Page 1 of 1
differential gaskets
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 11:32 am
by Brett
Has anyone ever used a gasket for differentials?
I'm having trouble keeping my 8.8 from leaking. Any input is appreceiated.
Brett
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 11:46 am
by TerryD
I always use gaskets. Its why they make them.... Use a little bit of form-a-gasket on one side (or both if you don't plan on taking the cover off for a while) and you'll be set.
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 12:22 pm
by jonesy
i use a gasket sandwiched between RTV on the axle and the cover. let it set for a day then go back and JB WELD the gap between the cover and the axle .. .let that set, machine it smooth, and then pass over it with the TIG welder ...
mine hasnt leaked ... ever.
maybe your gasket is backwards??
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 2:42 pm
by Arya Ebrahimi
I like the spray on gasket stuff that you apply to paper gaskets and makes them tacky. Lot less mess than RTV.
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 3:30 pm
by BadnewsCJ
i dont use one on my front 30....but the lip around the cover on my amc axle is all boogered up so i always use a gasket and an entire tube of rtv when i change the rear. no problems with that.
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 3:38 pm
by tsmall07
I never use anything but RTV and have never had a problem (on my trucks or on my bmw). I just let the bead of RTV set up for a minute before I install the cover so that it doesn't all squish out.
Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 4:59 pm
by Brett
Thanks for the good info. I've always used only high temp rtv in the past and it worked very well up until the last time I sealed up my diff on the truck. I'll try the gasket this time. Thanks again.
Brett
Yep
Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 10:17 am
by Andrew
I never use anything but RTV and have never had a problem (on my trucks or on my bmw). I just let the bead of RTV set up for a minute before I install the cover so that it doesn't all squish out.
Yep.
Nothing but RTV here also. No leaks.
Run a consistent bead staying to the inside of the bolt holes. Let it set up a minute or so. Slide the cover on. Tighten uniformly but not all the way down. Let it set up some more and then finish tightening.
Get a good quality caulking gun and buy the large tube of RTV (not the stupid little tubes).
A very good trick is to take 4 or so longer bolts, cut the heads off and thread them into the housing. These act as alignment studs so you get the cover on straight without smearing RTV everywhere. This also works nicely for installing transmissions.
Re: Yep
Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 12:44 pm
by tsmall07
Andrew wrote: Tighten uniformly but not all the way down. Let it set up some more and then finish tightening.
Also make sure you tighten across the cover like you're putting a wheel on.