Rear Differential gasket source?
I don't want to offend, but RTV can be tricky stuff. Make sure that you apply it to one surface, and then let it set for about 15-20 minutes. Then place diff cover on diff and try not to let it move too much while putting all of the bolts in FINGER TIGHT. Then use the same star pattern that you would use to tighten a wheel or head gasket. Make sure that you use factory torque specs. And I have found in the application your using it on a wide thin layer works a lot better than a fat bead. And if you put gear oil in before the RTV sets you've just discounted ALL of your previous steps of preparation.
If this is all info that you already knew please disregard.
If this is all info that you already knew please disregard.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 24,686
Likes: 21
From: South Georgia/East Florida
I don't want to offend, but RTV can be tricky stuff. Make sure that you apply it to one surface, and then let it set for about 15-20 minutes. Then place diff cover on diff and try not to let it move too much while putting all of the bolts in FINGER TIGHT. Then use the same star pattern that you would use to tighten a wheel or head gasket. Make sure that you use factory torque specs. And I have found in the application your using it on a wide thin layer works a lot better than a fat bead. And if you put gear oil in before the RTV sets you've just discounted ALL of your previous steps of preparation.
If this is all info that you already knew please disregard.
If this is all info that you already knew please disregard.
No, I agree you have to use the stuff correctly. The biggest fault I've seen is people applying it and sticking the diff cover on right away, before it's had a chance to set...
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 82
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From: Commerce,Mi
The problem I see people do is torque down the diff cover where the impressed the bolt in the diff cover.(this is usually done from air tools).Make sure that the diff cover is flat no indents where the bolt goes threw the diff cover ..If so get a hammer and beat them out..Again make sure there is no trace of oil when you apply the silicone..You can use Blue, Black ,Grey silicone But prefer Grey..Ive use nothing else than silicone..
Hope all helps..Patience is key.
Hope all helps..Patience is key.
Thread Starter
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All Star
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 777
Likes: 1
From: NH
I don't want to offend, but RTV can be tricky stuff. Make sure that you apply it to one surface, and then let it set for about 15-20 minutes. Then place diff cover on diff and try not to let it move too much while putting all of the bolts in FINGER TIGHT. Then use the same star pattern that you would use to tighten a wheel or head gasket. Make sure that you use factory torque specs. And I have found in the application your using it on a wide thin layer works a lot better than a fat bead. And if you put gear oil in before the RTV sets you've just discounted ALL of your previous steps of preparation.
If this is all info that you already knew please disregard.
If this is all info that you already knew please disregard.
I just called Auto Zone (thank you to the member who suggested them) and they have one in stock. So ill be picking one up and washing my hands of this hassle. A proper gasket that is intalled properly will seal just as well as RTV and the beauty of it is, when it comes time to change the fluid again, their is no hassle of scraping off old RTV from the surfaces and the bolts and no issues with any amount of oil contaminating the RTV causing it to fail. And no waiting period for it to set or risk of tightening it too soon. If RTV had an advantage, i could understand. But the entire gasket costs $4.99 which is less then a tube of RTV.
Last edited by NV290; Nov 28, 2011 at 10:44 AM.
Rookie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 50
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From: Indiana
I changed differentials out last week and my local Autozone didn't have any gaskets in stock but were able to order gaskets for both front and back. I also used gasket sealant instead of rtv and it seems to be working great. It's also the "non-hardening" stuff so it will be easy to cleanup I hope. Anyone else used this stuff before?
Permatex/3 oz. tube Form-A-Gasket no. 2 sealant
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Permatex-3-oz-tube-Form-A-Gasket-no-2-sealant/_/N-25c6?counter=0&itemIdentifier=526681_0_0_
Permatex/3 oz. tube Form-A-Gasket no. 2 sealant
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Permatex-3-oz-tube-Form-A-Gasket-no-2-sealant/_/N-25c6?counter=0&itemIdentifier=526681_0_0_
Last edited by boxerguy84; Nov 29, 2011 at 09:59 PM.
Moderate User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 17,003
Likes: 21
From: Albany, NY
Dont use a gasket. I've done hundreds of diff jobs and haven't had one leak to date!
When you use basic RTV sealant, you really need to LIGHTLY torque it down evenly. Then, let it dry for atleast 2hrs before pouring any type of diff fluid in there. I've never applied to both surfaces either. I just clean really well, apply the bead evenly and on both sides of the bolt holes, and wathc the sealant bead squish out slightly as I tighten the botls down. I usually make my way around the cover 3 or 4 times, little by little.
BUT, if you use the Permatex 1-Minute "Right Stuff" in a can dispenser, then you can tighten the cover down and pour and drive right away. I only use that stuff, and use it for EVERYTHING!!!
When you use basic RTV sealant, you really need to LIGHTLY torque it down evenly. Then, let it dry for atleast 2hrs before pouring any type of diff fluid in there. I've never applied to both surfaces either. I just clean really well, apply the bead evenly and on both sides of the bolt holes, and wathc the sealant bead squish out slightly as I tighten the botls down. I usually make my way around the cover 3 or 4 times, little by little.
BUT, if you use the Permatex 1-Minute "Right Stuff" in a can dispenser, then you can tighten the cover down and pour and drive right away. I only use that stuff, and use it for EVERYTHING!!!
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 24,686
Likes: 21
From: South Georgia/East Florida
The tube says "APPLY TO BOTH SURFACES, WAIT 1 MINUTE AND THEN ASSEMBLE". I followed the manufacturers instructions perfectly and it has failed, twice. If i am supposed to wait 15-20 minutes, why does the tube say otherwise?
I just called Auto Zone (thank you to the member who suggested them) and they have one in stock. So ill be picking one up and washing my hands of this hassle. A proper gasket that is intalled properly will seal just as well as RTV and the beauty of it is, when it comes time to change the fluid again, their is no hassle of scraping off old RTV from the surfaces and the bolts and no issues with any amount of oil contaminating the RTV causing it to fail. And no waiting period for it to set or risk of tightening it too soon. If RTV had an advantage, i could understand. But the entire gasket costs $4.99 which is less then a tube of RTV.
I just called Auto Zone (thank you to the member who suggested them) and they have one in stock. So ill be picking one up and washing my hands of this hassle. A proper gasket that is intalled properly will seal just as well as RTV and the beauty of it is, when it comes time to change the fluid again, their is no hassle of scraping off old RTV from the surfaces and the bolts and no issues with any amount of oil contaminating the RTV causing it to fail. And no waiting period for it to set or risk of tightening it too soon. If RTV had an advantage, i could understand. But the entire gasket costs $4.99 which is less then a tube of RTV.
I can't blame you for using a gasket if you've failed to have a good seal with RTV, but I can't agree with you that RTV has no advantage. Gaskets will fail at some point, 100% of the time. Yeah, that time could be in 100,000 miles and not be an issue because you're supposed to change the diff fluid every 30k, but regardless, gaskets will fail at some point. RTV, if it seals on day one, that differential will be laying at the bottom of a landfill a hundred years from now and that RTV will still have a solid seal between the housing and cover...