That was before I owned a torch when I was still in dummy land, but I have a couple of them now. Accumulated a lot of tools in the last year. I need a bigger tool box. Bought me a set of offset wrench heads a few weeks ago to get to an exhaust bolt that was in a really tight spot, and man did those come in handy today with track bar. Tight squeeze getting the passenger side bolt out and clearing the tie rod, offset did the trick along with a "floor jack" acting as the muscle to break the bolts loose.

 

Well I couldn't find the "Right Stuff" at the auto store so I went with black rtv. FAIL. Still leaking like crazy. Getting pretty fed up with it at this point, so I'm just gonna take it to a shop and let them figure it out. Am I safe driving with no fluid in the front axle if my hubs are unlocked and I'm in 2wd?

 

I would think you would be fine just be sure your hubs are not locked and you are in 2WD. You must have a bad cover, if it's not flat is the only way RTV not going to seal it, you sure you don't have a stripped bolt? Did you let it set up for a bit before installing then wait before filling?

 

Well I ended up taking it back off and using both the gasket and rtv together and let it dry for 45ish mins. I was only able to add about a pint of fluid before I left for work but so far no leaks (knocking on wood)

 

Yes nothing is turning. Don't give up on the cover, get some heavy sealer, put it on both sides , and let it set up a bit first. Your cover can be crooked but it has to be flat between the bolt holes. You can file or grind down the high spots which the shop will never do. Don't over tighten! And let it set overnight before adding oil.
( I was typing at the same time)

 

Just a note with the "Right Stuff" no need to let cure a little. Just put it on and bolt it up add fluid and drive away. Its made different from regular silicone. As long as your diff or axles aren't turning no lube in there is fine because nothing is turning...Just make sure the axles are not turning. Hubs unlocked.

 

45 minutes?

How long did you wait for the strait RVT to dry?

The least I normally wait is 14 hours.

 

You guys are making my head hurt. ..........just slap that stuff in there, let it dry for a while, and button it up.

 

So you guys let it dry a little then put it together? The instructions on the tube said to do it right away when every thing is still wet.

 

I'll put in another plug for the Right Stuff. I don't even bother with regular RTV anymore, it's the Right Stuff or nothing. I keepa can or two of it in the garage at all times. If you can't find it, you're not looking very hard. I think just about every auto parts store on the planet carries it, and I think I've even seen it at Walmart.

 

so just sucking out the old and putting in new is not good?

 

You could do it that way, but you'll never get all the old fluid out, you can't clean out any crud that may have settled in the bottom of the pumpkin, and you can't inspect the condition of the gears.

 

I bought a can of that once. It did work fine but was just to expensive for my taste.



And replace the rusty pan cover.

 

Bikers and rodders have known for decades that, "Chrome won't get you home." Chrome is a slick surface. Rough it up a bit. Sandpaper and wipe it down real well.

 

Ditto ^^^^ rought it up and clean and dry with brake/parts cleaner.