How to Stop or slow leak

Tiny
GNUSENSE
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 CHEVROLET CAPRICE
  • V8
  • 102,675 MILES
My rear pinion seal and differential are leaking and was told to have it repaired asap. Is there a type of oil treatment I can buy for a temporary thing?
Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 AT 9:41 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,871 POSTS
Seal conditioners are already in the gear lube. The pinion shaft is up high enough that not all the lube is going to run out, but if the level is low, no lube will run out to the wheel bearings. Replacing the pinion seal is rather straight-forward and not too difficult so there's no reason to put it off. If it's leaking very badly, the bearing might be worn allowing the pinion shaft to move away from the seal. That will be a lot more costly but you should be noticing a howl.

The lube is also used for cooling. It's not unheard of for the differential to turn red hot when the gear lube was very low. Believe me, you would rather live with a pack of skunks than take one whiff of a burned up rear axle! Had one once that cleared the shop in no time!
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Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 AT 10:27 PM
Tiny
GNUSENSE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Money is whats holding me up from going through with repairs just yet. I was looking for some type of fluid/lube treatment I can buy from my local auto shop until I can fix my car but sounds like no?
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Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 AT 10:55 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,871 POSTS
You can ask at the auto parts stores but I've never heard of what you're looking for that works with gear lube. The best I can suggest is to keep the differential full.

It depends too on how fast it's leaking. A little wetness is nothing to get excited about but if it's leaving drips on the ground, that should not be ignored too long.
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Wednesday, April 20th, 2011 AT 12:46 AM

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