Leaky diff.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 97
From: Sandy Utah
Leaky diff.
I can only find oil around and dripping from the bottom bolt of the drivers side diff cover. Can this bolt be removed and sealed with Locktite or silicone? I cannot find any evidence of oil seeping from any place around the cover except at the bottom bolt position. I dread removing the drivers side wheel, axle, and suspension if the bottom bolt is the leaking culprit. Could this be an easy fix or am I dreaming? :D :D
Racer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 331
Likes: 17
From: Kerrville Texas
Re: Leaky diff. (Cirrus8)
Yes, this is a proper fix. Some of the differential coverplate holes are a little too deep and enter the fluid area of the differential. The fluid tends to "wick" down the bolt threads and seep a little. Pull the bolt and clean it good, apply a thread sealer and torque back into place. Should fix your problem. (This same bolt seems to be the one usually involved.)
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: Leaky diff. (Cirrus8)
Unfortunately,left side cover leaks are common and a drip from the lower cover bolt is the telltale sign :yesnod: Within the last few weeks GM has come out with a revised cover o-ring seal and output shaft seal.They also suggest coating the new o-ring seal with Lock-tite 510 and letting the diff set 8 hours before adding fluid and putting the vehicle back into service...
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Re: Leaky diff. (Cirrus8)
I've had a leak in the differential twice. Once they replaced the seal, the last time they replaced the cover. Hopefully it is now fixed. I'll keep this info in mind though just in case it isn't.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 455
Likes: 2
From: manahawkin,nj
Re: Leaky diff. (C-5 TECH)
C-5 TECH The information you received about the new seal and O ring and the install detail was this in the form of a TSB or some other document. Also I recall some time ago GM inquired why you were replacing so many diff. seals I guess they now know the answer to that question.
TIA Jerry
TIA Jerry
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: Leaky diff. (white top)
C-5 TECH The information you received about the new seal and O ring and the install detail was this in the form of a TSB or some other document. Also I recall some time ago GM inquired why you were replacing so many diff. seals I guess they now know the answer to that question.
TIA Jerry
TIA Jerry
I will post the part#'s for the new o-ring and output shaft seal monday :thumbs:
Navigator
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Heber Springs AR
Re: Leaky diff. (C-5 TECH)
Thanks for the info C-5. My new '03 started leaking with 5K on it. I've been procrastinating on taking it in and now I'll be armed with some info. My 2000 went 60K without a drip. This has been kind of discouraging. :nonod:
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Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: Leaky diff. (white top)
C-5 TECH Thanks for your reply look forward to follow up on parts, etc.
Jerry
Jerry
Service bulletin review
Service catergorie-Driveline/Axle seals to correct fluid leaks (w/diff) 14-leaks
Subj:Release of new rear axle seals to correct fluid leaks
Models:1997-2004 Corvettes
This bulletin is being issued to inform dealers that new and improved rear seals have been released for service for the above listed vehicles
Use the new output shaft oil seal P/N 88996703 and the new differential side cover o-ring P/N 89047953 when correcting rear axle leaks
:cheers:
[Modified by C-5 TECH, 8:08 PM 9/9/2003]
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 97
From: Sandy Utah
Re: Leaky diff. (Cirrus8)
Just a quick note, I removed the bottom bolt from the drivers side diff cover and applied Loctite liberally to the threads and bolt head underside and re-torqued. Let it harden for a couple of hours and took it out for a drive at freeway speeds for approx forty miles. Not a hint of a leak so far. When the weather gets better I will take it for a longer run. If you remember, the only place that I could find oil was around the bottom bolt. There was no oil anyplace else around the cover plate. The tapped hole into the diff boss was solid with no holes into the diff oil reservoir. We shall see what we shall see. :D :D
