My Differential is leaking from the the front yolk area. 99 rt/10. I took the axle shaft off and the nut that holds the yolk in place. I noticed that the shaft coming out off the diff has some play in it. Is this normal? And if so, do I only need to change the seal and bolt everything back together? Any information appreciated, thanks
Diff Leak From Front Yolk
- Thread starter QUICKV10
- Start date
Mine started leaking on my RT/10 when it had 10,000 miles. The dealer just replaced the seal and it's been fine since. I think having some play in the diff is normal, but make sure you replace the spicer straps. That should help cut down on the play.
snampro
Enthusiast
you should get this fixed or regularly top off the fluid. it is not "normal" to have fluid leaking from the diff. there is a seal, as ViperJohn stated, that may have failed or been installed improperly. this is likely the cause.
viperdude118
Viper Owner
I think he was asking if it was normal to have play in the shaft, not if it was normal for it to be leaking.
snampro
Enthusiast
if he means play fore and aft, I don't believe that is normal. neither of the two VIPER diffs I just handled had such play. you may have a little when turning the yoke, but it should be tight fore and aft.
Spicer straps? What are those and can they be changed without taking the diff out? There's only slight play in the shaft up down side to side. I should have done this over the winter, but kept putting it off till now and ofcourse I'm in a hurry now. Does anyone have a detailed diagram of the diff?
1TONY1
Enthusiast
The only play would be as you turn the pinion back and forth. If you have vertical or side to side play you may have a bearing problem which in turn may cause the seal to leak. The first thing I would do is make sure the pinion nut is torqued correctly.
The straps are just the driveshaft u-joint straps. Recommended to be replaced but not near as critical as the halfshaft straps. On my personal car I reuse the driveshaft straps. Clean the bolts and relocktight them though. I doubt the straps have anything to do with the seal leaking.
The straps are just the driveshaft u-joint straps. Recommended to be replaced but not near as critical as the halfshaft straps. On my personal car I reuse the driveshaft straps. Clean the bolts and relocktight them though. I doubt the straps have anything to do with the seal leaking.
Johann
Viper Owner
Once the nut and the yoke (note spelling) are removed it's normal to have front/rear movement on the pinion shaft.
