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I suspect that some "leaks" are really just fluid going out through the vent, which also happens to be just above the axle on the driver's side of the rear end.
If you suspect a leak, you might want to make sure the rear end has not been overfilled.
Fluid Leak at Rear Axle (Replace Left Differential SIde Cover O-Ring and Left Axle Shaft Seal, Add Sealant to Side Cover Flange) #03-04-20-006 - (Nov 18, 2003)
Fluid Leak at Rear Axle (Replace Left Differential Side Cover O-Ring and Left Axle Shaft Seal, Add Sealant to Side Cover Flange)
2004 Cadillac XLR
1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette
Condition
Some customers may comment on fluid leaking from the rear axle.
Correction
Verify that the fluid leak is rear axle fluid, not transmission fluid. Replace the left differential side cover O-ring and left axle shaft seal. Engineering has recommended that sealant be applied to the side cover prior to installation. Use the appropriate service procedure and part numbers listed below.
**Instructions Deleted**
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time
F9701* (XLR Only)
Rear Axle Seal Replace -- Side Cover and Axle Shaft
2.3 hrs
F9701* (Corvette Only)
Rear Axle Seal Replace -- Side Cover and Axle Shaft
1.6 hrs
*This is a unique labor operation number for use only with this bulletin. This number will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION
Transmission Fluid Leak at Rear of Vehicle (Remove Burrs and Replace Inner and Outer Otuput Shaft Seals) #03-07-29-006 - (Sep 26, 2003)
Transmission Fluid Leak at Rear of Vehicle (Remove Burrs and Replace Inner and Outer Output Shaft Seals)
2002-2003 Chevrolet Corvette
with 6-Speed Manual Transmission (RPOs MM6, M12)
Condition
Some customers may comment on transmission fluid leaking from the rear of the vehicle. This may be the second attempt to repair the leak.
Cause
This condition may be caused by transmission fluid leaking through the weep hole on the transmission extension housing. The weep hole is located between the inner and outer seals on the extension housing. An aluminum burr may prevent proper alignment of the inner seal allowing fluid to leak past the inner seal and out the weep hole. Leak may have been misdiagnosed as the outer seal.
Correction
Verify that the fluid leak is transmission fluid, not axle fluid. Remove any burrs on the transmission extension housing inner seal surface and replace the inner and outer output shaft seals. Use the procedure and part numbers listed below.
**INSTRUCTIONS DELETED
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Add:
To Remove Burrs from Transmission Extension Housing Seal Surface
0.1 hr
*This is a unique labor operation number for use only with this bulletin. This number will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION
From: The second childhood is the best one of all.
I had a tiny leak. I'd get a dime size spot on the floor after leaving the car in the garage for a week. I took it in last week and the dealer found the tranny cover had a little crack in it. The seal was OK. They said they are getting a few of these cover leaks. The car has been out of warrantee for 11 months and the dealer replaced the cover for FREE. It saved me about $350.
Last year about this time when I first bought my 01 MN6 I had the rear diff seal replaced under extended warranty. Last week I was having some upgrades done and my bodyshop noticed it's leaking again, it's been less than 7k miles.......
Just curious do all 6 speeds leak at the rear driver side shaft? Is this just from our garage queens not getting enough action? It seems that alot of members have these leaks. Has anyone been leak free? Also are the Z06 trannies less prone to leaks?
No leakage here ('99 M6 Coupe). Can't speak on the Z06's. Father in law has one, will ask him.
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