might have a small rear diff leak
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 7
From: Iowa
might have a small rear diff leak
the differential is covered in this dirty, sandy, oily sludge like stuff. but its always been that way. mostly its road grime. however I've now got a very light spot of oily stuff right under where the diff usually sits when the car is parked. I looked under there and found a small drop of oil (of some kind) under one of the bolts on it. I wiped it off and cleaned up some so I could see if more's coming out.
what's the fix for this? does the seal need to be replaced?
is thre a way to check the fluid level? should I drain and refill it just to be on the safe side (at least 30k since it was last done, possibly longer. dealership said they "changed all fluids" but their definition of all fluids may be different from mine). and if so what fluid should I use to refill it?
what's the fix for this? does the seal need to be replaced?
is thre a way to check the fluid level? should I drain and refill it just to be on the safe side (at least 30k since it was last done, possibly longer. dealership said they "changed all fluids" but their definition of all fluids may be different from mine). and if so what fluid should I use to refill it?
Instructor
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 117
Likes: 2
From: Providence RI
the differential is covered in this dirty, sandy, oily sludge like stuff. but its always been that way. mostly its road grime. however I've now got a very light spot of oily stuff right under where the diff usually sits when the car is parked. I looked under there and found a small drop of oil (of some kind) under one of the bolts on it. I wiped it off and cleaned up some so I could see if more's coming out.
what's the fix for this? does the seal need to be replaced?
is thre a way to check the fluid level? should I drain and refill it just to be on the safe side (at least 30k since it was last done, possibly longer. dealership said they "changed all fluids" but their definition of all fluids may be different from mine). and if so what fluid should I use to refill it?
what's the fix for this? does the seal need to be replaced?
is thre a way to check the fluid level? should I drain and refill it just to be on the safe side (at least 30k since it was last done, possibly longer. dealership said they "changed all fluids" but their definition of all fluids may be different from mine). and if so what fluid should I use to refill it?
1) The rear diff has a check valve on the top of it and the drain hose for this comes down and forward of the rear susp. cradle.
2) Left and/or right axle seals and/or gasket cover. More probably the left is leaking as there is a Service Bulletin to replace the left diff side cover because the machining of where the axle shaft seal is housed was made incorrectly, so even if you replace the left axle seal the leak will come back unless you replace the entire cover.
I've topped my diff. off with Mobil 1 75w-90 LS fluid for now. My leak isn't that bad and I'll put it off until the winter.
The fluid level check bolt is on the back of the diff. toward the right side. You'll need a Hex head/Allen key, (I forgot what size) to loosen and check the fluid level...car must be level to check!
-Joel
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 722
Likes: 8
From: N.Canton Ohio
