Differential Carrier

[Tom Kissel]

Hi Guys,

I have a 64 Deville Convertible with the turbo hydra-matic without the controlled differential. I have fluid dripping out of 3 bolts on my Differential Carrier at a nice rate. I would like to correct this I have already re torqued them and the other bolts on the carrier. They still drip. In the manual section 11-10 note 9 they tell how to remove the carrier. What I don't understand is why do I have to remove the axle shafts to replace the gasket on the carrier. Especially since there is an added note saying that after you bolt the carrier in place and still have a lubricant leakage to add an extra gasket. To do that wouldn't you have to pull the axle shafts again and replace their seals again? Do I have to remove the axle shafts?  

Any advice would be helpful, Tom

      

[David Thomas]

Good show! Glad it worked out, the easy way.

[Tom Kissel]

I changed out all the crush washers and nuts around the carrier. I also added just a bit of Permatex ultra grey to the washers. I did that because a couple holes were just not round and figured it would help. It's been 5 days no signs of leaks. Thanks guys for the help.  

[Tom Kissel]

yes Steve they are for the carrier. If we don't get snowed in tonight I'm going to make an effort to get to the autoparts store. I know the nuts are 3/8-24  

[Tom Kissel]

Hi David, Very good advice about replacing the washers first.  It read like and ugly job and from you it sounds like it. I'll let everyone know how it works out.

[David Thomas]

Yes, you have to pull both axles to remove the carrier. Before you do that, take one of the 3 nuts off and pry the copper sealing washer off the stud. Take that washer along with the nut to a parts store and buy a hand full of new washers to fit. Install a new copper washer on the studs that leak and torque the nut to spec. See if that will stop your leak, before you pull things apart.

If you pull the axles, either get new bearings pressed on or be sure to purchase new o-rings for the outer race of the bearing before installing the axle. Lube the bearing o-ring and axle cavity before you push the axle and bearing in place.

That differential weighs close to 100 lbs. Be careful when/if you pull it out. If you don't have the physical strength to press that thing with your two arms, get a helper  or a transmission jack to help get it out.

HTH, David