front diff is leaking.

Hi I have a 05 Rhino 660 and the front diff is leaking where the front drive shaft goes in to it. I was just wanting to know why it would be leaking? Does it have a seal that would go bad?

Thanks Tim


O I like this site it is pretty cool.

Tim , i would say there has to be a seal.
I never seen any diff that did not have some sort of seal.
and most likely that is your problem.....

Yamaha dealer can look it up and tell you what you need... :)

Pinion seal. Until you get it changed carry some gear oil with you and make sure you keep it full. It shouldn't be leaking badly, is it?

If it sits over night it will leak a drop or two.I think it is leaking alot but it might just be me. Will it be a major job to get it fix?

tim wrote:

If it sits over night it will leake a drop or two. Will it be a major job to get it fix?

Would not be too bad if you had a lift to put it up on. Just need to remove the front drive shaft and remove the pinion from the differential and replace the seal. Get some estimates if you cant do it yourself. This is not a real big job. Being that it is a Rhino that normally doesn't get a lot of miles on it, it may last a long time with just a drip. I would avoid playing in deep mud or water though because if fluid is coming out, mud and water can get in. Gritty mud will deteriorate the seal quicker.

Lucas makes a product that is made for "Dry" "Old" seals.......your machine is an 05....has it been sitting for a while?
If so, I would say that the seal has gotten dry....try the Lucas....I've seen it work more times that not!

I am going to get oil right now I will see if I can find the Lucas stuff. I have royal purple diff oil to put in. I will see what I can find. I am going to call for an price to fix from the local Yamaha dealer when they open. I had rather do it my self, but I will see what they charge.


Thanks Tim