Last fall, after my last ride before winter storage, I discovered a small dime size drop of diff fluid on the garage floor. Upon further inspection, there was some diff fluid splattered on the underbody as well as some of the suspension parts below the axle on the driver side. I could not tell if it was coming from the seal or the fluid sprayed out of the top fill tube. There wasn't alot of fluid. just enough to make a little mess. During this last ride, at one point, I dropped it down into 2nd and hit the hammer. The tires briefly broke loose and the engine reved up a bit and t.c kicked in.
Temps were in the cold upper 40's All seemed well as I continued my final season ride at highway speeds for a couple more hours. I discovered the leak the next day during an oil change. I always do an under car inspection when I have it up in the air. I decided I would take care of the problem this spring when the car comes out of winter storage. There was no more leaking all winter long. Currently, I've had the car out this spring a few times (although not at highway speeds at this point) and have not seen another drop on the floor.
Do most people with the leaking differential seal have a constant drip or is the leak sporadic?
Do you think this could have simply been a one time blowing fluid through the vent tube situation? It's really hard to tell because at highway speeds the fluid can get sprayed all over the place.
I'm afraid if I take it to the dealer, they'll automaticly diagnos the problem as the bad seal to get my money.
Thanks for any input.
Silverbird

 

Personally, I would just keep an eye on for a while and check the lube level periodically (like at oil changes).

Mine leaks just enough to dirty things up every several thousand miles but not enough to drip. So I just keep an eye on the level and it's been fine.

Just might depend upon how **** you are about keeping it clean underneath if it isn't leaking significant amounts.

$ .02

 

Mine started out by leaving a dime size drip after every drive, so I had it fixed right away.

Like already said, maybe just keep an eye on it for a while.

 

Hi There;
This site with pictures should help you out.
http://www.cajundude.com/outputshaftseal.htm
robsc501

 

I had a similar experience with my '99. The drip I found on my garage floor was even smaller than a dime. I had my mechanic (also a Vette enthusiast) check it out. He checked the fluid level and it was fine. His comment was that the seal wasn't going to blow out; at most the leak MIGHT increase. He suggested that I just keep an eye on the garage floor for further leaks, and that he would check the fluid level when I bring in the car periodically for oil changes. I haven't had any more leaks, although there remains a little "dampness" around the seal. I understand this is a common affliction with the C5. In sum, my understanding is that it's not a big deal UNLESS the leak worsens. Then you do have to replace the seal and it's not cheap to do so. Good luck.

 

I had that leak like most c5 owners, its do to there just being one seal on the plate when there should be two as well as u can check for a little groove where the axle goes in its a big job to take on yourself it never gets fixed right the first time it take's three or four try's from an experinced auto repair guy i was luckey i have a warrenty on the car or i would of had to pay $2400! that was with the axle replaced...gm did put out a bulleten reapair on this problem...it was done at the factory also they recomend a special sealer to use as well...its a problem that must be fixed.. A.S.A.P...