I've seen the write ups about the left axle seal replacement and in some guys were dropping the back crossmember but they were replacing the side cover O ring as well. My plan is to replace both the axle seal and side cover seal but I'm curious as to whether the side cover is possible without dropping the entire back end of the car.

 

Don't forget there is a TSB on the cover, which requires a special sealer only from GM. We had to use that on a friend's car when we removed the cover.

 

Here is the seal replacement post that I like. I also threw in two other post. In one of them, it shows the sealer to use.


- C5 Differential Seal replacement: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...on-photos.html
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- C5, ragtopws6 , Upgrading your C5 rear with C6 Z06 guts, : http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...-z06-guts.html
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- C5, Its_Go_Time, Output Shaft Install - Left and Right: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...post1573407966

 

The short answer is no. You don't have to drop the whole rear to get to the side covers. But, if it's been leaking for a while, you may want to so you can clean all the gunk off.

In my case, I caught the start of the leak early. If I remember right, I caught the odor of gear oil when I was getting gas. I raised the car and found the cover seals just starting to leak.

Also, I didn't know about the TSB. I actually ended up changing the seals twice in a short period. The second time around, I used a Permatex silicone sealer to seal the side covers. That's been something like 7 years ago and no leaks since.

Briefly, I think I removed the wheels/tires, remove the calipers and wire them up (try to keep from straining the brake hose), remove the parking brake cable, remove one end of the rear shock, remove the exhaust pipe bolts, remove the upper control arm at the frame. All this allows enough movement of the half shafts to get them off the differential output shafts. Then just remove the covers. Assembly is the reverse of disassembly.

I think it only took one evening to complete. I'm sure you can do a search and find more detailed instructions with pictures. I didn't find it at all hard to do.