The Mitsubishi Pajero Owners Club®

2.25diesel

Back in 2016 I replaced the rear transfer box to rear prop shaft oil seal.

This had been dripping a bit since I bought the MK1 in 2014. I checked the box oil level every couple of months and it never dropped by any noticable level so I left it for a while.

The seal I bought from a well known supplier seemed to be fine until I recently noticed the cross member underneath the box was now covered in EP90 again. I did drain and refill the transfer box oil this summer as I was not sure when, if ever it had last been done.

I checked the sliding surface of the front of rear propshaft yoke when I replaced the seal and it was not pitted or scored. The seal seemed to keep the oil in fine until recently.

Are there possible reasons as to why it should start leaking again?

Thanks for any replies.

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assassin · Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2018 3:49 Post subject:

Yes, if the shaft is worn where the seal lip sits, it will drip, you really need to remove it and check for pitting and scoring, also, when you fitted the new seal did the spring come off the inside of the seal as this will reduce the pressure on the working face of the seal.

trekker · Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2018 12:15 Post subject:

Also check the breather is not blinded with dirt. If I recall, it's mounted on the top of the box.

2.25diesel · Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2018 21:10 Post subject:

Thanks for the replies.

I hadn't thought of the breather. I doubt that my MK1 has seen much if any off-road use so would hope it wsn't blocked by dirt.

Looking at the parts diagrams, it looks like it is in an difficult place to get to. I will have to have a look in daylight this coming weekend.

2.25diesel · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2018 22:22 Post subject:

I had a look earlier today to try and see if the breather was accessible. I was unable to even see it with an inspection mirror and torch. It may be possible to reach it from inside the vehicle by removing the surrounding trim and gear shift lever.

I also checked the oil level in the box. This had dropped to just below the level of the filler plug. It seems that the seal will need to be replaced.

2.25diesel · Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2018 13:09 Post subject:

Thinking about it, I fitted long grease nipples to both rear propshaft UJs in August of this year. This made it far easier to get enough grease into the UJs.

Could this cause enough unbalance in the shaft to cause a slight vibration which could have affected the seal? I would think it unlikely, but it may be possible.

The propshaft tube is otherwise not damaged or dented, so shouldn't be out of balance.