leaking differential
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Joined: Jul 2014
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leaking differential
Hello,
Im in the Youngstown/Warren area in north eastern Ohio. I noticed while inspecting the brakes on my 74 that the differential is leaking. I believe its coming from the passenger side yoke seal and possibly the main gasket on the cover. The seals have probably dried up and cracked, the car was not driven alot before I took ownership. Its not dripping or leaving a puddle on the ground but the differential case looks wet from oil. I am guessing it starts to leak once the diff warms up while driving. Im some what mechanical but I feel this job is out of my expertise to do on my own. Does anyone know of a reputable shop in my area?
Thanks,
Im in the Youngstown/Warren area in north eastern Ohio. I noticed while inspecting the brakes on my 74 that the differential is leaking. I believe its coming from the passenger side yoke seal and possibly the main gasket on the cover. The seals have probably dried up and cracked, the car was not driven alot before I took ownership. Its not dripping or leaving a puddle on the ground but the differential case looks wet from oil. I am guessing it starts to leak once the diff warms up while driving. Im some what mechanical but I feel this job is out of my expertise to do on my own. Does anyone know of a reputable shop in my area?
Thanks,
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Rookie advice:
It MAY (Optimistically) reseal after driving for a week or so....give it a chance before you get into a costly repair because of an $8 seal. Also change the differential oil...use the "heaviest" recommended oil to refill the differential---this could help stop the leak also----loosen each cover bolt/one at a time and retorque using the highest recommended torque value to help the gasket stop leaking.
If all that fails and you have the funds...have the differential "gone through" and freshened up by a reputable Forum Vendor.
If the funds are limited, there are youtube videos on rebuilding a differential/Members on the forum will answer questions also...I watched several videos and read 6 articles....then, resealed//inspect for wear internal parts/checked the gear lash/etc my first differential about 6 months ago.....being a rookie---it took me all weekend.
It MAY (Optimistically) reseal after driving for a week or so....give it a chance before you get into a costly repair because of an $8 seal. Also change the differential oil...use the "heaviest" recommended oil to refill the differential---this could help stop the leak also----loosen each cover bolt/one at a time and retorque using the highest recommended torque value to help the gasket stop leaking.
If all that fails and you have the funds...have the differential "gone through" and freshened up by a reputable Forum Vendor.
If the funds are limited, there are youtube videos on rebuilding a differential/Members on the forum will answer questions also...I watched several videos and read 6 articles....then, resealed//inspect for wear internal parts/checked the gear lash/etc my first differential about 6 months ago.....being a rookie---it took me all weekend.
Last edited by doorgunner; Aug 6, 2014 at 12:21 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2014
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From what i have been reading there seems to be multiple opinions on what oil to use.
some use synthetic with the additive already in the bottle, Others use synthetic and add the additive and others use the conventional oil with the additive. From what i can gather
GL-4 conventional with the LSD additive is the safe choice? Does anyone know the max recommended oil weight?
thank you,
some use synthetic with the additive already in the bottle, Others use synthetic and add the additive and others use the conventional oil with the additive. From what i can gather
GL-4 conventional with the LSD additive is the safe choice? Does anyone know the max recommended oil weight?
thank you,
Last edited by jdunfee; Aug 8, 2014 at 01:43 PM.
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From what i have been reading there seems to be multiple opinions on what oil to use.
some use synthetic with the additive already in the bottle, Others use synthetic and add the additive and others use the conventional oil with the additive. From what i can gather
GL-4 conventional with the LSD additive is the safe choice? Does anyone know the max recommended oil weight?
thank you,
some use synthetic with the additive already in the bottle, Others use synthetic and add the additive and others use the conventional oil with the additive. From what i can gather
GL-4 conventional with the LSD additive is the safe choice? Does anyone know the max recommended oil weight?
thank you,
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 53
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Well i didnt get around to change the diff oil yet due to having to order a 5/8 8 point socket online. Not a single store around me carried any 8 point sockets.. But i did end up cleaning up he housing and have discovered where the leak is coming from. The filler plug appears to be the culprit. Since i havent actually got the plug out yet should i just seal it with teflon tape when i do change the fluid, or is there also a replacement gasket that i need to purchase?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 66
From: Killeen Texas
I had my differential rebuilt about a year ago, I put in in the frame as part of the frame off restro mod but the vehicle is not ready for driving yet . Should I put oil in it or wait until I'm close to driving it? Its without oil right now.
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Burning Brakes
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Well i didnt get around to change the diff oil yet due to having to order a 5/8 8 point socket online. Not a single store around me carried any 8 point sockets.. But i did end up cleaning up he housing and have discovered where the leak is coming from. The filler plug appears to be the culprit. Since i havent actually got the plug out yet should i just seal it with teflon tape when i do change the fluid, or is there also a replacement gasket that i need to purchase?
