I have an 06 hawkeye 4x4 and the diff looks to be leaking through the driveshaft seal. When looking at this I noticed there is an open hole in the housing right below the steering stem. I can see what I am guessing the gears for the steering. I have another hawkeye as well and that one is the same way. Seems like something would be missing since obviously water and dirt can go right on in. Can anyone tell me if this is normal or if I am missing something? Any help with the seal as well would be great. Thanks

 

Sounds like your missing the vent tube. Shows it hooked to tee,but not necessary,just run a tube up and zip tie it with the end facing away from the front if you wish.Dirt Cheap Yamaha, Polaris, Suzuki & Kawasaki OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Warehouse Seals are shown in this breakdown. Dirt Cheap Yamaha, Polaris, Suzuki & Kawasaki OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Warehouse

 

I have that vent tube. Directly on the opposite side of that there is a hole also with nothing. I don't know how to post pics or I would. It on the stem part of this housing.

 

See if this is the hole you're talking about. Sportsman 300 diff,but I believe it's the same as the Hawkeye?? Shows what appears to be a drain type hole at approx 10:35 of the video. Plus I have the 2006 Hawkeye manual and it says nothing about it,but does show a little black collar type projection..

 

That's the one. The thing that scares me is the kids love riding through water. And I see there is a hole the comes into the diff housing. Think maybe I will just block it off. Cannt be good to have open with the steering gears right there.

 

Or if possible to insert a nipple with JB weld and run a hose down.Think it's a drain in case water gets past the plate and seal.Plus ring and pinion gears aren't cheap if they get rusted up and worn.Probably why it's there in the first place.

 

Ok I'll do that then. Thanks for the help.