Good morning all ! Two questions completely unrelated. Firstly, I couldn't find a clear answer to the following in the Forum ; how do most A7 owners judge the right oil (+/- grease!) level in the differentials of early axles ? I tend to bend a wire back on itself, poke it through the filler hole and if there's oil within an inch of the filler I'm moderately happy but its not a very scientific (but is anything relating to most aspects of A7s) !

Secondly, when using an air pump with a screw-in valve thread connector, I get to the right reading but lose at least 5lbs/sq/in pressure unscrewing it. Again is there a more accurate way apart from my trying to get quicker at unscrewing ?

Look forward to answers ! James

Location: Ferring, West Sussex

I answer to the first question I would think it would be simplest to change to the later 140 grade oil. I would guess it does a better job than oil+grease.
Can't help with question 2. With an ordinary foot pump with the toggle latch I find the hose tends to be pressurised above the tyre. Removing it and reattaching it gives a slightly lower reading.

My toolbox has a piece of wire with the last 1" bent at 90 degrees which I use as a dipstick, if there is oil on it there is enough.
My footpump connector is clip on.

Jim, thanks for the quick reply although its not the type of oil (or grease) I'm determining, I generally use what you suggest, its advice regarding how to check its level. With later axles circa 1937 you fill to the bottom of the filler plug but my main point is that I'm trying to avoid overfilling the earlier ones (I've had a leaking hub and trying to avoid overfilling). To really spell it out, how far below the filler plug hole do most owners aim for !

Location: Ferring, West Sussex

Apologies Dave, your reply just got in before mine to Jim ! I'm in total agreement with the bent wire method and 1" level, what do others think ? As far as my electric air pump is concerned, it was quite expensive and I like it but think its one downfall is the 'unscrewing' but again someone may have perfected the art !

Location: Ferring, West Sussex

Hello James.
The question of oil levels is a reoccuring topic on this site. Oil level in the rear axle needs to be at a minimum level that allows the crownwheel to sit in the oil when stationary, but not so high that it could weep past the axle shaft seals. This is about 1/2 to 3/4pt. The cost of rear axles is considerable compared with the price of oil.
So my recommendation, (for what its worth) is don't bother checking the level just drain and refill it with the appropriate amount at regular intervals.
Vince Leek