A Leak!

[jwawhite]

Did a little work on the car this past weekend and noticed some "oil?" on the rear transverse aluminum spar-left side, looked a bit more saw some on the muffler pipe and also a spray pattern on the underside of the trunk. I did not look further and have a general question. It's an '03 model coupe with automatic. With these limited clues guys and gals what do you think it is?

Have called my local Chev Dealer and the Service Dept. wants the car for two days! They have a lot of work and I said I just want to know what it is and would rather them call me when a slot is open and I'd come on over for a look see. Will get a call in about a week or more....

 

[AZMike]

The rear diff will send some oil out the vent tubes when it gets hot. As long as you're not seeing more than a few drops of oil, it's no problem.

 

[jrose7004]

There is a rear end seal that is known for leaking also!

 

[jwawhite]

Replies

I am familiar with vent tubes on some of my other toys, thanks for the replies.
Perhaps the Dealer will let me get a good look once it's on the hoist and I'll let you know what they find.

Stay cool in AZ!

 

[1995 RedVette]

If your dealer doesn't let you look under the car, then I would suggest finding a new dealer...just my $.02. The dealership I use has a good open door policy. They always bring me back to show me what is involved and if they find anything of concern.

Brett

 

[jwawhite]

Yep, it's a leak

The Service Mgr. let me look under the car while it was on the rack and the left side seal of the differential is leaking and needs a new seal. Apparently a lot of them leak there and it's an all day job to get at it and replace the seal.

Question: Does this operation interfere with the alignment? Is the seal of better quality?

 

[mrm1149]

There is a rear end seal that is known for leaking also!

Yep, that's probably it.

 

[jwawhite]

See above for seal leak outcome on Tech List