Rear Differential Drip - Page 2

TWP723 · 03-23-2021, 08:15 AM

$1000 to pull the cover, RTV it and reattach and fill? Sounds a tad steep. But, one word for ya. Freightliner.

On a normal vehicle, I'd do the work myself. But on this behemoth? It's going to the dealer. Not sure I'd stick with the shop asking $1000 though.

Robbbyr · 03-23-2021, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TWP723

$1000 to pull the cover, RTV it and reattach and fill? Sounds a tad steep. But, one word for ya. Freightliner.

On a normal vehicle, I'd do the work myself. But on this behemoth? It's going to the dealer. Not sure I'd stick with the shop asking $1000 though.

It's not just pulling a cover unfortunately, there is no cover.

The axle uses a removable carrier where the ring gear, pinion gear, and differential as a complete assembly slide out towards the front of the truck as a unit. Very, very heavy. But before it can slide out, the axle shafts must be unbolted at each wheel hub and slid outward disconnecting them internally from the differential splines so the carrier can then come forward.

Early Senecas like mine have an additional complicating factor, my driveline parking brake assembly is mounted to the carrier assembly making it even heavier. I watched from a distance as the tech fixed mine, he pulled the axles when it was on the ground, raised it on a lift, and had a big roll-around assembly to attach to the carrier to be able to safely remove and replace it. Very professional and he said it was far from the first M2 truck he had done. First as an RV however!

TWP723 · 03-23-2021, 09:21 AM

Ahhh...it has the bolted on carrier. Um yeah no...take it to the dealer.

Diesel the RV · 03-24-2021, 12:06 PM

We had the same on our 2016 and then a small puddle started to form after parked for a week. At that point, we had the rear diff pulled and resealed at 34K miles for about $1,000 and four days in the shop. Shop we used was Florida Shores Truck Center.

Leon · 03-27-2021, 12:52 PM

No easy fix hear .. pull axles and slide Carrier assembly with a trans jack big job or take it in to shop doesn’t necessarily have to be a freightliner dealer and pay the price

Mark S · 03-27-2021, 03:08 PM

I just applied the second layer of “the right stuff” gasket sealer to the area. I did first layer yesterday and there was no drip today

I have a 600 mile trip later in April, so that will be a good test.
Otherwise I will have to take it in

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions.

javamon · 03-27-2021, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark S

I just applied the second layer of “the right stuff” gasket sealer to the area. I did first layer yesterday and there was no drip today

I have a 600 mile trip later in April, so that will be a good test.
Otherwise I will have to take it in

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions.

Take it for a 50 mile exercise drive and heat-up that rear end. We don't want to wait until April...hahaha.

Rustynuts · 03-27-2021, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark S

I just applied the second layer of “the right stuff” gasket sealer to the area. I did first layer yesterday and there was no drip today

I have a 600 mile trip later in April, so that will be a good test.
Otherwise I will have to take it in

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions.

Hopefully it works, a cheap thing to at least try. That stuff is pretty amazing, I have sealed some pretty stubborn stuff with it.

SloPoke · 03-27-2021, 06:56 PM

Cmon Mark... Treat it like any Harley owner treats their scoot....

Put a drip pan or chunk of cardboard under the wet spot... If / when it ever stops leaking - it's empty or dead.

If it takes more than a quart / year... then buy the gallon!

Rustynuts · 03-27-2021, 07:06 PM

It’s just marking it’s territory 😂

Jagiven · 03-27-2021, 09:45 PM

On a model T, if there ain't anything under it, there ain't anything in it. Also makes great rust control.

Bill Johnson · 03-28-2021, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark S

I have a very small drip coming from the gasket on the differential, to the right of drain plug in photo. I cleaned the area with brake cleaner and the drip returns after a day. There is no puddle on the ground, just a very small drip. This is surprising since my Seneca is just at 4 years old and about 32,000 miles.
Freightliner is telling me it will be over $1,000 to replace the gasket and who knows how long they will take to get it done. Other truck shops in my area don’t want to work on RVs.
What are you thoughts on additive products that claim to stop differential leaks?

It looks like the 3rd member is where the leak is coming from. I would try to tighten the bolts. A ford 9 inch is 40 pounds I don't know what yours are but you could call Freightliner
and ask. In your photo it looks like rtv was used like most rear ends. If this doesn't work I would clean that area well and put black rtv in that area where the third member meets the housing, hopefully you will not have another leak ever again after doing that.

BIGPAPA1970 · 04-11-2021, 04:31 PM

Mark, any update? I have the same issue and am hoping your fix works.

BIGPAPA1970 · 04-11-2021, 07:30 PM

I'll show you mine if you show me yours.....

Bottom center of the pumpkin.

Mark S · 04-12-2021, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIGPAPA1970

Mark, any update? I have the same issue and am hoping your fix works.

I drove 300 miles yesterday and just crawled under the Seneca. Outside of diff is bone dry. Yes!!!

Keeping my fingers crossed.

javamon · 05-01-2021, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark S

I just applied the second layer of “the right stuff” gasket sealer to the area. I did first layer yesterday and there was no drip today

I have a 600 mile trip later in April, so that will be a good test.
Otherwise I will have to take it in

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions.

Hi Mark,

Did you use Right Stuff Black? I'm seeing several different Permatex products called "Right Stuff" (black, gray, and red).

Thanks!

Mark S · 05-01-2021, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by javamon

Hi Mark,

Did you use Right Stuff Black? I'm seeing several different Permatex products called "Right Stuff" (black, gray, and red).

Thanks!

I ordered the “Right Stuff” from Amazon as shown. Unfortunately, my creeper wheel ran over the tube and it didn’t hold up as well as I hoped. Actually it made quite a mess. Lol. So, I want to Pep Boys and got the Permatex as shown as that is what they had in stock. It seems to be working.

javamon · 05-02-2021, 05:07 AM

Thanks Mark. Some of the Permatex Right Stuff gasket makers set-up in 1 minute. That seems too fast for this job. I like the 90 minute cure time since it should allow some tooling once it starts to set-up.

Mark S · 05-02-2021, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by javamon

Thanks Mark. Some of the Permatex Right Stuff gasket makers set-up in 1 minute. That seems too fast for this job. I like the 90 minute cure time since it should allow some tooling once it starts to set-up.

I had plenty of time to work with it and was able to feather the edges so it’s hard to tell it’s even there. 600 miles and sitting a couple of weeks and still clean. We will be putting about 7,000 miles on this summer so that should be a good test.

Bill Johnson · 05-02-2021, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark S

I had plenty of time to work with it and was able to feather the edges so it’s hard to tell it’s even there. 600 miles and sitting a couple of weeks and still clean. We will be putting about 7,000 miles on this summer so that should be a good test.

I was changing some connecting rods on a GM 4 cylinder and the great stuff worked perfect on the engine no leaks. Back in the 70s I was off roading and cracked the plastic gas tank on my 4x4 the Permatex black sealed it completely and it never leaked again. I don't think you'll have anymore problems

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