Mysterious fluid?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,507
Likes: 7
From: Palmetto FL
St. Jude Donor '07
Mysterious fluid?
On two occasions, once last month and again today, I found about 2 tablespoons of very light colored oil under my 04 A4. If you are facing the rear of the car, the oil was approximately to the left of the rear diff. I could be off in my guess as to where the oil was since I moved the car and then saw it.
I jacked the car up and took a look, but could not find any oil residue. What really puzzles me is why the oil leak is intermittent? I drove the car last night, went out today to move it and saw the oil. Any Ideas/thoughts? The car has approximately 11.300 miles.
Thanks in advance.
I jacked the car up and took a look, but could not find any oil residue. What really puzzles me is why the oil leak is intermittent? I drove the car last night, went out today to move it and saw the oil. Any Ideas/thoughts? The car has approximately 11.300 miles.
Thanks in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
The C5/Z06 rear differentials are notorious for leaking. Check the side covers thoroughly. It could just be a hint of a future repair. Do a search, using keywords "differential leak" to find prior discussions, some with images. Here's just one of many I found...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ferential+leak
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ferential+leak
Last edited by hotwheels57; Sep 14, 2007 at 03:20 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 14,553
Likes: 1,549
From: Supporting the Corvette Community at Abel Chevrolet in Rio Vista, CA 707-374-6317 Ext.123
St. Jude Donor '08
On two occasions, once last month and again today, I found about 2 tablespoons of very light colored oil under my 04 A4. If you are facing the rear of the car, the oil was approximately to the left of the rear diff. I could be off in my guess as to where the oil was since I moved the car and then saw it.
I jacked the car up and took a look, but could not find any oil residue. What really puzzles me is why the oil leak is intermittent? I drove the car last night, went out today to move it and saw the oil. Any Ideas/thoughts? The car has approximately 11.300 miles.
Thanks in advance.
I jacked the car up and took a look, but could not find any oil residue. What really puzzles me is why the oil leak is intermittent? I drove the car last night, went out today to move it and saw the oil. Any Ideas/thoughts? The car has approximately 11.300 miles.
Thanks in advance.
The most likely option is the side cover leaking on the diff. It is one of the most common leaks on these cars and almost all of the C5's on the road have had the seals replaced. I can not explain why it would be intermitant, but it sounds like that is it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 881
Likes: 2
From: hill billy hell
Here is a thought. It could be coming from a few places. Some say it could be coming from a leaking breather valve on trans or diff. Causing intermittent leak. If no residue is found around area one could rule this out. If it is light in color like you say it sounds like trans fluid. Loose trans cooler lines could be the cause.The other is that the trans could be leaking fluid where the trans and diff connect and it just takes time for it to leak out of where they are connected. Plenty of info on the forum on the rear oil leaks.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Trans fluid is not as stinky as that.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Transfluid is red and feels thin like cooling oil when you rub it between your fingers.
rear diff fluid is very light amber-green and feels thick like honey if you rub it between your fingers...
rear diff fluid is very light amber-green and feels thick like honey if you rub it between your fingers...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,507
Likes: 7
From: Palmetto FL
St. Jude Donor '07
The fluid I found is clear and does not smell bad at all. rws.1 best describes what I found. I'll take it to a local shop and have the rear diff checked out for leaks. Should be covered under warranty.
Thanks very much for all responses. I knew I could count on the CF folks to help me out.
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