Drivers side diff cover is leaking. This is a M6. Can I drain, pull axle and remove cover without droping the carriage and disconecting the trans ? Looks like it is possible except for one trans bolt thru the cover. Will I be able to pry the cover away from the rear and then slide in back ? And then reverse the process with gasket sealer or new gasket ?

 

bump

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Here is the repair procedure from the GM Service info.

Service Procedure (Corvette)
Raise and support the vehicle.
Remove the left rear tire and wheel assembly.
Install J 33432-A Transverse Spring Compressor to the rear transverse spring and compress the spring.
Disconnect the electrical connector from the left wheel speed sensor.
Disconnect the electronic suspension control (ESC) position sensor link, if equipped.
Disconnect the shock absorber solenoid electrical connector, if equipped.
Remove the outer tie rod end nut.
Disconnect the outer tie rod end stud from the rear suspension knuckle.
Disconnect the park brake cable from the park brake apply lever and bracket.
Remove the bolts securing the upper control arms to the frame.
Remove the spindle nut retaining the rear wheel axle shaft to the hub.
Rotate the suspension knuckle until the axle shaft clears the hub.
Release and remove the rear wheel axle shaft from the differential.
Remove the left muffler.
Drain the rear differential fluid. Refer to the Lubricant Change procedure in the Rear Axle sub-section of the Service Manual.
Remove the retaining bolts and the damper/tuned absorber from the differential (97-04 model years).
Loosen the nut retaining the transmission to the transmission LH mounting stud.
Install a second nut onto the stud.
Remove the stud from the differential cover.
Clean any dirt or debris from around the differential cover.
Remove the bolts retaining the differential cover.
Remove the differential cover from the differential.
Remove and discard the O-ring seal and the axle seal from the differential cover.
Clean the O-ring sealing surface on the differential cover and the differential housing.
Install new O-ring, P/N 89047953, to the differential cover.
Apply a continuous 3 mm (0.125 in) bead of sealant, P/N 1052942 (Canadian P/N 10953466), or equivalent, to the cover flange.
Apply sealant around the bolt holes. Keep sealant away from the O-ring.
Install the differential cover to the differential.
Install the differential cover retaining bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 28 N·m(20 lb ft).

Clean the excess sealant from the left cover/housing splitline.
Using two nuts installed on the stud, install the transmission mounting stud to the differential cover.
Tighten
Tighten the stud to 42 N·m(31 lb ft).

Remove the second nut from the transmission mounting stud.
Tighten the nut retaining the transmission to the transmission LH mounting stud.
Tighten
Tighten the nut to 50 N·m(37 lb ft).

Install the damper/tuned absorber and bolts to the differential (97-04 model years).
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 25 N·m(18 lb ft).

Install the new axle seal, PN 88996703, into the differential cover using J 46405.
Install the left muffler.
Install the rear wheel axle shaft to the differential.
Install the spindle nut retaining the rear wheel axle shaft to the hub.
Tighten
Tighten the spindle nuts to 160 N·m(118 lb ft).

Install the bolts securing the upper control arms to the frame.
Tighten
Tighten the upper control arm bolts to 110 N·m(81 lb ft).

Connect the park brake cable to the park brake apply lever and bracket.
Connect the outer tie rod end stud to the rear suspension knuckle.
Install the outer tie rod end nut.
Tighten

• Tighten the outer tie rod end nut to 20 N·m(15 lb ft) to seat the outer tie rod stud.

• Turn the nut additional 160 degrees.

• Check the outer tie rod end nut for a minimum torque of 45 N·m(33 lb ft).

Connect the shock absorber solenoid electrical connector, if equipped.
Connect the electronic suspension control (ESC) position sensor link, if equipped.
Connect the electrical connector to the left wheel speed sensor.
Remove J 33432-A Transverse Spring Compressor from the rear transverse spring.
Install the left rear tire and wheel assembly.
Refill the rear differential fluid. Refer to the Lubricant Change procedure in the Rear Axle sub-section of the Service Manual.
Lower the vehicle.
Parts Information
Part Number
Description
Qty

88996703
Seal, Output Shaft Oil
1

89047953
O-Ring, Differential Side Cover
1

1052942 (Canada 10953466)
Sealant
1


Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time

F9701* (XLR Only)
Rear Axle Seal Replace -- Side Cover and Axle Shaft
2.3 hrs

F9701* (Corvette Only)
Rear Axle Seal Replace -- Side Cover and Axle Shaft
1.6 hrs

*This is a unique labor operation for bulletin use only. It will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.




GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
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How much dose the dealer charge for this job?

 

ttt

 

I'd guess there's at least six hours labor in the job. Most dealers charge at least $75 an hour, some quite a bit more. Parts are minor, maybe another $80 - $100. I'd guess $550 to $650.

Charlie

 

I did it about 4 weeks ago with my A4.....
I did NOT remove my left muffler(juggled around a bit with it) and I did NOT remove the rear wheel axle shaft.....I had to remove the sway bar a bit though to remove the cover out of the back.It's a job but it's worth it in the end..

The reason for not removing the muffler is because I didn't have the ground clearance of 3 feet.I used a new seal as well as sealant on the flange.I put the sealant on the diff itself because you will hit some other parts of your diff and/or cradle if you put the diff side cover back in.This way you are sure that you have enough sealant between cover and diff to close this thing up.

Hope this will help you!

Greetz Erik(Holland,Europe)

 

Im having 3.90s installed on my car now along with the heads and cam package. The rear is only a couple hour job, but dont expect to pay for a couple hours at the stealership.

 

The only thing that worked for me after 2 tries with the anerobic sealer GM recommends was to let it set up overnight before I put it back together. Perfectly dry now for 3k miles. It's like they say...3rd time is the charm.

 

I closed the cover and let it sit overnight.Give the sealant some time...
It worked for me also....


Greetz Erik.

 

I just fixed a leak on the rear diff cover and used Loctite gasket sealer. It sealed instantly (in absence of air) without having to wait.