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Rear differential leak

Senorx470

Senorx470

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Just like the title says, my rear differential is leaking. I have a few hours tomorrow morning and I think I can tackle this. Like most of you know, I'm learning as I go here. I have never removed a differential cover, drained one, resealed one or refilled one. I was under the truck yesterday and snapped some pics. Where do I start? Where do you actually fill it back up? What should I use to reseal? Gasket? What oil and how much?

I'll admit that I'm embarrassed that I don't know what seems to be an easy fix. I'm just tired of seeing this on my drive way.



I'm thinking that plug has something to do with the refill portion? If so, is a special socket wrench needed to remove? Does it have a seal or o-ring that would probably need replacing?

 
The plug on the back is the fill plug. Take the plug out with a 3/8 ratchet. Fill it back up w/ 80-90w gear oil.

You can get a gasket or try and seal it with black RTV. Seems like they are tough to get perfectly sealed. I bought a lube locker for my 14bff and it sealed great and is supposedly reusable.
 
yup, your 3/8 ratchet will fit in that hole without a socket on it.
They can be a pain to seal so take the time to get the surface cleaned as much as you can then I use RTV + gasket.

When you pop the cover make sure you have a catch pan because it will all dump pretty quickly.
 
If I use black RTV, how long should I wait until it's ready to be refilled? How do I know when the pumpkin is full?
 
you shouldn't have to wait at all. It's full when it starts coming out the fill hole.
 
I've heard that there are diff covers out there that use an embedded o-ring for a seal so you don't have to mess with the old RTV/gasket when removing/installing the cover. I have yet to find said diff cover for sale, but maybe someone else knows what I'm talking about?
 
mac907 said:
I've heard that there are diff covers out there that use an embedded o-ring for a seal so you don't have to mess with the old RTV/gasket when removing/installing the cover. I have yet to find said diff cover for sale, but maybe someone else knows what I'm talking about?
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Lube locker is the brand name. :waytogo: I would just get the correct FellPro gasket and some Black RTV. Let it set up and you should be good to go:D.
 
livid4dirt said:
Looks like it's time for a Pinion Seal also.
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The "pinion seal" is inside where the drive shaft connects to the axle? Upon further inspection, it appears that the leak is coming down from that area and dripping from the bottom of the pumpkin. I'm gonna clean everything up and track down the actual leak now. Is the pinion seal hard to replace or should I leave it to a pro?
 
That's not hard either. I can't remember if you have to have a puller to remove the yoke, but after that I think (get some more info just in case) that you can just pull the seal out and carefully tap a new one into place.

It's been quite awhile since I've done it and I'm going from memory here, so double check me. :)
 
next week i am doing mine, all you have to do make sure it tightened down the same by measuring or counting the threads before you take the bolt off.try not to over tighten the bolt.
 
Search for pinion seal many of us have described the process with the pit falls and advantages of doing it many different ways
 
I'm not sure if it was just a rubberized gasket like the Lube Locker you mentioned. Looks like something worth trying though. Why would you reccommend a stock gasket and RTV instead?
 
I've had good luck with a gasket and RTV. Just make sure you don't fill the bolt holes with RTV. I always let it set up overnight if you can. Although I have rushed it before and never had any problems.
 
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