Diff Leak
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,088
Likes: 1
From: NC
Diff Leak
OK...Just got back from dealer where they replaced the following:
Alternator
Harmonic Balancer
Idler Pulley
Driver's side diff seal
They did a really nice job...No scratches or dings. They used a drive-on ramp but I left them my pucks just in case.
When I asked if they did a full diff fluid replacement and if they put in
the additive, the tech said "Didn't need to."
After the seal replacement, he said the diff was still full.
Can this be true? Can a left side axle be removed and cover removed and seal replaced and still no fluid leaks out?
I need help understanding this. ANYONE?
:confused: ...GeorgeC
Alternator
Harmonic Balancer
Idler Pulley
Driver's side diff seal
They did a really nice job...No scratches or dings. They used a drive-on ramp but I left them my pucks just in case.
When I asked if they did a full diff fluid replacement and if they put in
the additive, the tech said "Didn't need to."
After the seal replacement, he said the diff was still full.
Can this be true? Can a left side axle be removed and cover removed and seal replaced and still no fluid leaks out?
I need help understanding this. ANYONE?
:confused: ...GeorgeC
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,422
Likes: 905
From: CONCORD NC
Re: Diff Leak (georgec114)
It is true. They usually only leak when over-filled. They could have probably just let the extra fluid out, put the cap back on, and you never would have known the difference.
Dave
Dave
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: Diff Leak (georgec114)
You can pull the axle and not loose fluid because the fill plug is higher than the axle seal,BUT,if you remove the side cover you will loose ALL the fluid...I would assume that they didnt remove the cover...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 0
Re: Diff Leak
Recently I heard, that GM will provide a new type of seal to address the problem.
There also was a post by Jim Helm, fortunately I saved it and assuming Jim's
permission ;) ...
"I spoke to the Power Train Engineer for Corvette at the 2001 Carslile Show and
he tole me that they know there is a problem with the left seal and they should
have a new seal designed and ready for replacing the old style seal by the summer
of 2002. This probably means that it will be at the dealers no later then the end
of 2002, and may be a standard for the 2003 model year."
In the meantime, does anyone have more details or a date when available?
:cheers:
There also was a post by Jim Helm, fortunately I saved it and assuming Jim's
permission ;) ...
"I spoke to the Power Train Engineer for Corvette at the 2001 Carslile Show and
he tole me that they know there is a problem with the left seal and they should
have a new seal designed and ready for replacing the old style seal by the summer
of 2002. This probably means that it will be at the dealers no later then the end
of 2002, and may be a standard for the 2003 model year."
In the meantime, does anyone have more details or a date when available?
:cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 973
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
Re: Diff Leak (georgec114)
You might also listen for differntial gear grinding due to possible change in the 6% of friction modifier solution also. I just recently brought mine in for a leaking differential. To diagnose they put in dye for a black light inspection. They retorqued the covers, road tested, black light inspected let it sit overnight and performed a visual and black light inspection, no trace of dye. ie no leaking
When I brought it home I noticed a grinding sound So I brought it back in and mentioned that dye can actually change the friction modifier solution. They duplicated the sound and changed out the differntial oil and friction modifier.
When I brought it home I noticed a grinding sound So I brought it back in and mentioned that dye can actually change the friction modifier solution. They duplicated the sound and changed out the differntial oil and friction modifier.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,088
Likes: 1
From: NC
Re: Diff Leak (ruking1)
RUKING1
Thanks for the heads up...Yeah, they did a tracer dye too.
I'll most likely give it a few weeks to confrim no more leaking
and change out the fluid and additive.
...GeorgeC
Thanks for the heads up...Yeah, they did a tracer dye too.
I'll most likely give it a few weeks to confrim no more leaking
and change out the fluid and additive.
...GeorgeC
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 973
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
Re: Diff Leak (georgec114)
I had forgot to mention that the grinding sound happened with tight slow figure 8 type turns. The dealer also covered under warranty the differntial and friction modifier change. Not even a quibble.
[Modified by ruking1, 11:29 AM 6/6/2002]
[Modified by ruking1, 11:29 AM 6/6/2002]
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,088
Likes: 1
From: NC
Re: Diff Leak (ruking1)
I had this with my Supras. It was amazing that between every
20-25K miles, the noise would show up.
It became a habit at every 4 oil changes, I'd do the diff change.
Toyota used the GM additive as well. It's just a little acid based
fluid to keep the internal plates/disks from sticking.
...GeorgeC
20-25K miles, the noise would show up.
It became a habit at every 4 oil changes, I'd do the diff change.
Toyota used the GM additive as well. It's just a little acid based
fluid to keep the internal plates/disks from sticking.
...GeorgeC
Former Law Dawg Moderator
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Eads, Tennessee
CF St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '24