Fluid leak/drip ??
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Fluid leak/drip ??
99 Expy EB w/130k, has developed a drip/leak on the garage floor just under the rear end (center of rear axle). Almost clear fluid that seems somewhat thin (don't think it's gas tho) with maybe a slight oily smell, is this maybe 'rear end' fluid?? very hard to tell where coming from (but starting to wet/stain garage floor regularly)
Not too worried about a stained garage but am very worried about any low fluids. Is this common? any way to know for sure what fluid? any way to 'top off' rear end fluid? or is this something sealed up that requires professional visit?
BTW- how much is in there anyway? only a very slight drip but obviously don't want to ruin anything. Any help is greatly appreciated
Not too worried about a stained garage but am very worried about any low fluids. Is this common? any way to know for sure what fluid? any way to 'top off' rear end fluid? or is this something sealed up that requires professional visit?
BTW- how much is in there anyway? only a very slight drip but obviously don't want to ruin anything. Any help is greatly appreciated
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Ft. Worth, TX
Differential fluid/oil has a distinct order and is somewhat sticky/slippery.
Brake fluid is usually clear and not so slippery/sticky. Although both may appear clear there is a noticeable difference in looks and oder.
Jack up the rear end and crawl under it and look for the source. this may be the easiest and best way to locate the floor spot.
Brake fluid is usually clear and not so slippery/sticky. Although both may appear clear there is a noticeable difference in looks and oder.
Jack up the rear end and crawl under it and look for the source. this may be the easiest and best way to locate the floor spot.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Long Island, New Yawk
Differential fluid/oil has a distinct order and is somewhat sticky/slippery.
Brake fluid is usually clear and not so slippery/sticky. Although both may appear clear there is a noticeable difference in looks and oder.
Jack up the rear end and crawl under it and look for the source. this may be the easiest and best way to locate the floor spot.
Brake fluid is usually clear and not so slippery/sticky. Although both may appear clear there is a noticeable difference in looks and oder.
Jack up the rear end and crawl under it and look for the source. this may be the easiest and best way to locate the floor spot.
If it was gas I'm sure you would smell it.
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Well said! The diff is only going to leak from two places. One being the cover & the other being the pinion seal...that's where the flange for the driveshaft goes. If it's leaking from the outside by the wheel then you have a axle seal problem. Like Mod 99 said, it's smelly & very thick..almost like a thin syrup.
If it was gas I'm sure you would smell it.
If it was gas I'm sure you would smell it.
So what now? how do I know if the rear still has enought fluid? I don't want to ignore any drips until I blow the rear (need safe for wife to drive as well). Can I top it off myself and save any major repairs? It is only a very slight drip (most valve cover leaks that everyone has put out more gunk than this). Not wanting to hurt the environment and would keep an eye that it did not get worse, really was just more concerned being something I never encountered.....advise?
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Ft. Worth, TX
There is a 3/8 inch plug in the differential housing on the drivers side. Use a 3/8 ratchet or breaker bar and take the plug out. Put your little finger down in the hole, pullit out and see if it is "wet" with differential fluid. If its wet it is OK, for now, and probably quite a while. If the leak doesn't increase check it in 3 to 6 months. Put some cardboard on the garage floor to catch the drips.
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There is a 3/8 inch plug in the differential housing on the drivers side. Use a 3/8 ratchet or breaker bar and take the plug out. Put your little finger down in the hole, pullit out and see if it is "wet" with differential fluid. If its wet it is OK, for now, and probably quite a while. If the leak doesn't increase check it in 3 to 6 months. Put some cardboard on the garage floor to catch the drips.
thought it was just a plug or something but had no idea on right fluid level, etc. Will check and see, assuming it is ok to fill to just under plug if level not close.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Cornelius, Oregon
standard procedure is to fill the diff until fluid just starts coming out of the hole, then put the plug back in (assuming level ground of course). The actual level is slightly less than that, but its so close that you won't notice any difference.
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