Differential questions
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 884
Likes: 84
From: New Boston, NH
Differential questions
I was disassembling my rear suspension yesterday and when I removed the four bolts holding the strut rod bracket from the diff, fluid began draining from the diff. I understood that there was no drain on the diff. Is it possible that the PO (and yes I understand that ANYTHING is possible) drilled this out to use as a drain? If so, what if any downside is there? Also, how much movement, in and out, should the yolks have? I can move mine in and out about an inch or so.
Thanks,
Bryan
Thanks,
Bryan
Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 581
Likes: 5
From: BC
As you said, anythings possible. I can't see a problem with having drilled an oil drain other than preventing it from weeping. Any kind of fluid stopper uses either a pipe thread where the diameter of the plug tapers out wedging the threads and providing a seal (the diff fill plug) or if it has straight threads (Oil pan drain), a gasket. Your arrangement has neither and neither is practical. A gasket on the bolt would seal the head against the bracket, but you would need to seal the bracket against the diff housing as well. The op likely wound up teflon tape on the threads, which is about all you can do.
You should have almost no movement of the yokes. The inboard end is worn off in all likelyhood.
Steve g
You should have almost no movement of the yokes. The inboard end is worn off in all likelyhood.
Steve g
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Good chance they used to long of a bolt and it pushed through the case and into the fluid. Very common to have happen. The yjust have any old bolt laying around and think it will fit. They jam it in there and presto a hole in the case.
As said above the yokes should have little or no movement. If you have an inch or better time to open it up and do some work.
As said above the yokes should have little or no movement. If you have an inch or better time to open it up and do some work.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
From what I've read an inch of play in the yokes is a lot. My passenger side yoke has almost half inch play and its definitely getting worked on.
By the way...would the extra play in the yoke cause the clunking sound that happens whenever I accelerate rather harder than usual?
By the way...would the extra play in the yoke cause the clunking sound that happens whenever I accelerate rather harder than usual?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 805
Likes: 5
From: Naperville Illinois
Good chance they used to long of a bolt and it pushed through the case and into the fluid. Very common to have happen. The yjust have any old bolt laying around and think it will fit. They jam it in there and presto a hole in the case.
As said above the yokes should have little or no movement. If you have an inch or better time to open it up and do some work.
As said above the yokes should have little or no movement. If you have an inch or better time to open it up and do some work.
This is spot-on...Also, if in fact a bolt breached the case, there's the matter of the little slug(s) of iron rattling around in there...from your description of your yoke end-play, you may have a couple of c-clips mixed in for good measure...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 805
Likes: 5
From: Naperville Illinois
Is it a single clunk when you accelerate? Check the condition of the front differential mount bushing (pinion snubber). Multiple clunks, check u joints.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
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From: NJ
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...arrived-3.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
When I was rebuilding my rear suspension I found oil leaking from the diff. Turned out to be a pin size hole in the outer case. I simply filled with JB Weld and presto, no more leak.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,209
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From: Montgomery Alabama
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Another thing to check
Sounds like time to rebuild the differential.
I know this may sound stupid, but check to make sure your battery is not loose in the box. It can make a loud clunk on hard acceleration too.
I know this may sound stupid, but check to make sure your battery is not loose in the box. It can make a loud clunk on hard acceleration too.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
HAHAHA good point, the battery IS loose but thats not it. Its definitely coming from somewhere else in the back.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: State of Confusion!!!
2018 C2 of Year Winner
I was disassembling my rear suspension yesterday and when I removed the four bolts holding the strut rod bracket from the diff, fluid began draining from the diff. I understood that there was no drain on the diff. Is it possible that the PO (and yes I understand that ANYTHING is possible) drilled this out to use as a drain? If so, what if any downside is there? Also, how much movement, in and out, should the yolks have? I can move mine in and out about an inch or so.
Thanks,
Bryan
Thanks,
Bryan
If you decide to rebuild the diff and it is more than you want to tackle, I have contact info for a guy that does TOP NOTCH work on these. He did mine a few years ago and is VERY thorough. You may pay a little extra over a parts house, but you will not be dissappointed!!! Let me know and I can foward the info.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 884
Likes: 84
From: New Boston, NH
Hey Bryan,
If you decide to rebuild the diff and it is more than you want to tackle, I have contact info for a guy that does TOP NOTCH work on these. He did mine a few years ago and is VERY thorough. You may pay a little extra over a parts house, but you will not be dissappointed!!! Let me know and I can foward the info.
If you decide to rebuild the diff and it is more than you want to tackle, I have contact info for a guy that does TOP NOTCH work on these. He did mine a few years ago and is VERY thorough. You may pay a little extra over a parts house, but you will not be dissappointed!!! Let me know and I can foward the info.
