Hi,

I have a 2004 Z06 with 11K miles on it. I notices a small trace of oil at the bottom of the differential where it meets tranny (1-2 driplets of so or just some trace). I don't see anything on the garage floor. I wiped it off, let it sit overnight and still no oil on the differential or on the floor.

I drove it to work and came home (40 miles total), and I again noticed little bit of oil where the tranny meets differential. But not enough oil to drop to the floor. I let it sit overnight and still nothing on the floor.

Is this a leak? If so, tranny or differential? Should I get it repaired or is this something of a normal thing???

I've already had the left diff cover seal repaired by a dealer when it leaked last year at around 4K miles

It's under warrenty, but I would prefer not to take it to the dealer if there's no "real" problem since they've screwed up a few things on my previous 2002 coupe when its diff leaked. (cracked rocker panel, exhaust pipe or something was loose and clunk after diff service, forgot to use friction modifier resuting in chatter, etc.)

Thanks in advance for advices.

 

dope i agree about the $$/time difference the m6 cars sometimes leak between the diff/trans due to the o-ring(p# 12369456);the 2nd scenario involves the diff left side seal around the halfshaft(gm did update the seal i forgot where i put the reference);icemanskis, i've got hogmanmac in the schedule for dynatech and abs of steel, get the p#'s and i should be able to take care of this by next w/e(i need to see the ccw 505's again-gotta love the blingage)

 

Why is this problem so "popular" and people talk about it as if its a way of life. I have the EXACT same problem and its really making me upset. The leak is on Driver's side. I noticed fluid drops on the floor, tracked them up...and noticed the differential had a greasynees coated on it... put my finger on the spot and noticed very slow drops of oil leakage. I just changed my diff fluid, paid $70 for fluids, $40 for labor= $110 Total. And THEN I found out from my mechanic that it will cost me $300-$400 to change the left seal + fluids (that aren't cheap). Seal/Gasket itself is only $20 Max. Labor is too much here.

When I talked to my dad, he was surprised as I was.... We've had Nissans, Hondas, Infinity, Linclon, Ford, Cadillac, and many other cars over the years...NONE of them had any differential problems. So then WHY does Corvette have this "COMMON" problem. Whats wrong with GM? They make a $50,000 car, and can't put a decent differential seal, especailly knowing that this is a sports car and will be driven hard. I had some respect for GM, cuz they made Corvettes. But I feel there are a bunch of nuts out there who spend their time getting drunk, or are trying to sell a car based on its looks only. Vettes are supposed to be Legendary cars and an Icon for American cars (specially a Top notch car for GM). Its weird that my other car, 1987 Nissan 300ZX still runs like new and beats most cars on the road, without any such problems...and it has 150,000+ miles.

I love my Vette, but with it having only 18,000 miles and already having a major repair....I'm really disappointed . This is the newest car I've ever had...


So now what - do I get the seal changed for $300-$400, or just go for the 3.42 rear end, since I still have the 2.73...? Wasn't planning on spending so much right now, cuz just bought the car a couple of months ago... Thanks for listening...

 

Shouldn't take more the 30 mins. to fix the side seal. Tell your mechanic to sit on it. Do it yourself, I have instructions
here.

 

You won't lose fluid replacing the side seal either. If you mechanic doesn't know this, don't ever take it to him again.

 

My 2000 frc had the side plate diff leak. I drained and replaced the lube with precisely the recommended quantity of Redline synth and had no further problem.My wifes 01 C5 A4 had the same problem and I did the same routine on it without success.Might be worth a try.......