I have a small leak forming under the differential cover, looks like I need to replace the gasket. I see lots of aftermarket gaskets are available, but since I have not done this fix before - looking for adhesive and lubricant recommendations? I have the Safe-T-Track rear.
All the fluid below the bottom of the differential cover will pool inside the differential, do I need to drain that out too? If yes, what's the best way to drain it? Thanks.
I prefer Fel-Pro gaskets and Permatex non-hardening gasket cement. Use petroleum based gear lube and 4 oz. GM Position additive part no 88900330. I prefer Valvoline 80w-90 Part no VV831. In my experience, synthetic causes posi clutch plate chatter.
There is no drain plug. Big pan under the differential while loosening the cover. There is a fill port with an NPT pipe plug. Refill differential to the bottom of this port. Fill with posi additive first then top off with gear lube. Will take about 1 1/2 qts. Of gear lube.
Thanks for the info Dennis. I assume 1 and 1/2 qts of fluid is for a dry differential. Any tricks in syphoning out the fluid from the bottom of the differential case?
I hate leaks. My car doesn’t drip anything. Thin film on the cover then lay the gasket on the cover. Then thin film on the gasket side that mates with the pumpkin. The idea is just to seal any imperfections in gasket faces not to have a slopped up mess of Permatex everywhere.
Agree, but what I do on everything is coat gaskets with hi temp never seize, I have found it works great and gaskets peel off, no scraping.
I would suggest driving the car for 5-10 miles and get the rear warm to hot before draining, don't drain it cold, and inspect the fluid for metal, a lot of grounds would not be good, some shavings are normal, check the gears while you're open, mine ran fine and no noise and I found a pretty good size chip missing from my pinion gear and it became a complete rebuild, it actually started with an axle bearing started to weep and morphed into a complete tear out to a shop, had them put in an Eaton posi unit, tougher than stock and no one knows by looking.
Gears don't chip or start wearing until bearings start failing or bearings loose preload. If seals start leaking there's metal in a rear end from bearing failure.I have taken rear ends apart that are 50+ years old and they are still good. Most failure is from water and moisture getting into the rear end contaminating the fluid.
Finally found some time to pull the cover and put the new gasket in place. Took her for a spin this morning. It wasn't my cleanest job but no drips or leaks! Thanks for the advice.