Leaking Differential on Z06
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 69
Likes: 5
From: Lumberton Texas
Leaking Differential on Z06
Does anyone have any advise regarding a leaking differential on a 2003 Z06 with 4980 miles on it? The fluid is relatively clear and smells like gear oil so I'm pretty sure it's coming from a leaking output shaft or the differential itself. I've seen some discussion on this forum about a vent but I can't get under the car far enough to see one. Do the rear axle(s) require re-alignment after a repair of this type? Also, should I expect the dealer to have lift pads (I don't have any). I sure don't want to see any cracks or splits in my rocker panels. I REALLY dread taking the vette into the dealer......is this an involved and difficult repair job? Any advise is appreciated! :flag
Thanks!
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,683
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
Re: Leaking Differential on Z06 (Hydra01)
My 02 with about 7000 miles had this problem. Turned out to be the right differential gasket. It wasn't something I thought I could fix. Took it to the dealer and they repaired it under warranty. They had to keep it overnight and took them 2 full days to fix, but I think they were busy. Didn't require re-alignment that I know of. Hope this helps.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Savannah GA
When I had my catback system installed, the mechanic pointed out a leak in my driver's side diff gasket. In order to get at that gasket, unfortunately, you have to take off the whole rear end. The dealer (City Chevrolet, for those of you in the Charlotte area) quoted the job at aprox. $1,500.00. There aren't any puddles in the garrage yet, so I'm just holding off for now. I hate the idea of having a leaky diff, but its a REAL slow leak and I don't have the cash to pay for the repair nor the time/lift to be able to do the job myself.
Of course, my Vette has 76k miles on it now, so its not unexpected to start having seal problems. Sorry to hear about you guys with low mileage problems.
Good luck.
Of course, my Vette has 76k miles on it now, so its not unexpected to start having seal problems. Sorry to hear about you guys with low mileage problems.
Good luck.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 76
From: Bedford Va.
i had the right output seal changed at 8500.
did the gears at the same time. if you don't
want a gear change just make your appointment
with the dealer. its a common problem, there are newer
seals ask them if they are using them.
did the gears at the same time. if you don't
want a gear change just make your appointment
with the dealer. its a common problem, there are newer
seals ask them if they are using them.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 0
From: Grants Pass OR
GM has manufactured parts to fix that common problem. Mine was done very early on and I've had no problem since.... knock on wood. The fact that my car doesn't leak is good reason to hang onto it, which I intend to do.
Take it to a dealer that has fixed a few ahead of you.
Dan
Take it to a dealer that has fixed a few ahead of you.
Dan
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Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: leominster ma
info from the dealer
the dealer told me that it was the drivers side gasket and it would cost about $650 and they told me to contact GM and complain, so I did and GM is going to pay for the whole cost of the repair.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville Florida
Replaced gasket and seal after 6K miles on my o4 Coupe. Looks like a common problem on a vette. Better report it to http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 69
Likes: 5
From: Lumberton Texas
Headed to the Chevy Dealership for repair!
As much as I hate to take the "Z" into the dealership I'm headed there in the morning! I've been putting a piece of cardboard under the differential for several days and I've accumulated quite a collection of drips, spots and oil puddles! CAN YOU IMAGINE HAVING TO PUT CARDBOARD UNDER A $50k CAR! It doesn't appear to be coming from the vent.....so that can only mean there is a leak somewhere from a seal or gasket. The drips and spots are concentrated on the left (driver's) side of the vehicle so maybe that will provide some useful information or be an indication to the mechanic at the dealership. I think I'm going to actually bring my "piece of cardboard" with me tomorrow to show them the amount and rate of leakage. I'll keep you guys posted on any progress. 
