C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Rear diff leak question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 21, 2011 | 10:16 AM
  #1  
04MSZ06's Avatar
04MSZ06
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: Central Valley California
Default Rear diff leak question

I have a significant leak coming from the rear differential. After driving it, there's usually a puddle about 2-3" in diameter. My question is, how long can I get away with this leak before replacing the seal? I understand it's a costly repair but I don't want to damage the rear diff. It's a 2000 FRC btw
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2011 | 10:30 AM
  #2  
lucky131969's Avatar
lucky131969
Tech Contributor
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,360
Likes: 1,127
From: Dyer, IN
Default

Originally Posted by 00BlkVette
My question is, how long can I get away with this leak before replacing the seal?
Provided you can tolerate having to continually add fluid to the differential.........indefinitely.
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2011 | 10:34 AM
  #3  
bumble-z's Avatar
bumble-z
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
Default

Check the fluid in the differential to make sure that the fluid isn't too low.
To do this, remove the plug where it is stamped on the differential "FILL". Stick your pinky in there to see if fluid is up to the bottom of the fill hole. If it isn't put some fluid in, untill it seeps out of the fill hole.
You would do the proceedure above, while the car is level.
I would continue doing this method untill the differential starts leaking a considerable amount of fluid. At that time you may want to have the seal/seals replaced.
Doing this yourself would be less than $100. for the two seals, plus the cost of new fluid.
Good luck.

Last edited by bumble-z; Nov 21, 2011 at 11:31 AM.
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2011 | 10:44 AM
  #4  
04MSZ06's Avatar
04MSZ06
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: Central Valley California
Default

Originally Posted by bumble-z
Check the fluid in the differential to make sure that the fluid isn't too low.
To do this, remove the plug where it is stamped on the differential "FILL". Stick your pinky in there to see if fluid is up to the bottom of the fill hole. If it isn't put some fluid in, untill it seeps out of the fill hole.
You would do the proceedure above, while the car is level.
I would continue doing this method untill the differential starts leaking a considerable amount of fluid. At that time you may want to have the seal/seals replaced.
Doing this yourself would be less than $100. for the two seals, plus the cost of new fluid.
Good luck.
Awesome! Thanks for the info! Which fluid do I use and do I need to put an additive with it? I'm not sure I'm up for replacing the seals myself...I've gone over the DIY thread and it looks like a PITA! What is the average cost to have a shop replace the seals?
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2011 | 11:04 AM
  #5  
bumble-z's Avatar
bumble-z
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
Default

Use the GM fluid that has the additive all ready in the mix.
You will have to use some type of pump to get it from the container
to the fill hole.
Pricing for the repair of the seals would vary from one place to another, with labor being the most. I would stay away from the dealership.
Check with forum members in your immediate area to see who they have used for similar repairs & who they reccomend to do the repair.
Good luck.
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2011 | 04:53 PM
  #6  
04MSZ06's Avatar
04MSZ06
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: Central Valley California
Default

I will check around for a reasonable price. Thanks for the help! You saved me a huge headache!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Rear diff leak question





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:45 AM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE