xdanny510x

This past week i had a leak on the rear diff.. so i went out and changed the fluid and cleaned the cover and slapped the baby back on with a gasket and rtv... and yet it still leaked.. so 2 days ago i was like wtf it started leaking again.. so i pulled the cover off again and cleaned it and only used rtv this time and from what i thought it had worked out great... find out today it started leaking again... is it possible the rear diff cover is warped? Btw its for a 2005 silverado 2wd with the torsion bar set up .. rear drums etc. Im on my way to buy a new cover as we speak.. but anyways now here is my question... should i use a gasket and rtv ? Or use rtv only?

1FastBrick

iTrader: (17)

With a gasket you can fill it right away. With RTV you need to let it sit and cure.

The factory used a gasket.

RedXray

I used the gasket and RTV on my recent fluid change. A couple months ago doing carrier and gears the kit came with a very thin paper gasket. When it was time to replace the (break in) gear oil, I noticed the cover had a drip at the bottom.

Bought a Felpro gasket, it was at least 3 times thicker than the paper one that came in the kit. Liberal coating of RTV smeared with fingers, let dry overnight before adding oil... no leaks.

Shaggy2dope

iTrader: (1)

I installed my Chevrolet Performance girdle cover without a gasket. Spread a thin layer of RTV on the cover and housing, let it partially dry (5 minutes or so), installed the bolts hand tight, waited 15 minutes, then torqued them down. I let it cure for a few hours before filling. Zero leaks.

MikeGyver

iTrader: (5)

I have r & r two different differential covers four times I think, using Permatex ultra black and no gaskets. No leaks yet. Of course I cleaned the surfaces perfectly using brake cleaner. I kept paper towels in the diff to dam any dripping while the rtv lightly set.
Maybe your housing is cracked. I don't think that warpage on a stamped cover would matter, the bolts would flatten it back.

RB04Av

The cover may be cracked or have a rust pinhole.

Personally I don't feel like the paper really adds anything of value to the setup... RTV alone is what I usually use. The black or silver "ultra". Like Mike, I make sure it's real clean first; although my solvent of choice is lacquer thinner. But it's all about the same for this application.

ILuvJDM

iTrader: (4)

Use the green prematex that is made specifically for gear oil and rear diff applications

xdanny510x

Finally finished it this morning.. new cover and a gasket... as of yet no leaks... added 80w90 with additive

2002_Z28_Six_Speed

iTrader: (20)

You don't need a gasket and RTV. One or the other. Read the RTV instructions. There is a set up time before compressing the cover.