Rear diff leaking? How do you know?

AMTEXX · 02-10-2008, 07:51 PM

I have quit a bit of oil residue around the rear diff area, but it's not dripping anything onto my garage. Should I be concerned? Thanks!

howboutthemapplz · 02-10-2008, 07:58 PM

yes i would be concerned...

RdRacer301 · 02-10-2008, 08:04 PM

Just remove the filler plug and see if you can feel the fluid with your finger. If the level is any more than 1/4" below the bottem of the filler hole, top it off and make sure to use a sealant on the threads of the filler plug.

AMTEXX · 02-10-2008, 08:06 PM

It just looks like residue (grunge) black material left on it. But it doesn't leak down towards my garage. I've never looked there, but did have this topped off at 10K miles. (now at 20K) do you think they didn't tighten the bolts or something?

RdRacer301 · 02-10-2008, 08:12 PM

May not have used a sealant on the plugs, the leak shouldn't be anything major, but after 10k, it might be worth a while to check the level.

AMTEXX · 02-10-2008, 08:22 PM

Will do, thanks Rd.

AMTEXX · 02-10-2008, 08:22 PM

OH yeah, also, would the "rear diff" light come on if the fluid is low?

RdRacer301 · 02-10-2008, 08:45 PM

I believe it's a temp sensor, not a level/pressure sensor.... Regarless, by the time it comes on due to low level, the damage would likely already be done.

ilikepie · 02-11-2008, 09:35 AM

The sensor in the rear diff is a temperature sensor. To see if it is leaking, spray it with brakeclean and see if oil shows up again.

AMTEXX · 02-11-2008, 02:54 PM

Will do...thanks guys.

02-10-2008, 07:51 PM	#1
AMTEXX STI Driver Car: black 05 Sti Posts: 282 Join Date: Jul 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Rear diff leaking? How do you know? I have quit a bit of oil residue around the rear diff area, but it's not dripping anything onto my garage. Should I be concerned? Thanks! This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

02-10-2008, 07:58 PM	#2
howboutthemapplz Spec C Club Car: 05 OBP STi, 97Sentra Fav Mod: CAR LIFT & Protune! Location: Ohio Posts: 1,269 Join Date: Jan 2007 Trader Rating: (7)	Re: Rear diff leaking? How do you know? yes i would be concerned...

02-10-2008, 08:04 PM	#3
RdRacer301 Spec C Club Car: 05 OBP STi Fav Mod: My Right Foot Location: Rockville, MD Posts: 2,486 Join Date: Oct 2004 Trader Rating: (1)	Re: Rear diff leaking? How do you know? Just remove the filler plug and see if you can feel the fluid with your finger. If the level is any more than 1/4" below the bottem of the filler hole, top it off and make sure to use a sealant on the threads of the filler plug.

02-10-2008, 08:06 PM	#4
AMTEXX STI Driver Car: black 05 Sti Posts: 282 Join Date: Jul 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Rear diff leaking? How do you know? It just looks like residue (grunge) black material left on it. But it doesn't leak down towards my garage. I've never looked there, but did have this topped off at 10K miles. (now at 20K) do you think they didn't tighten the bolts or something?

02-10-2008, 08:12 PM	#5
RdRacer301 Spec C Club Car: 05 OBP STi Fav Mod: My Right Foot Location: Rockville, MD Posts: 2,486 Join Date: Oct 2004 Trader Rating: (1)	Re: Rear diff leaking? How do you know? May not have used a sealant on the plugs, the leak shouldn't be anything major, but after 10k, it might be worth a while to check the level.

02-10-2008, 08:22 PM	#6
AMTEXX STI Driver Car: black 05 Sti Posts: 282 Join Date: Jul 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Rear diff leaking? How do you know? Will do, thanks Rd.

02-10-2008, 08:45 PM	#8
RdRacer301 Spec C Club Car: 05 OBP STi Fav Mod: My Right Foot Location: Rockville, MD Posts: 2,486 Join Date: Oct 2004 Trader Rating: (1)	Re: Rear diff leaking? How do you know? I believe it's a temp sensor, not a level/pressure sensor.... Regarless, by the time it comes on due to low level, the damage would likely already be done.

02-11-2008, 09:35 AM	#9
ilikepie Grassroots STI Racer Car: 05 WRB STi Fav Mod: Pro Tune Location: Misery (MO) Posts: 532 Join Date: Oct 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Rear diff leaking? How do you know? The sensor in the rear diff is a temperature sensor. To see if it is leaking, spray it with brakeclean and see if oil shows up again.

02-11-2008, 02:54 PM	#10
AMTEXX STI Driver Car: black 05 Sti Posts: 282 Join Date: Jul 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Rear diff leaking? How do you know? Will do...thanks guys. This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.