Question on Diff fluid change procedure

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Nov 14, 2009 | 05:23 PM

smlford

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Fleet Mechanic

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From: Mid Atlantic

Question on Diff fluid change procedure

I was reading the excellent procedures for changing out the front & rear dif fluid and I started removing the rear cover to drain out the fluid while I wait for the new '08 aluminum cover to arrive on Monday.

While I was removing the 12 bolts I noticed that they looked like they had some locktite on the threads but the directions don't mention anything about applying threadlock (blue) on the new bolts... I just did this procedure in my Denali and their directions did mention applying threadlock. I'm thinking that it can't hurt to do this.
Any problems with this?

BTW, the fluid in the rear looked like a chocolate milkshake, definitely needed to be changed.

Nov 15, 2009 | 07:12 AM

smlford

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

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From: Mid Atlantic

Nobody has an opinion on this forum??

Nov 15, 2009 | 07:18 AM

D8chumley

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From: Oaks,PA

I guess it won't hurt. I did my 08 rear cover and didn't use it, and almost a year still no leaks. You will need longer bolts for the new cover if you don't know this already, the ones in the old cover will be too short for the alum. one. I just went to Lowes and bought longer stainless ones but I forget how long they were.

Nov 15, 2009 | 07:19 AM

bismic

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I would use the locktite.

Nov 15, 2009 | 07:24 AM

smlford

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 1,320

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From: Mid Atlantic

Good morning guys and thank you...

I read about the longer bolts and someone posted the link from McMasters for the right bolt which they wanted about $10 for 10 of them plus shipping...I went to our local fastner store and got 12 stainless steel ones for about $3 out the door.

Thanks again..

Nov 15, 2009 | 03:03 PM

rickf92592

Elder User

Joined: Jun 2009

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From: 92592

I guess it wouldn't hurt but remember you are gluing that cover on with the gasket material and some of that will find its way onto the bolts. If you don't believe it, wait until you take it back off.