Leak from Diff??

Kramer · #1 (**permalink**) 03-23-2012, 05:41 PM

just wondering some thoughts...I don't drive my cobra very often but i recently noticed some red fluid seeping on the bottom of the back diff. (the diff is the ERA outboard brake set up) (the tranny is a tremec 5 speed). There is a drain plug on the bottom of the pumpkin but I don't think that is where the fluid is coming from...looks like it is coming from on top somewhere where the driveshaft is.....

any thoughts....

patrickt · #2 (**permalink**) 03-23-2012, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kramer

...looks like it is coming from on top somewhere.....

any thoughts....

Take a look from the back, upwards to the top, and see if maybe your vent tube has gotten dislodged/broken/leaking. Or at the very least you should see a telltale trail. Here's a pic of mine so you can see what I'm talking about.

Kramer · #3 (**permalink**) 03-24-2012, 09:15 AM

thanks patrick...i did check that last night but that part of the pumpkin is bone dry. it is a very small seepage and the trail seems to point to the front of the pumpkin...i will spend some time with it today.

strictlypersonl · #4 (**permalink**) 03-24-2012, 09:56 AM

Unfortunately, it's likely to be the pinion seal. If it's not bad, I'd live with it for now.

RICK LAKE · #5 (**permalink**) 04-01-2012, 03:56 AM

Kramer if you have a drill press and tap set you can repair this seal in the car. Send P-m for info on how and phone# Rick L. Ps it's easy with a little work to make plate. Air gun with axle socket needed too. You will need new seal tephlon sealer and 4-6" pices of exhaust pipe that sits on the edge of the seal to install. Need to clear the pinion shaft.

strictlypersonl · #6 (**permalink**) 04-01-2012, 04:30 AM

ERA has its own seal instructions in the 427man section:

Replacing the pinion seal