LS-ONE_DAY

My dad told me that there was some fluid on the garage floor when I took my car out the other day and he put down some cat litter over it. I parked normally and then I left this morning and he said there was some more fluid. He said it wasn't a fast leak, just a small spot but I'm kind of nervous and want to make sure I get whatever needs done done to fix the problem. I'm not planning on buying a new rear end for at least a year.

What do you guys think the problem could be? I haven't sat under the car to watch the leak but if it's a small leak could it just be that the gasket needs replaced?

dont z20h8

iTrader: (1)

if its the rear end you probably just jacked it up under the diff cover and now its probably leaking

SVTconfused

or the pinion seal is going out

Black96z28

Just look it over and find out where the leak is coming from (it should be obvious) and if its the pinion then it is practically no problem with a slow leak.


That being said, there is nothing wrong with pulling the cover to change the fluid. Doesn't cost much and is worth the hands on experience.

therabidweasel

iTrader: (5)

Just make sure you keep it full and it will be fine.

LS-ONE_DAY

I've never jacked the car up from the rear end, it does need a fluid change probably, the car only has 25,500 miles on it and it's 13 years old.

I'm a noob when it comes to maintenance though, how will I know if the pinion is what's leaking, I mean, what area would I expect to see fluid from on the differential?

SVTconfused

the front where the driveshaft connects to the rear...

it also could be weeping out the axle seals

wav3form

iTrader: (1)

These things always look wet at the axles anyway. Do a fluid change and see exactly how much is still in there. It may not be a real issue to lose sleep over.

LS-ONE_DAY

Alright thanks, based on where my dad had laid the cat litter I think it lines up with where the driveshaft connects to the rear but I'll try to check it out over the next few days.

s346k

iTrader: (4)

that leak will only get worse with time. it needs to be addressed. i had the same issue a few years ago with my car. very slow leak, looked like a drip or 2 at each stop. a few weeks later it was a substantial leak that resulted in the pinion bearing locking up on the pinion shaft. i had to replace the ring, pinion, pinion bearing, and pinion seal.

as far as i'm concerned, the pinion seal is leaking because there is too much play in the bearing. hence, the bearing also needs replaced.

this car just started doing it again. i plan on a full rebuild with some 390s and a dif cover. i have all the parts, just no motivation haha.