So I finally made a purchase on a car out of state and I'm having it shipped. I noticed the rear end is leaking.

Is this common?
Should a new gasket do the trick?

 

Leaking where? A gasket or RTV will fix the diff cover on a 10-bolt (the nine-bolt may be a different story with its plug). If the rear is weeping at the axles, you'll probably need bearings, seals (or axle savers), and axles.

JamesC

 

Here is a pic of the rear end
http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/v...5/000_1564.jpg

 

Looks like just oil residue. Clean all the oil off. Then just keep a eye on it to see if you have a valid leak. Not worth fixing something that isn't broke.

 

Could be leaking at the axle tubes. If so, major problem. As CBR mentions, however, clean it and keep an eye on it for a while.

JamesC

 

Take the cover off, scrape the old gasket off the cover and the diff, put in a new gasket with RTV on both sides to seal in up. Put a small bit of RTV on the bolt threads as well before you thread them in. Put in new oil and (if needed) posi additive. Drive and monitor.

I say just do this anyway, because like 99% of RWD cars out there, its probably long overdue for an rear end oil change anyway.

 

It could also be the pinion seasl leaking and the oil is blowing back on it. You need to clean it up and see where the oil is coming from.

 

Thanks guys. I will look into it further once I get the car. It will be on a car hauler from San Jose in about 3 days

Just wanted some opinions from the experts of third gens.