Leaking Diff=HUGE job

Italchic · Post by **Italchic** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 5:26 pm

Turns out fixing this little leak in the differential requires removing the axel shafts to get the housing off, wich in turn requires removing the brakes, which in turn requires bleeding and refilling the brake lines and on and on it goes. I'm thinking I'll just live with a little oil leak

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 5:55 pm

I don't blame ya.

manoa matt · Post by **manoa matt** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:05 pm

I'm guessing you have an early style rear end (68-78)where the case is one piece and the gears can be removed as one entire unit. Also guessing the leak is at the gasket between the removable section and the case, which should only require a new gasket.

There is no need to drain and fill/bleed the brake system. The job is actually not that huge.

Remove wheel studs: 8 total
Remove wheel spacer and studs: 4 total
Remove brake caliper bracket with caliper as one unit: 4 bolts total
Tie the brake calipers up to the rear springs at each side.
Pull the axles out at each side
Remove bolts at the drive shaft to diff flange: 4 total
Remove the bolts securing the diff gears to the housing. 8 bolts

Clean the gasket surfaces and install a new gasket, install the reverse of disassembly and fill with 90 weight EP gear oil.

Should be a 2 hour job, max.

Italchic · Post by **Italchic** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 10:13 pm

You've described the situation. You make it sound easy. I've never attempted anything like this and I have no way of getting the car high enough. I'm thinking of taking it to a shop that specializes in drive-train repairs and getting thier thoughts. Some folks have told me that they don't even replace gaskets any more, just use silicon to seal it up. Maybe I'll be able to get by just tightening the bolts. We'll see. I'll post what I find out. Thanks for all the info.

azygoustoyou · Post by **azygoustoyou** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 10:31 pm

You only have to have it high enough to get the tires off the ground. It's really not that bad. Auto Ricambi sells the seals. It won't stop the leak by tightening the bolts. The seal sits inside the casing about 2 1/2". The worst part is getting to the seal.
http://stores.auto-ricambi.net/-strse-S ... gories.bok

johndemar · Post by **johndemar** » Wed Aug 31, 2011 11:03 pm

As others have said, it's not a terribly hard job. Actually nothing on the car is. OK, the starter can be a bit of a pain.

You will probably have to rent (free at Autozone, etc) a slide hammer to pull the axles. And the C clips that hold the axles in can be a bit pesky.

It is worth doing it right though.

Italchic · Post by **Italchic** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 8:47 am

Thanks to all the members who have posted advice. This forum really is a great source of help.

majicwrench · Post by **majicwrench** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 11:01 am

If you have never done this kind of thing, and the leak is minor, live with it. These cars leak. Just make sure and check the level in the diff.
And if you do pursue it, use a gasket, not just silicone.

I would bet you have other things you could be doing

Italchic · Post by **Italchic** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 11:26 am

Will do. Thanks again to all.

Leaking Diff=HUGE job

Leaking Diff=HUGE job

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