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Fix Differential Leaks: Car Repair Tips
Learn how to diagnose and repair a differential leak, from removing the wheels to caulking the axle, in this free auto-restoration video series from our expert mechanic and body shop owner.
Series Summary
The differential in automobiles is a device that allows wheels to rotate at different rates while channeling the proper amount of force to each one. During a turn, the inner wheel spins faster than the outer one. A functional differential accounts for this difference and allows you to maintain control during a turn. But one that isn't working properly results in unpredictable handling and possibly failure of the entire drive train. And you definitely don't want that to happen!In this free car-repair video series, our automotive expert tells you how to diagnose and repair a differential leak. Doug Jenkins talks you through the entire process, beginning with how to rack your car and how to remove wheels, brake drums and the axle in the course of removing the differential. He then demonstrates how to clean and caulk the differential housing and put everything back together again. As a bonus, you will learn how to add fluid to your differential and tips to keep it in good working order.
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Installing the Brake Drums for Differential Leak Repair
Install the brake drums and wheels when repairing differential leaks by sliding them back on; learn how in this free auto-restoration video.
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Removing U-bolts of a Drive Shaft for Differential Leak Repair
Remove the u-bolts in order to get the drive shaft out, removing it from the rear pinion without breaking the nuts; learn how in this free auto-restoration video.
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Setting Up a Make-Shift Axle Puller for Differential Leak Repair
Set up a make-shift axle puller by sliding a brake drum onto the wheel studs to offer momentum for removing a stuck axle; learn how in this free auto-restoration video.
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Cleaning the Axle Housing for Differential Leak Repair
Clean the differential axle housing out, since the oil in it will hold the dirt on the gasket surface, causing leaks; learn how to clean the housing in this free auto-restoration video.
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Removing Brake Drums for Differential Leak Repair
Remove the brake drums to back the axle retaining bolts out so the axles can be removed, allowing the gear carrier to slide out of the axle housing; learn how in this free auto-restoration video.
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Installing the Drive Shaft for Differential Leak Repair
Install the drive shaft, keeping the drive shaft clean where it fits into the transmission; learn how in this free auto-restoration video.
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Cleaning Tips: Differential Leak Repair
Our expert custom-car mechanic offers tips for cleaning the differential when repairing a differential leak to prevent gear lube from acquiring dirt; learn more in this free auto-restoration video.
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Removing Drive Shaft for Differential Leak Repair
Carefully remove the drive shaft from the differential yoke, accounting for the slip joint and sensitive u-joint on the other end of the drive shaft; learn how in this free auto-restoration video.
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Removing Wheels for Differential Leak Repair
Remove the axles, held into the axle housing, by removing the wheels to gain access to the axles; learn how in this free auto-restoration video.
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Tips for installing the Axle for Differential Leak Repair
Our expert custom-car mechanic offers tips for installing the axle when repairing a differential leak in this free auto-restoration video.
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Installing the U-bolts for Differential Leak Repair
Install the u-bolts on the differential yoke, taking into account the spring tension and lock washer; learn how in this free auto-restoration video.
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Racking a Vehicle for Differential Leak Repair
Our expert custom-car mechanic racks a vehicle to begin work on a differential leak repair; find out why in this free auto-restoration video on car maintenance.
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Finding a Leak for Differential Leak Repair
Often, leaks are found where the gear carrier bolts to the axle, but you'll need to find exactly where it's leaking before you seal it; learn how in this free auto-restoration video.
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Removing the Axle for Differential Leak Repair
Remove the axle by reaching through the access holes with an impact gun so that the differential will slide out; learn how in this free auto-restoration video.
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Removing the Differential for Differential Leak Repair
Remove the differential, loosening it gently, when repairing a differential leak after all the nuts are removed and the oil is drained; learn how in this free auto-restoration video.
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Caulking the Axle Housing for Differential Leak Repair
Caulk the differential axle housing using an room-temperature vulcanizing, or RTV silicon, being careful to circle each stud; learn how in this free auto-restoration video.
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Filling Fluids for Differential Leak Repair
Fill the differential fluid reservoir with gear lube, using between one and two quarts of oil, using limited-slip gear additive for limited-slip differential; learn more in this free auto-restoration video.
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Installing a Differential for Differential Leak Repair
Install the differential in the reverse of how you took it apart, being careful not to hurt the sealing ability of the silicon; learn how in this free auto-restoration video.
