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I am puting a clutch in my 2003 Corvette. When I dropped the rear cradle, I found the following: Driver’s side Passenger side
I want to know if these axles need to be replaced or can I just install new seals?
Do I need to replace one or both?
Is the GM part the only solution or can an aftermarket unit do the job well?
The differential is covered in black sludge, but there is no sign of a drip or leak. Should I look at resealing the side covers since I got it all out? I thank you for your input.
Looks like normal wear from the seals.The axles aren't overly expensive if you would want to replace them.Easy time to change them out while everything is apart.As for the seals,I usually go with GM on something like this.Totally up to you.
I am puting a clutch in my 2003 Corvette. When I dropped the rear cradle, I found the following: Driver’s side Passenger side
I want to know if these axles need to be replaced or can I just install new seals?
Do I need to replace one or both?
Is the GM part the only solution or can an aftermarket unit do the job well?
The differential is covered in black sludge, but there is no sign of a drip or leak. Should I look at resealing the side covers since I got it all out? I thank you for your input.
The CV shafts look decent, you just need to polish the "seal ride area" with various grades of ScotchBrite or Emery Cloth. Replace both Diff CV shaft seals and the Diff side cover "O" ring and you should be good to go.
See attached Tech Doc pdf.#03-04-20-006A: Fluid Leak at Rear Axle (Replace Left
Differential Side Cover O-Ring and Left Axle Shaft Seal, Add Sealant to Side Cover Flange)
Cheers,
Goose
Subject: Fluid Leak at Rear Axle (Replace Left Differential Side Cover O-Ring and Left Axle Shaft Seal, Add Sealant to Side Cover Flange)
Thanks for the feedback. I took a few photos of the trans and differential. I did not find any wet leaks, but I did find evidence of some seepage. I ordered new axle seals, but I do not know if I need to replace the side cover seals. Please tell me what you think. Driver's side Passenger side.
Can i ask how hard it is to get the axles out? I was trying hard from a regular tire iron prybar to a 1' thick 6ft prybar and the axles didnt budge but would buldge out. Thus when dropping the transmission i had to leave the axles in as anyfurther may crack the diff case housing vs chipping the structure ridges.
Thanks for the feedback. I took a few photos of the trans and differential. I did not find any wet leaks, but I did find evidence of some seepage. I ordered new axle seals, but I do not know if I need to replace the side cover seals. Please tell me what you think.
From my prospective, the passenger's side diff cover, CV axle cup and boot look dry, therefor I would just polish the CV shaft, replace the diff seal.
The driver's side diff cover, CV axle cup and boot looks like they are covered in oil residue, therefore as it is much easier to service the diff as it is out of the car, I would replace the drivers side diff cover "O" ring and seal the cover per the service instructions.
Note> when removing the drivers side diff cover, this is a non-issue as it is only a cover so there are no surprises when removing this cover (as this cover can be removed when the diff is installed in the car).
For sealing the cover> use SEALANT, LOCTITE (518) GASKET MAKER, LOCTITE SEALANT 1052942 as the GM sealant equivalent.
I'm back with another challenge. I cannot rewove the stud holding the driver side differential cover on. I used the double nut technique that I saw on YouTube, but I cannot remove the stud. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I'm back with another challenge. I cannot rewove the stud holding the driver side differential cover on. I used the double nut technique that I saw on YouTube, but I cannot remove the stud. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
This is the norm, What's he's going through i have not experienced this myself or my friends. Its just a c clip. Something is off. 
CV Axle looks worn
