Slow drip between driveshaft and diff?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 125
Likes: 7
Slow drip between driveshaft and diff? I was recently redoing my fuel system and while under my car I noticed that there is a slow drip on the driveshaft near the diff. I'm guessing the pinon seal needs to be replaced? This is on a 05 gto hence the username.
I don't have any experience yet with the drivetrain but I am pretty mechanically inclined. In order to fix this, I'm guessing I'll need a new pinion seal and preferably a new crush sleeve as well?
Is there anything else I should consider replacing as well while I'm in there? Car has about 87,xxx miles so far. Diff oil changed once at 27k with torco oil and again at 77k. I plan on reusing the oil again as it's expensive but filtering it first.
Also, car was procharged at 75k. Makes between 540 to 600whp. Not sure if there is anything cheap I should consider upgrading while I'm in there? Thanks in advance!
I don't have any experience yet with the drivetrain but I am pretty mechanically inclined. In order to fix this, I'm guessing I'll need a new pinion seal and preferably a new crush sleeve as well?
Is there anything else I should consider replacing as well while I'm in there? Car has about 87,xxx miles so far. Diff oil changed once at 27k with torco oil and again at 77k. I plan on reusing the oil again as it's expensive but filtering it first.
Also, car was procharged at 75k. Makes between 540 to 600whp. Not sure if there is anything cheap I should consider upgrading while I'm in there? Thanks in advance!
Fluid can follow the threads out of the pinion where the pinion nut goes. Yes, the correct way to replace the seal is to also replace crush sleeve and reset pinion preload. Put red lock tite on pinion threads and nut to seal it.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 125
Likes: 7
It sounds like your saying the fluid may not be leaking from the actual pinion seal itself but slipping past the pinion threads. This sounds like the exact situation based on where I saw the drip occurring if I remember correctly. I can't go out and look right now as tropical storm beta is currently in my area. If this is the case, is it possible to put a thread sealant and red Loctite on the pinion nut as a quick fix? I'm guessing not since removing the pinion nut would also probably require you to replace the sleeve.
It sounds like your saying the fluid may not be leaking from the actual pinion seal itself but slipping past the pinion threads. This sounds like the exact situation based on where I saw the drip occurring if I remember correctly. I can't go out and look right now as tropical storm beta is currently in my area. If this is the case, is it possible to put a thread sealant and red Loctite on the pinion nut as a quick fix? I'm guessing not since removing the pinion nut would also probably require you to replace the sleeve.
One other possibility is what I had - my diff was missing its vent tube and cover... so diff fluid sloshed out during hard braking/cornering/etc and slowly came to the front of the diff housing at the pinion/input. It *looked* exactly like a pinion seal leak. I had a seal replaced and the leak came back, until I discovered the vent tube missing then. And a lot of diff fluid sitting in a valley on the top of the diff housing. Check that first.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 663
Likes: 384
From: South Carolina
If you go with a crush sleeve eliminator kit you can remove the yoke anytime without going through the pinion setup or getting a hernia smashing a crush sleeve. It takes a little trial & error getting the shim pack stacked just right but once done it's not going to change specs.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 125
Likes: 7
The vent tube is fine and the diff is not overfilled, I'm very careful when I fill it. I noticed when I had the back of my car on ramps in the driveway for days since I was working on the fuel system. I'm thinking this may have caused it to drip over time. I don't notice it dripping anymore now that it's not on ramps but there is a lot of grease around the exhaust pipes near this area so I'm not 100% sure.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
