Axle Seal Leak

[hmert7]

I have a 2000 Corvette with 11,500 mines, so you can see it is not driven often. In August of 2007 (mileage 8,430), I noticed the left axle seal leaking and assumed it may have been due to infrequent use. I had the seal replaced at the local Chevrolet dealership for $575. In May of 2010, and approximately 3,000 miles later, I noticed the seal leaking again. The local dealership was having a free service clinic at the time so I took it in for an evaluation. They informed me that the seal was leaking and the estimate to fix it would be around $750. The service technician said that the repair procedure had changed since I had it fixed in 2007 and they were no longer using a special sealer, but now left housing would have to be replaced due to a design defect. Due to other priorities, the car has been parked since then, and I now have time to address the issue. My question is has there been an updated Service Bulletin on this repair that talks about replacing the housing? I want to have all of my facts together when I argue with the dealership about why I have to pay twice to have the same problem fixed when the first fix was not the correct one. Any information would greatly be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Mike

 

[Hib Halverson]

Early in your post you say the rear axle assy had an axle shaft seal fail which you had replaced

Later in your post you describe the common C5 problem of a leaking differential carrier side cover seal.

An "axle shaft seal" and a "side cover seal" are two different parts. Their respective leaks are also two separate problems, but without a careful inspection with good light, the car up on a lift and a relatively clean rear axle assy it might be difficult to differentiate between the two.

 

[chuck]

This might help
Corvette Action Center Knowledgebase :: 1997 - 2004: Service Bulletin: Fluid Leak at Rear Axle (Replace Left Differential Side Cover 0-Ring and Left Axle Shaft Seal, Add Sealant to Side Cover Flange))

 

[hmert7]

Thanks Hib, I believe the first part of my post incorrectly identified what was done. I reviewed the service ticket, and it said “Replace leaking rear axle cover o-ring (PN 89047953) and axle seal (PN 88996703)”. The ticket also listed PN 1052358, which I believe is the sealant. Is this the side cover seal you were referring to? Is anyone aware of this “fix” not working? The service bulletin 03-04-20-006 is dated November 18, 2003. Has there been a more recent service bulletin that includes replacing the cover? This is what the technician told me. While the vehicle was up on the lift, the technician showed me the old sealant where it oozed out at the cover mating surface and that is exactly where the leak was coming from.
Thanks