a wieght of about 2 ton.

They are OK, bit agricultural.

[scrwright]

diesels in the Grands are a bit pants, stick with petrol/LPG. 3.1TD's are a thirsty boat engine & the 2.7 has injector issues at higher milage

[scrwright]

tr7v8 said:

They must have synthetic. 75/140 is technically for towing/heavy duty use

Nope, varilok / quadradrive diffs MUST have the 75/140, it is listed for towing use on the open diffs

[pcn1]

scrwright said:

diesels in the Grands are a bit pants, stick with petrol/LPG. 3.1TD's are a thirsty boat engine & the 2.7 has injector issues at higher milage

The 2.7 may not be the last word in Diesel technology, and some have leaking injector issues (not the end on the world) but as a package of price/performance/economy for what is an old design I think they have a lot to offer.
Id love a V8 if petrol was 50p a litre