Left side rear differential leak
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 21
Likes: 5
Left side differential leak
My 2002 C5 base is leaking diff fluid on the left side . Does anyone know if the leak generally come from the axle seal ot the diff o- ring seal on the side cover . Also I'm finding conflicting info on the spindle nut size . Some say it's a 33mm and others 34mm .
Last edited by Sybo1033; Feb 13, 2023 at 07:07 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 160
Likes: 47
From: Longmont CO
I thought my 03 had the infamous left side cover leak but confirmed that the fluid was coming from the vent. Reach your hand up on top of the diff and find the vent. If the well underneath the vent is full of fluid then its definitely coming from the vent. I ended up running a hose from the vent to a catch can. I did confirm that the diff was not over-filled.
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I have a 1999 Corvette that the dealer says the left differential is leaking and needs fixed. I am not that car savey to do the job on my own so the dealer is the way I will have to go to repair. Got 2 quotes from 2 different dealers.
Dealer 1 quoted $770.52 for the left side only and a 4 wheel alignment. Includes the axle seals also
Dealer 2 quoted $1218.99 for both sides and a 4 wheel alignment. Includes the axle seals also
If the right side is not leaking as dealer 1 said do I need to do the right side? Or would it be wise to get it done?
After reading many posts which were some older posts there were comments that GM switched the original replacement Seal part to a better one. So what replacement seal do they need to use so this issue will hopefully not come back anytime soon?
Any help is Appreciated
Dealer 1 quoted $770.52 for the left side only and a 4 wheel alignment. Includes the axle seals also
Dealer 2 quoted $1218.99 for both sides and a 4 wheel alignment. Includes the axle seals also
If the right side is not leaking as dealer 1 said do I need to do the right side? Or would it be wise to get it done?
After reading many posts which were some older posts there were comments that GM switched the original replacement Seal part to a better one. So what replacement seal do they need to use so this issue will hopefully not come back anytime soon?
Any help is Appreciated
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,307
Likes: 1,582
From: East Metro (Twin Cities) Minnesota
St. Jude Donor '21
I did an A-Z video on this issue and how to fix including parts and step by step.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 21
Likes: 5
Funny thing, in preparation of doing the repair I power washed the undercarriage of the area . Since that time the diff hasn't leaked one drop of oil . At this point I will monitor and leave well enough alone. That's for the video. Very informative. I also make the ramps from one of your previous videos , they work great.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 273
Likes: 66
From: Virginia
Funny thing, in preparation of doing the repair I power washed the undercarriage of the area . Since that time the diff hasn't leaked one drop of oil . At this point I will monitor and leave well enough alone. That's for the video. Very informative. I also make the ramps from one of your previous videos , they work great.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,307
Likes: 1,582
From: East Metro (Twin Cities) Minnesota
St. Jude Donor '21
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 21
Likes: 5
Diff started leaking again so I started disassembly today to reseal the left side . Once I got the exhaust out of the way I could clearly see the leak was coming from the vent tube . Some on this forum suggested removing the old vent and install a new vent attached to vacuum hose . I found this to be impossible due to the fact there is not enough tube coming out of the diff to clamp to . Am I missing something, any suggestions. Thanks .