Leak in rear differential

[dman76]

I just noticed a spot of oil on the ground near the rear of my 2000 Tahoe and saw a little drip right at the bottom of the cover. Does this just most likely involve replacing the gasket?

Another note on this: It has 140,000 miles and I had it in for a tuneup at about 100,000 or so which was actually 8 years ago. I noticed they changed the fluid then but the put a new cover on for some reason. That cover does have some rust around it now so I am wondering if I should replace that cover as well.

 

[swathdiver]

If it's badly pitted or rusted to where metal is flaking off then yes, replace it. Consider an aluminum one if salt is eating them up.

 

[Doubeleive]

as long it is not leaking out of the pinion seal then you should be fine doing just the cover, just get under there and look real close to be sure

 

[dman76]

I am glad you mentioned that. I just went under there today to take a look and it is all oily around the front of it so I guess it is leaking out of the pinion seal. I will do a little research on that now but hopefully that is not too big of a project. I replaced the seal on the output shaft of the transfer case a few months ago and that was not too difficult.

 

[PG01]

Completely diff animal, replacing the seal may stop the leak for a little but if you pull the drive shaft, chock wheels and ebrake if on ground, and grab the yoke and if you have any play the pinion bearings are on the way out.

 

[dman76]

Thanks for the advice. I'll look up some videos and stuff and see if I can handle this on my own. I'm sure I will be back here!