tnmotown

iTrader: (107)

So a few months ago I went to drain and fill my differential fluid. I used some gasket maker sealant on the cover and it still made a leak after I drove it. So now, I took the cover off again and want to make sure it has a good seal.

What's the best way to seal up the 10-bolt diff cover on our cars? RTV sealant? paper gasket? double gasket?

Torque the bolts to 22 ft. lbs. in a criss cross pattern right? Thanks for any input

Monzsta

Just use ultra grey rtv. You don't need a huge bead. Just finger paint it all over the cover, let it skin up a few minutes then try to place it on squarely. The panhard bar makes it difficult to get a straight shot without scraping anything, but it can be done. Make sure the housing surface has no oil on it. Sop the excess out of the housing with a rag to prevent drips while placing the cover on.

tnmotown

iTrader: (107)

I tried the grey rtv before and thats what still caused the leak. Maybe I didn't clean the surface completely, but I'll make sure this time. Some say to use the paper gasket, but you think it would leak right through that material. I'll give it a shot since I still have more rtv in my tool box. Diff fluid gets costly when you have to keep filling it up lol.

fleetmgr

Figure out why it didn't seal in the first place. The normal cause is it's been over tightened. Take a close look at it where the bolt holes are, if any of the holes are dimpled then you'll need to straighten the cover.

Double gaskets is NEVER the right answer. Doesn't matter what it's on.

therealcreeper

iTrader: (37)

Gasket and RTV for me, still bone dry after 35k

dailydriver

Is the grey RTV supposedly the "gear oil proof" stuff??

BIGsmokey10

iTrader: (3)

The ultra black stuff from permatex... used it on every rear end and all dry. ..

mjs1012

iTrader: (36)

I've always used grey rat with no issues.