rear differential leak

[K15004X4]

Does anyone know of a quick and easy way to stop a differential leak? The leak is above the fill line, so it only leaks immeadiately after I have been driving it. It only leaks a very small amount each day - it is more of an annoyance than anything. I have tried a "stop leak" additive but it has not worked. Any ideas?

[Silverado Brethern]

Where specifically is it leaking out of the differential?

[K15004X4]

It is leaking between the cover and main housing. The leak is above the fill line so while it is parked it does not leak. When I drive it, oil must splash around inside the differential and leak out through the seam. As soon as it is parked it will leak a few drops of oil and that's it. It is not a big problem, I am just getting tired of all the marks on my driveway.

[Silverado Brethern]

Mine had a similar problems before and I just drained (syphoned) the fluid out and put new in and it hasnt leaked since. I'm pretty sure the origional problem was due to a cracked rubber washer or gasket on the front side of the diff. but to fix it i would have had to remove all the gears to get to it. So I figured its not worth all that just for a few stray drips.

[amac209]

take off the cover, scrape off the old gasket and either put in a new gasket or spread rtv sealant on the mating surface & put it back on. not a big job. you will need almost 3L of gear oil to refill the diff

[Wheeler88]

Have you tried re-torquing the bolts with the diff at operating temperature?

[goinbig]

put on a new gasket. That's why it's leaking.

Like someone else said...buy a new gasket and apply RTV to it and put it on. Or, just use RTV alone.

[J-Ri]

RTV sealant alone is the way to go. Just make sure you get it on evenly, and in a 1/8" bead. Put the cover on with the sealant on it and tighten the bolts just barely tighter than finger tight. After a few hours, torque them down. Wait as long as you can to fill the diff. If the timing allows it, I like to let it sit overnight before filling it.