Leaking 10-Bolt?
07-18-2018, 01:07 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Leaking 10-Bolt? So I noticed recently that my 10-bolt has been looking a little damp around the bottom of the differential cover. I'm assuming it could be the gear oil seeping through. However, it if is a leak it is very small because it doesn't drip on the floor at all. Is 10-bolt leakage a common problem on F-bodies? Is it a precursor of bigger problems to come?
Most people on the Facebook forums say that this is a common issue and that it's nothing to worry about. However this is the first time I've heard of this "common issue".....
Most people on the Facebook forums say that this is a common issue and that it's nothing to worry about. However this is the first time I've heard of this "common issue".....
07-18-2018, 03:35 PM
#4
Not common and not rare. If it's the gasket that's 'seeping',possible to 'snug' the bolts as a gasket will set/compress over time and the bolts might not have the required torque/tension on them. Also possible the pinion seal is weeping and running down the case to appear as it's a gasket leak.
Only precursor of a bigger problem is that if so much leaks out that proper internal lubrication is not occurring.
You didn't say what kind of car and year ???
Only precursor of a bigger problem is that if so much leaks out that proper internal lubrication is not occurring.
You didn't say what kind of car and year ???
07-18-2018, 04:24 PM
#5
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Thread Starter
Originally Posted by FirstYrLS1Z
Not common and not rare. If it's the gasket that's 'seeping',possible to 'snug' the bolts as a gasket will set/compress over time and the bolts might not have the required torque/tension on them. Also possible the pinion seal is weeping and running down the case to appear as it's a gasket leak.
Only precursor of a bigger problem is that if so much leaks out that proper internal lubrication is not occurring.
You didn't say what kind of car and year ???
Only precursor of a bigger problem is that if so much leaks out that proper internal lubrication is not occurring.
You didn't say what kind of car and year ???
First time I've seen this happen since I changed the fluid and gasket back in November 2017
07-18-2018, 04:25 PM
#6
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Thread Starter
Originally Posted by ss.slp.ls1
If it's not whining or clunking then pick up a new gasket and some gear oil and drain and refill. It helps to have a silicone hose to fill the diff.
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07-18-2018, 07:30 PM
#8
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Thread Starter
Originally Posted by FirstYrLS1Z
A 2001 Z28 would have a Torsen posi and doesn't require the 'additive' as a 1998 and earlier Auburn posi does.
Gear oil is smelly smelly smelly so be prepared to thoroughly wash your hands with a good degreaser.
Gear oil is smelly smelly smelly so be prepared to thoroughly wash your hands with a good degreaser.
07-18-2018, 08:51 PM
#9
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Thread Starter
Here's a picture of where it's leaking. As you can see it's a very slow leak. Everytime I drive her it drips like that. Never enough to wet the floor, but enough for it to be noticeable on the diff cover. It's not coming from the gasket and I retightened the bolt yet it still does it. Should I just use RTV sealant on the bolt?
07-19-2018, 11:06 AM
#11
Another quick thing you can check is to see if the breather is blocked with dirt/oil. If it is, pressure can build up and force oil out the seals. The breather pulls out easy enough and can be cleaned and worse case scenario the orifice can be enlarged.
07-19-2018, 01:28 PM
#13
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Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Chrisingermany
Another quick thing you can check is to see if the breather is blocked with dirt/oil. If it is, pressure can build up and force oil out the seals. The breather pulls out easy enough and can be cleaned and worse case scenario the orifice can be enlarged.
07-19-2018, 08:10 PM
#16
It's pressed in at the factory,but not much of a press fit. It's fragile 'plastic' so carefully pry it out. If successful in removing it,yes just clean it.
Some rears I've encountered,already broken.pry/extract the broken piece. The hole that it's in is a 7/16" diameter hole. Some rears I just forced in a length of rubber automotive hose and tied the hose to the panhard bar upper mount,never came out and never had excess coming out of the other end of the hose,it's just there to vent heat build-up pressure. Some rears I tapped the hole(1/4 npt is perfect for the hole) and screwed in a barbed hose fitting.
Some rears I've encountered,already broken.pry/extract the broken piece. The hole that it's in is a 7/16" diameter hole. Some rears I just forced in a length of rubber automotive hose and tied the hose to the panhard bar upper mount,never came out and never had excess coming out of the other end of the hose,it's just there to vent heat build-up pressure. Some rears I tapped the hole(1/4 npt is perfect for the hole) and screwed in a barbed hose fitting.
07-19-2018, 08:12 PM
#17
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Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Chrisingermany
Not the greatest pic but you can see the little off white nipple sticking up just off the right side of the center area.
07-19-2018, 08:18 PM
#19
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Thread Starter
Alright after about 10 mins of searching, I found where the breather should be.....
...I found the hole but no breather
So now what? I don't know why there isn't a breather, but since I don't have one at all should I just clean the hole??
...I found the hole but no breather
So now what? I don't know why there isn't a breather, but since I don't have one at all should I just clean the hole??
07-19-2018, 08:20 PM
#20
Replying to post #17. They're white when new but don't expect to find a white vent plug. As they vent fluid,it becomes oily and holds any dirt that contacts it. They're always black/filthy. Or could be it's already broken off OR already removed and the hole just plugged.