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I wanted to check out my axles and differential for wear so I had a friend of mine help me pull it apart last week to inspect everything. When he jacked up the rear it bent the differential cover a little. Also, when he put it back on he used silicone sealer instead of a gasket. Needless to say it is leaking like a sieve now. Would this be caused by the bent cover or the lack of a gasket or both?
Also, is it possible to bend these covers back to their original form or does it need to be replace?
My friend is very well meaning and very knowledgeable but I guess not as knowledgeable about f-bodies as I thought.
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You might want to invest in a TA girdle. Those cheap rear end covers stink, it's also a good idea to jack one side of the car at a time. Jacking by the differential is not such a good idea. Just a thought.
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I jack mine by the pumpkin all the time. You just have to be careful.
The leak could be from either the bent cover or the gasket, although RTV sealant works well. I use it and mine's dry as a bone. Perhaps the bead isn't big enough? The cars come from the factory with 2 gaskets. I used gaskets the first time I changed the fluid and had some seepage so I changed it out to the RTV and have changed it twice since using RTV and have no leaks.
The TA girdle is nice. You can also get a stock cover with a drainplug from SLP for $30.
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Once the seal is broken with RTV, it does not act like a paper gasket and can be retightened.You will have to remove the cover ,straighten it if it is bent and clean the gasket surface and install it with a bead of new RTV. Posts: 5682 | From: Dearborn,Mi. | Registered: Feb 2002
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I put a small piece of carpet on the jack before putting it under the pumpkin to prevent any damage.
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1969 SS396 Olympic Gold.Unrestored,L34(350HP),M21 close ratio 4-Speed,Cowl Hood,Spoilers Front and Rear,Console w/Gages.Second owner since Nov.1971. 1 of 2018 Produced Posts: 828 | From: Denver,PA | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted
Thanks all. Since I just replaced the differential fluid can I re-use it when I take the cover off to fix the plate or should I put in new fluid again?
quote:Originally posted by BigBlueSS: Thanks all. Since I just replaced the differential fluid can I re-use it when I take the cover off to fix the plate or should I put in new fluid again?
Yes you can reuse the fluid. The most common cause of leaks is not getting the surfaces clean and dry before applying the gasket or sealer.
-------------------- NQR Racing Artic White 97 SS Conv. Blk 84 Z28(Race Car) Posts: 376 | From: Friendswood, TX | Registered: Jun 2002
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quote:Originally posted by sscamaro: I put a small piece of carpet on the jack before putting it under the pumpkin to prevent any damage.
I've heard that if you jack on the flat portion of the housing, there'll be no problem. Jacking on the round portion will result in a leaking cover every time.
quote:Originally posted by BigBlueSS: Thanks all. Since I just replaced the differential fluid can I re-use it when I take the cover off to fix the plate or should I put in new fluid again?
I wouldn't unless you have a clean spotless pan to dump it in... if your like me you have a nasty 'ol drain pan that has had a lot of dirt and crap in it... I wouldn't put anything that touched it back anything.... Also I have not had good luck trying to straighten old pans (specifically tranny ones) they always seem to leak.... but then again my old chevelle is a leaker....my 2 cents.
-------------------- 2002 SS #5973 Posts: 1045 | From: Seattle, WA | Registered: Nov 2001
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