Rear End Leaking
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
From: The South
Rear End Leaking
Took my C5 in today to the shop- an independent shop whose owner has corvettes and works on all the corvettes in the area.
I took it in to get a thorough look- since I haven't done anything to it since I purchased it 3 months ago.
It is an 02 with 16k miles. I am getting the front brake pads replaced and of course the oil changed. But they also said there is a slight leak in the rear end. They say they see this often with C5's. They don't won't to do anything now because the leak is not bad- but later on if it gets worse- they will have to do the job.
What is this caused from and is this a known problems in C5's (rear end leak)?
Thanks
I took it in to get a thorough look- since I haven't done anything to it since I purchased it 3 months ago.
It is an 02 with 16k miles. I am getting the front brake pads replaced and of course the oil changed. But they also said there is a slight leak in the rear end. They say they see this often with C5's. They don't won't to do anything now because the leak is not bad- but later on if it gets worse- they will have to do the job.
What is this caused from and is this a known problems in C5's (rear end leak)?
Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 9
From: Eddy Texas
Very common. The output shaft (axle) seal is prone to leak on all year C5's. I would have them go ahead and fix it to keep the bottom of the car from getting dirty. The updated seals and procedures seem to be a good fix(knock on wood). So, there really is no reason to wait and have it done. I had my '04 done @ 5500mi and it has been leak free now, for 35k mi.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
its commonThis is the TSB for the diff seal
I'd get it done sooner rather than later while the dealer is still on your side.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...al+Replacement
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 30,770
Likes: 41
From: Down the Shore New Jersey, Elev.3 feet
St. Jude Donor '17
Very common. The output shaft (axle) seal is prone to leak on all year C5's. I would have them go ahead and fix it to keep the bottom of the car from getting dirty. The updated seals and procedures seem to be a good fix(knock on wood). So, there really is no reason to wait and have it done. I had my '04 done @ 5500mi and it has been leak free now, for 35k mi.
same with my 04
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 20
From: FLORIDA
Before you go and tear the rear end apart change the fluid and put in Red Line 75-90 HP Gear Oil. It is avaible at most Auto Part Stores like Advance Auto etc.
I did my '99 over a year ago and it stopped the leak.
Give it a try. A cheap fix.
I did my '99 over a year ago and it stopped the leak.
Give it a try. A cheap fix.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 562
Likes: 21
From: Southington Connecticut
My '02 has just succumbed to the dreaded left side differential leaky butt. Will be fixed at local Vette specialty shop next week, fortunately under extended warrenty. Don't trust anyone not familiar with these cars to do this right. Too bad such a sophisticated machine is prone to such a preventable problem. Design fault in my opinion. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,021
Likes: 133
From: Conejo Valley CA
Here's more pictures than you will know what to do with when I had mine fixed...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...on-photos.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...on-photos.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,139
Likes: 2
From: Whidbey Island WA
Mine leaked once and only once. This was after a high speed run through the desert on a very hot day. 2 years later when my regular warranty was ready to expire, I had it repaired/replaced just because. 
Hasn't been a problem at all, just that one time. Go figure...
Hasn't been a problem at all, just that one time. Go figure...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,420
Likes: 8
From: Southern New Jersey, The wet part at the bottom
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I'm sorry to hear of your leaky butt syndrome (I have a bought new '02 and haven't had a wet rear yet,touch wood) and would agree with other posters that you might as well get the repair done sooner rather than later. My real question is why would you need brake pads at 16K miles? I smell a foul.
