Long story short, i have an '04 base model and changed my "open-diff" differential to an LSD one that had *maybe* 47,000. Noticed a bit of vibration; thought bolts were loose. Tightened everything. Couple weeks later, getting worse. Then, 2 monthes later (yesterday), i finally was able to get under my car and see the gear oil leaking from the seal. The rear cover bolts were very loose. Freaked out, then tightened them untill i was worried of stripping them. Drive home; still vibrating. Get under car today and it's still leaking and the bolts are STILL backing themselves out.

Ideas? I can do without the Internet Warriors that reply with pointless comments.

Nathan
(404) 915-0043

 

I would replace the LSD with your stock differential. Then try to find out what is wrong with the LSD. Even though it had "only 47K" it might be worn out or defective. Maybe the installation was not correct.

 

Once that seal is bad you can ytighten it as much as you want, it will not stop the leak. Remove and reseal, check out the pinion for play while your doing it.

 

OK. I'm gonna take the LSD off and replace the open diff just for the time being. My questions are:

-what's the order of the "ears" caps that go between the ears and the body? I think that's where i screwed the pooch. I really don't know where else i could of misaligned it.

-What type of "gasket maker" do i need to use and how long must it sit before i can add the oil?

 

Anyone, Anyone?

 

Top hats are first onto the car, orientation as if you were wearing the hat whilst stood under the car....

Then diff, then the rubber washer, then the bolts.

 

Then try to find out what is wrong with the LSD.

 

What i've realized is when i was putting in the new(er) rear diff, i had to pull the passenger side axel in toward the diff about 1/4" for it to be flush. I noticed theres an ever-so-slight bit of movement when i push up on the inboard side of the axel.

Are the Rear axels supposed to be changed? I thought the axels would be the same in the Base model as in all the other trim levels. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

The only other idea i have is the passenger axel is toast, and it only started showing after changing the diff.

Nathan
(404) 915-0043