How Does a Volvo’s Rear Differential Fluid Leak Affect Its Performance?

Would you like to know how a small problem such as leakage of the rear differential fluid in a Volvo can affect the vehicle’s performance? Let’s find out what the differential does and why it’s important to have the fluid of this component intact.

What is Rear Differential Fluid?

A rear differential is a component of your car’s drivetrain that is used to apportion the power generated by the engine to the wheels. When you turn, the rear differential lets each of the rear wheels rotate at varying speeds to make that turn safe and smooth. This is important for handling safely, especially on a slippery or irregular road surface. The differential has a number of moving parts that include gears and the like, which create friction and therefore need lubrication.

That’s where the differential fluid comes in—it coats these parts to prevent wear and tear and helps regulate temperature. Without proper lubrication, these parts would rub against each other, become hot, and noisy, and over time, would suffer some levels of wear and damage.

Reasons For Leakage Of The Rear Differential Fluid

• Worn Seals or Gaskets: Differential fluid is contained by seals and gaskets and these seals are not meant to last indefinitely; they can degrade or develop cracks through usage or if subjected to extremely high or low temperatures. This is one of the most prevalent reasons for leaks, and if detected early enough, it should not be a problem to resolve.
• Damage from Debris: Rocks and other debris that are on the road can also hit the differential and cause small cracks or punctures that will result in fluid leaks. If you occasionally take your Volvo for an inspection, it will be easier to notice any problems that may be developing in the undercarriage.
• Normal Wear and Tear: Like any other part of the vehicle, the differential and its components are bound to degrade with time. They may begin to leak as they grow older, especially if your car has high mileage. The use of original fluids and proper maintenance increases the lifespan of your differential.

How Rear Differential Fluid Leak Affects Your Volvo’s Performance

• Increased Wear on Differential Components: The gears and bearings of the differential always depend on the fluid for efficient movement. If there is little or no lubrication, the gears can develop rough surfaces which will lead to further wear and tear. This will in turn affect the performance of your Volvo when you want to turn or when you want to speed up.
• Poor Handling and Stability: A differential in bad condition can cause your Volvo to have undesirable handling. The rear differential makes certain that each of the rear wheels rotates at the appropriate speed, especially around corners. If it’s low on fluid the differential may not function correctly, which makes the car hard to handle during sharp turns or sudden lane changes.
• Overheating of Differential Parts: The friction in the moving parts produces heat, which is normally controlled by the fluid. If there is any leakage, the fluid level reduces, and the gears have to rub against each other, generating a lot of heat. This heat can distort or harm the elements of the differential, which will lead to expensive repair or complete failure.
• Damage to Other Drivetrain Components: The rear differential is a component of the vehicle transmission and driveshaft If the differential is damaged, then other components of the drivetrain can be put under more stress. This can result in increased wear throughout the system, with the potential for larger and more costly problems.

Why Should You Trust Francen and Son Foreign Car for Differential Repair?

Welcome to Francen and Son Foreign Car in Algonquin, IL, where we know the importance of every part of your Volvo car. For many years, we have been servicing both new and used European cars, and our team of specialized technicians can quickly diagnose and repair rear differentials for cars such as Volvo.

We can easily evaluate the problem, fix any fluid leakage, and check the level of your differential fluid to get you on the road and back in control. If you notice any sign of fluid leaking or you observe that your vehicle is not handling as it should, just call the attention of our experts. Book an appointment now to restore the performance of your Volvo.

* Gray Volvo XC90 Car image credit goes to: Artistic Operations.