Rear Diff Case Crack - Can it be repaired?
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Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Detroit Michigan
Rear Diff Case Crack - Can it be repaired?
I think I know the answer but I figure I would ask.
The rear case Cover has a crack where the U-bolt for the spring attaches.
the second photo shows the crack from the inside of the rear cover.
Options? Ideas?
The rear case Cover has a crack where the U-bolt for the spring attaches.
the second photo shows the crack from the inside of the rear cover.
Options? Ideas?
Last edited by Acidgypsy; Jan 26, 2014 at 07:46 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,363
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From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
That is just the differential cover - not the housing - if I am seeing it correctly. Just purchase a new heavy duty cover and gasket.
You can remove the cover and take it to a metal shop where they will heat it then repair it. By the time you are done, you are close to a new cover.
John
You can remove the cover and take it to a metal shop where they will heat it then repair it. By the time you are done, you are close to a new cover.
John
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 94
Likes: 15
From: Detroit Michigan
That is just the differential cover - not the housing - if I am seeing it correctly. Just purchase a new heavy duty cover and gasket.
You can remove the cover and take it to a metal shop where they will heat it then repair it. By the time you are done, you are close to a new cover.
John
You can remove the cover and take it to a metal shop where they will heat it then repair it. By the time you are done, you are close to a new cover.
John
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Corvette-Original-Rear-End-Differential-Cover-I-11-4-1963-1977-/150988866281?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ACorvette&hash=item2327a342e9&vxp=mtr
2026 Loser of the Year
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Or.....if you have access to a welding machine and cast iron compatible welding rods.....
Clean the cover with degreaser/grind a I/4" wide groove into the crack on the inside and outside/put the cover in the broiler portion of the oven for an hour/grab it with pliers/ go the the garage and weld the grooves flush inside and out/put it back in the broiler for 30 minutes---then turn the broiler off and let the cover slowly completely cool down in the oven/grind the outside weld smooth/re-drill and re-tap the threaded hole.......
(or buy a replacement cover/save the cracked cover for a future repair)
Clean the cover with degreaser/grind a I/4" wide groove into the crack on the inside and outside/put the cover in the broiler portion of the oven for an hour/grab it with pliers/ go the the garage and weld the grooves flush inside and out/put it back in the broiler for 30 minutes---then turn the broiler off and let the cover slowly completely cool down in the oven/grind the outside weld smooth/re-drill and re-tap the threaded hole.......
(or buy a replacement cover/save the cracked cover for a future repair)
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Youngstown NY
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 303
From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 805
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From: Naperville Illinois
X2 for the Muskegon Brake HD rear cover. Don't buy an original style replacement; as you can see, the original casting is prone to failure--both the ears were cracked on mine. I compared the two units side by side when I rebuilt my diff, and the Muskegon cover is an absolute bargain at $150
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: myrtle beach sc
Army
Buy the heavy duty replacement cover. Yours cracked, like mine did 30 years ago, because all of the rear weight of your car is on the spring that bolts to that cover. You do know that if both sides crack, the rear spring can flip out and guess what happens then? Lou.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 576
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From: Muskegon MI
Our Heavy Duty Rear End Cover is definitely a good choice. The original covers had a poor design and was notorious for cracking and/or breaking off one of the mounting ears. As said previously, you can always put a new cover on and keep and possibly restore your original.
