Question on what is leaking...
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 20
From: Liberty Hill Texas
Question on what is leaking...
There is a small/very dark (feels like oil) that drips down a few minutes after I turn the car off.
The drip land right in the middle (left to righ) of the car and looks to be right in line with the middle of the rear wheels (maybe slightly forward then the middle of the rear wheels). Of course, I can't get under it to see what is leaking, but it appears to be directly in front of the axle. Would this be right where the u-joint is from the drive shaft as it comes back to the diff? Is this the "leaky butt" as stated in the weights and measures thread? Has anyone had something like this fixed and if so estimated $$$? I will try to take it to a shop on Saturday so they can take a look, but wondered if anyone would have a idea before I go.
The drip land right in the middle (left to righ) of the car and looks to be right in line with the middle of the rear wheels (maybe slightly forward then the middle of the rear wheels). Of course, I can't get under it to see what is leaking, but it appears to be directly in front of the axle. Would this be right where the u-joint is from the drive shaft as it comes back to the diff? Is this the "leaky butt" as stated in the weights and measures thread? Has anyone had something like this fixed and if so estimated $$$? I will try to take it to a shop on Saturday so they can take a look, but wondered if anyone would have a idea before I go.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 881
Likes: 2
From: hill billy hell
Sound like the famous differential leak,but it could also be the trans . some will lead you to believe that a stuck check/breather valve will cause a noticeable leak and leave fluid on the ground. Sounds to me what you are describing can be either an axle shaft seal and or the diff case o-ring seal. Usually the left side.
Lots of posts on forum about this check these also
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...over+Flange%29
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...al+Replacement
Looking around $300 give or take
sounds like it
Leaky butt
Lots of posts on forum about this check these also
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...over+Flange%29
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...al+Replacement
Looking around $300 give or take
Is this the "leaky butt"
Leaky butt
"The differential can leak from the side covers. The problem has to do with the design. The lip on the casing is not wide enough to create a proper seal with the cover. Resealing the covers can be successful, but many dealers do not use the correct sealant."
Last edited by jirasvet; Sep 13, 2007 at 07:49 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: Hawthorn Woods Illinois
There is a small/very dark (feels like oil) that drips down a few minutes after I turn the car off.
The drip land right in the middle (left to righ) of the car and looks to be right in line with the middle of the rear wheels (maybe slightly forward then the middle of the rear wheels). Of course, I can't get under it to see what is leaking, but it appears to be directly in front of the axle. Would this be right where the u-joint is from the drive shaft as it comes back to the diff? Is this the "leaky butt" as stated in the weights and measures thread? Has anyone had something like this fixed and if so estimated $$$? I will try to take it to a shop on Saturday so they can take a look, but wondered if anyone would have a idea before I go.
The drip land right in the middle (left to righ) of the car and looks to be right in line with the middle of the rear wheels (maybe slightly forward then the middle of the rear wheels). Of course, I can't get under it to see what is leaking, but it appears to be directly in front of the axle. Would this be right where the u-joint is from the drive shaft as it comes back to the diff? Is this the "leaky butt" as stated in the weights and measures thread? Has anyone had something like this fixed and if so estimated $$$? I will try to take it to a shop on Saturday so they can take a look, but wondered if anyone would have a idea before I go.
Had trans on my 1500 mile '07 replaced. Leaked in a similar area to what you describe. They replaced the small "o" ring seal for the trans cooler line to the trans. Got home still leaked. They have now replaced the driver side transaxle seal today. Picked up the car 2 hours ago and so far no leak. Agree with jirasvet. He notes problem areas that are solid possabilities. My posts on both issues are below. Don't think you have much to worry about. Good luck!
Fran
Trans failure:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1763547
Trans leaks:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1810578
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 407
Likes: 2
From: Mesquite, Texas
As a FYI, there are no U-joints in the C5 driveline.....the torque tube bolts solidly to the engine's bell housing, and runs to the transmission, which is bolted directly to the front of the rear differential. With independent rear suspension, there's no need to couple the driveline with U-joints. The differential is rigidly mounted to the rear carrier and doesn't move in relation to the car's frame. As for the leak, it sounds like it's either the differential side cover seal/axle seal, or it may also be the seal between the transmission and differential. Determine what the fluid is (smell, color, taste
)....if it's ATF, it's leaking between the tranny & diff. If it's differential fluid, it's the cover and/or axle seal.HTH
Mike
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 20
From: Liberty Hill Texas
Fran - Thanks for the links. As this is a daily driver, will see if I can get it on a life and figured out today, tomorrow.
Mike - Thanks for the info. As for the smell, color, taste I can't smell much of anything from the small dropping I get on the floor. 
Color - looks to be black. Taste - not sure as my point of reference for the past 17 years is BMW and Harley Motorcycles. 
From all of your posts/threads, I believe your all correct in what the leak is. I'll post here what the fix was once I get it done!
Thanks of the help! It amazes me at how quickly you get some GREAT info / help / resolution on a question / problem you post on this board!
Mike - Thanks for the info. As for the smell, color, taste
I can't smell much of anything from the small dropping I get on the floor. Color - looks to be black. Taste - not sure as my point of reference for the past 17 years is BMW and Harley Motorcycles. From all of your posts/threads, I believe your all correct in what the leak is. I'll post here what the fix was once I get it done!Thanks of the help! It amazes me at how quickly you get some GREAT info / help / resolution on a question / problem you post on this board!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 881
Likes: 2
From: hill billy hell
Bill,
As a FYI, there are no U-joints in the C5 driveline.....the torque tube bolts solidly to the engine's bell housing, and runs to the transmission, which is bolted directly to the front of the rear differential. With independent rear suspension, there's no need to couple the driveline with U-joints.
As a FYI, there are no U-joints in the C5 driveline.....the torque tube bolts solidly to the engine's bell housing, and runs to the transmission, which is bolted directly to the front of the rear differential. With independent rear suspension, there's no need to couple the driveline with U-joints.
Do not forget the Bushings that are at the driveline inside the torque tube. They are similar to u-joints and have been known to fail and cause clunking noises similar to a u-joint
Last edited by jirasvet; Sep 14, 2007 at 12:53 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 20
From: Liberty Hill Texas
OK - had it up on a lift at CorvetteCountry in North Austin. There is a leak, just as described here; Drivers side outside differential cover. Checked level (it was low so, we filled it) and am waiting now for a call back from them with estimate and date (one day next week) that they can perform the seal surgery.
Asked if I can drive it, they said, yes, should be fine, it's not a very fast leak and it will be OK till we get it in next week.
Asked if I can drive it, they said, yes, should be fine, it's not a very fast leak and it will be OK till we get it in next week.
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