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I wasnt going to post his, but I figure what the heck.
I work for Getrag and have been running their prototype shop for over 17 years. I have seen some (not much) mis-information regarding the rear axle that I figured I would let everyone know.
Go ahead and ask any diff questions and if I don't know the answer I will certainly find out for you. The Corvette business did alot for our comopany so I figured the least I could do was answer some questions.
FYI - I cannot sell parts.
I do have a C5 axle, and parts for a C6 that I got outside of work that I was selling on here a while ago. I have had them for quite a while so I'm in no hurry and thats not what I am here for. Once these 2 are gone, there is no more
What is the true cause of the left side diff leak?
Lots of C5 owners have had the left side diff leak, and many have had to have it repaired multiple times. There is alot of speculation about it really being the vent tube on top (either fluid overflowing out the tube, or the tube not venting properly causing pressure to build up which causes the seals to fail), yet replacing the seals with the updated ones sometimes fixes the problem permanently. I also hear that it isn't really the seals that cause the problem, its really the flange on the cover that isn't big enough or is poorly fitting. Putting a high-heat type of sealant on the cover flange is part ot the 'fix'. Some people also say that they believe many of the leaks are simply caused by overfilling. When I had mine fixed recently (and I'm positive mine was never overfilled), they said it was really leaking from the cover, not the seal, but they put in the updated seal and new o-ring while they had the suspension dropped. What is your opinion about all of this? Thanks.
A few different issues are involved. Alot depends on the year. Early axles had the vent in the middle of 2 ribs where debris could collect and therefore block the vent. Also an early issue was excess oil in between the seal and the seal guard during assembly that appeared to be a leak when in fact it wasnt.
The seal and the cover are 2 different issues. To say exactly why is difficult. The "fix" for the cover was applying LocTite (573 or 574). C6 has a different o-ring setup which hopefuly corrects the problem
To say why the left seal is usually the leaking one is baffling to everyone, both sides are the same seal.
FYI - EVERY rear axle is pressure/vacuum leak checked before it is shipped to GM.
Hope this helps....
You say early years had vent in the middle could you be more specific on years,i.e. 97,98,.....
You say the rears handle the stock HP and torque of the car. My rear broke when I was spinning the tires on wet roads. When I tore it apart the clutch bolts (or something like that) broke and then it blew apart and broke a hole in the case of the diff. I wasn't doing anything excessive. Nothing my 84 corvette wouldn't do. What might have caused this? Is this normal?
Next, I installed a new diff. It came packaged, and I can't say it was upright the entire time. So, I installed it and now the right seal is leaking. I replaced it with the upgraded part number seal. It still leaks. I'm now thinking the check valve at the top may be bad. Is there anyway that shipping allowed oil to get in the check valve and mess it up?
If I boost (turbo) the engine to 535HP with 500 LB FT of torque, what do you suggest be done with your Getrag axle which on http://www.getrag.com/181
shows that the Getrag 625 (is this the proper Getrag number for the stock 04Z) design limits is to 550 Nm or 405 Lb Ft or torque.00
Also do you have any ideas that you can pass on regarding what I should be looking at doing to the Tremec tranny which on: http://www.ttcautomotive.com/English/products/T-56.asp
shows that MN12 Tremec Part no. 1386-000-025 shows the torque capacity to be 385 Lbs-ft.
I have not looked at the clutch, wheel bearings and other driveline component that will be effected by the increased power and torque.
If I do not do any mods to the Getrag axle and Tremec tranny, what should I expect?