Front & Rear Diff Cover problems.....
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 868
Likes: 84
From: Florida
Front & Rear Diff Cover problems.....
So, I had changed out my front and rear diff covers about 3 years ago. Now I get some of that staining along the bottom. It's that "wetness" look from oil seeping out. I'm going to open them up, drain the oil and clean up the surfaces so I can re-install. To those who have replaced the Diff covers, what sealant do you use that gives you good results? What is your best pattern to lay down the sealant? Do you wait until it gets tacky and then mount the plate? 35 ft lbs is the torque I am using too....
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 250
From: North Texas
They are. I've never used one but hear mixed results.
I just use black permatex gasket maker. No issues.
I just use black permatex gasket maker. No issues.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 396
Likes: 171
I finally did the lube locker, it's fast easy no leaks. I think they are worth the price. However if you don't go that way clean, and let set up before filling.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 475
Check your axle vent to see if it's plugged, you might not need to change the gasket.
I've used blue(#2?), orange, and black RTV's in the past, anything that's oil resistant will work. I prefer using a gasket with sealer. Coat both sides of the gasket lightly and a small bead around the housing. Make sure the cover surfaces are flat. If it's sheet metal you can bend or hammer it back into flat, if it's cast, put sandpaper down on a smooth flat surface and sand it flat. You can also filled any surface imperfections in the housing with J-B Weld to make a nice smooth surface to seal against.
I've heard those lube locker gaskets are nice, but unless you're going into the diff alot and need a reuseable gasket, it seems kinda expensive.
I've used blue(#2?), orange, and black RTV's in the past, anything that's oil resistant will work. I prefer using a gasket with sealer. Coat both sides of the gasket lightly and a small bead around the housing. Make sure the cover surfaces are flat. If it's sheet metal you can bend or hammer it back into flat, if it's cast, put sandpaper down on a smooth flat surface and sand it flat. You can also filled any surface imperfections in the housing with J-B Weld to make a nice smooth surface to seal against.
I've heard those lube locker gaskets are nice, but unless you're going into the diff alot and need a reuseable gasket, it seems kinda expensive.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,028
Likes: 890
From: East Central Ia
I wish local would have had lube locker available, when I changed. Factory stuff was a pita to get out of the bolt holes. Ford uses the reusable gasket on transmission pans and never leaks a drop. Why not the differentials?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,487
Likes: 217
why not? …costs. And if the axle needs repair it’s the techs problem.. Once out of warranty…..your problem.
i bought those aluminum finned covers wh drain plugs. Figure next axle service i pop them on. Then it’s drain and fill
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
Likes: 48
From: Lyndonville, Vermont
Use the right stuff gasket maker /black in a cheeze whiz can or caulk tube you will never use anything else again. Never had a leak anywhere.
No setting up. put it on torque and fill and drive.
No setting up. put it on torque and fill and drive.
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