How to fix my differential leak?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 24,977
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
How to fix my differential leak?
My local tech was checking my car today and noticed two leaks:
The rubber boot around the left rear axle has a pinhole leak, and is slopping a small amount of grease on the inside of the wheel. I'm guessing that this should be a simple repair, even for an authorized dealer: replace the boot and regrease. Are there any hidden things to look for?
The diff is also leaking, looks like the left side cover toward the rear edge, near the top. It does not look like overflow from the vent hole. From previous posts this seems like a common problem, solution is to put a new gasket under the side cover, be sure to seal it with anaerobic sealer GM#1052942 or Loctite #51813. Refill with GM synthetic fluid (I am not getting any noise) and friction modifier, then hit the road. Any further suggestions?
[Modified by Gearhead Jim, 4:11 PM 8/15/2001]
The rubber boot around the left rear axle has a pinhole leak, and is slopping a small amount of grease on the inside of the wheel. I'm guessing that this should be a simple repair, even for an authorized dealer: replace the boot and regrease. Are there any hidden things to look for?
The diff is also leaking, looks like the left side cover toward the rear edge, near the top. It does not look like overflow from the vent hole. From previous posts this seems like a common problem, solution is to put a new gasket under the side cover, be sure to seal it with anaerobic sealer GM#1052942 or Loctite #51813. Refill with GM synthetic fluid (I am not getting any noise) and friction modifier, then hit the road. Any further suggestions?
[Modified by Gearhead Jim, 4:11 PM 8/15/2001]
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 24,977
Likes: 2,690
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: How to fix my differential leak? (Stingray1967)
Well, mine is not progressing very rapidly. The dealership says they can't get the axle boot as a seperate part, so they have an entire left axle on order, supposed to show up next week. They said the differential leak was very slight- the diff was still full. They suggested I wait until the axle arrives, then fix both items at the same time. We both agreed that the fewer times they take things apart, the better.
The good news is that a former exchange student from Germany has come back to visit us. Her parents have a BMW Z3 that she drives, so we took the top off the C5 today and let her have at it for a half-hour. I've never seen such a big grin on such a tiny girl!
The good news is that a former exchange student from Germany has come back to visit us. Her parents have a BMW Z3 that she drives, so we took the top off the C5 today and let her have at it for a half-hour. I've never seen such a big grin on such a tiny girl!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,430
Likes: 914
From: CONCORD NC
Re: How to fix my differential leak? (Gearhead Jim)
What exactly is leaking, the halfshaft seal??? It is available seperately. The boot is only a dust cover, and doesn't seal anything!
Anyway, the seal change is easy, but takes a little time.
D
Anyway, the seal change is easy, but takes a little time.
D
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 163
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From: Louisiana
Re: How to fix my differential leak? (Gearhead Jim)
I just noticed this on my car tonight. Fluid leaking from a bottom bolt on the side plate. Could the fix be as easy as tightning the bolt to torque specs, or should I just go ahead and have the seal changed?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 24,977
Likes: 2,690
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: How to fix my differential leak? (Capt Ron)
Dave- The rubber boot at the outboard end of the left axle has a tiny hole on the front side, you can see a little bit of what looks like grease oozing out, and there is dried grease inside the wheel rim. Also, there is a oil leak somewhere on the left side of the differential, looks like the left cover plate is leaking near the top. The dealership said that the rubber boot is currently not available from parts but will be "some day." They feel that if Chevy can't supply the simple part, then Chevy should supply the assembly that contains the part. Any further suggestions?
Ron- You could be the lucky one who solves the problem by tightening the bolts, but every post I have seen said that a new seal was required. I think you may have to drop the exhaust to get at it, so replacing the seal (and using anaerobic sealer too) would seem like the best procedure.
Ron- You could be the lucky one who solves the problem by tightening the bolts, but every post I have seen said that a new seal was required. I think you may have to drop the exhaust to get at it, so replacing the seal (and using anaerobic sealer too) would seem like the best procedure.
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Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 24,977
Likes: 2,690
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: How to fix my differential leak? (Rob 99)
So far as I know, there is no recall or service bulletin associated with this problem. From what I hear, it is more of an inconvenience/expense than a safety or driveability issue- the leaks tend to start out very slowly. If you look at the differential every time you change your oil or have the car up in the air for something, and keep an eye on your garage floor for oil spots, you should catch it in plenty of time. Of course, if you are out of warranty, it can be a bit expensive.....
