Rear Diff Gasket

[07AFSilverado]

I changed my rear diff fluid on my '07 Silverado Classis last year at about 25,000miles to put in some synthetic. In my infinite wisdom, and not wanting to go to the GM dealer, I used RTV sealant as my gasket. After a long, cold winter in ND, the diff cover is starting to leak (imagine that). Can anyone please point me in the right direction for a rear differential gasket part number for a 10-bolt rearend? Anyone have a link to a parts manual for my year truck? Thanks!

 

-Joe

[MS3DALE]

First off,Part number for the rear-end cover gasket is 15807693

Second,Your truck already had synthetic fluid in the rear end.

[pm26]

Using RTV only as a seal between the differential and the cover is nothing unusual, many Mercedes cars have that from the factory, and no differential cover gasket is available from the dealers. However, you must be careful to fully degrease the mating surfaces, otherwise the RTV will not stick properly. This is best done by wiping them with acetone or carburetor cleaner. Also, RTV needs to be applied in a single bead approximately in the center. You do not want to use too much as it will be squeezed inside the differential and pieces could break off and float in oil.

 

Having said that, if the manufacturer supplies a gasket, you should always use one. I would use a small amount of sealant with the gasket too, as it is a paper or fiber gasket.

[Matt_]

You can also try the GREEN rtv. Its specifically formulated to resist breakdown from synthetic diff fluids and additives.

 

The most important thing is to follow the directions carefully. The surfaces need to be clean. You need to put the diff cover on within a few minutes of applying the RTV, but you only finger tighten the bolts until the rtv starts spreading out. Then it needs to sit for at least an hour to cure before applying final torque.

[07AFSilverado]

First off,Part number for the rear-end cover gasket is 15807693

Second,Your truck already had synthetic fluid in the rear end.

 

Thanks for the part number and d%^n me for not knowing it already had synthetic in it.

[07AFSilverado]

You can also try the GREEN rtv. Its specifically formulated to resist breakdown from synthetic diff fluids and additives.

 

The most important thing is to follow the directions carefully. The surfaces need to be clean. You need to put the diff cover on within a few minutes of applying the RTV, but you only finger tighten the bolts until the rtv starts spreading out. Then it needs to sit for at least an hour to cure before applying final torque.

 

 

I pretty much follwed those steps to the "T", but used Blue RTV. I torqued it down to the required specs, but for some reason, it's showing signs of leaking.

[txab]

Spend a couple $ on a gasket and be done with it.

[07AFSilverado]

Just called the onlu Chevy dealer in town and they wanted $12 for the gasket, GMPARTSDIRCET has it for $5, but as mentioned before, the S&H charges sting a little bit. Thanks for you help everyone. I suppose if it was manufacured with a gasket, that's what I should use as a replacement.

 

-Joe

[Matt_]

Spend a couple $ on a gasket and be done with it.

 

 

I agree. If a gasket is available that's what I would get. I've seen too many rears leak due to synthetic additives breaking down RTV.

 

I was a bit livid when I found out that Jeep doesn't offer gaskets (for my vehicles anyway). So I went with the Green stuff (reluctantly) and so far so good. I plan on changing this fluid every 15k miles anyway so it probably wont have time to start leaking regardless.

[nickvrebel]

I always use just some black RTV (high temp) and I don't use a torque wrench, never had a leak and I've been in many differentials for different reasons.

[pm26]

I always use just some black RTV (high temp) and I don't use a torque wrench, never had a leak and I've been in many differentials for different reasons.

 

I may be wrong, but isn't red RTV the high temperature rated one? Also, coper colored RTV is for use for extreme high temperatures. I always thought that the black RTV is for use in low temperature applications.

[Z45]

Here is the correct RTV to use for gear lubes http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotiv...rtv_sealant.htm

[az'03Silverado]

I've done mine twice. Both times I put the gasket on dry and torqued to spec and haven't had a leak yet. 120,000 miles on the clock.

[07AFSilverado]

Here is the correct RTV to use for gear lubes http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotiv...rtv_sealant.htm

 

 

Ahhhh Green, instead of Blue....I'll have to remember that.

[nickvrebel]

I always use just some black RTV (high temp) and I don't use a torque wrench, never had a leak and I've been in many differentials for different reasons.

 

I may be wrong, but isn't red RTV the high temperature rated one? Also, coper colored RTV is for use for extreme high temperatures. I always thought that the black RTV is for use in low temperature applications.

 

black says it's for "hi temp" I've used it in many applications without issue and it works pretty universal, if even re-sealed the windshield to cowl water leak on my GF's Audi lol

http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotiv...asket_Maker.htm