If you were to remove your differential cover, you would notice two holes (where the axle housings meet the differential) near where the inner axle bearings are. What is the function of these holes? It's my understanding they are used (in conjunction with your axle cover) to provide added lubricant to the inner axle bearings.
Your thoughts on this, ...and what gasket YOU use...???
Thanks, Kevin
Posted by ChuckSSter (Member # 1800) on :
Kevin I just had the cover off the rear on my 99 , had some bearings making noise and replaced them . I am under the impressions they are for luercant like you but not really sure . When the TA cover was put on ( for added strength and hope it will help with bearing problem ) we used silicone only no gasket , I keep a eye on it to make sure it dosnt show any leaks for a while . Are you doing some work to the rear ? Have fun Posted by Steve da Wrench (Member # 1301) on :
They are actually there to lube the OUTER axle bearings. the inners get pleny of lube just by the carrier/gears sloshing around in the oil. The gear lube gets flung up in the holes, then drains over to each of the axle bearings. Posted by chrisL (Member # 97) on :
Kevin, if you have the SLP Auburn, they did not use a gasket. As Chuck said, they used silicone sealeant.
Three Bond #1216 from Suzuki, if you want to know the specific brand they used.
Posted by RagSS (Member # 1127) on :
Chuck, I picked up the cover since it was on sale. Was planning on installing when I do the first rear lube change.(may even consider 3.73 gears, ...but that would be down the road too) Chris,The brand of silicone isn't necessarily important, but it does seem to indicate they utilize the entire hole, ...and not just a 'slotted' gasket. Steve, ...thanks for the correction (outer)
[ 11. April 2003, 11:29 AM: Message edited by: RagSS ]
Posted by chrisL (Member # 97) on :
the AAM has fluid channels in it to help cool the gear oil too.
Posted by DaddySS (Member # 848) on :
Kevin:
In the exploded view they show a gasket with slots. I also remember with my Impala that when they changed the rear axle fluid the changed the gasket to the one with slots because cars had gone out without them. I think you have nothing to lose but using the gasket with the slots.
Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement
Removal Procedure
Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting. Clean all of the dirt from the area of the rear axle housing cover before removing the cover. Remove the following components: The rear axle housing cover bolts/screws The parking brake cable guides Pry the rear axle housing cover loose. Remove the rear axle housing cover. Allow lubricant to drain. Remove the rear axle housing cover gasket. Clean both of the gasket sealing surfaces with brake parts cleaner. Installation Procedure
Install a new rear axle housing cover gasket. Install the rear axle housing cover. Install the park brake cable guides. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions. Install the rear axle housing cover bolts/screws. Tighten the rear axle housing cover bolts/screws in a crosswise pattern to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.) . Refill rear axle with lubricant. Refer to Lubricant Level Check. Lower the vehicle.
Posted by mhayman (Member # 146) on :
I think the slot issue has been covered. As for gaskets, I use red RTV sealant on my Torsen. The stock gasket was the regular GM 10 bolt gasket, which they doubled up. There was some oil seepage with the gasket so I went to the RTV sealant.
Posted by RagSS (Member # 1127) on :
Thanks guys for the added input. (I do have a cover and see the oil passage, ...I was thinking of using a 'slotted' gasket, however it seems most are using RTV/etc. ...Just a comment here, ...I posted this on the SLP board under their "CamaroSS" forum, ...and it gets moved to the lounge, ...and still no response from SLP Eng. They install the part on a CamaroSS, and it's deemed not appropriate for that forum?????? ...that's a bit much. (This is in addition to the fact that 'they' (SLP ENG) has yet to provide 'their' procedure (ie. differential modifications) to 'properly' install this cover. Their statement was that their cover is different from SLP PP. I'm going to withhold other comments I have with regard to their handling this whole issue, ...needless to say I wish they were positive. (sorry for almost venting...)
Kevin
...another reason to be thankful for Chirpthird
Posted by chrisL (Member # 97) on :
Dave responded to the questions on Tuesday and Thursday
The modification does not have to be made (it will act as a normal diff cover). If you want the oil passage to work, the mod is necessary. I have the french directions on my desk and I will get to them in the morning.
[ 12. April 2003, 09:50 AM: Message edited by: chrisL ]
Posted by JeffY (Member # 120) on :
Your link about the Impala has zero to do with the F-car set up. The holes for the AAM cover were done for production at the SLP facility, not by the axle manuafcturer. Two completely different set-ups.
Posted by DaddySS (Member # 848) on :
quote:Originally posted by JeffY: Your link about the Impala has zero to do with the F-car set up. The holes for the AAM cover were done for production at the SLP facility, not by the axle manuafcturer. Two completely different set-ups.
Thanks for the clarification, just seemed to be a related issue.
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