Wet differential. How urgent to fix?

[adam_knox]

Well, looks like heading into the second week of June and still have yet to take the car for a spin even around the block. Putting on the new leaf springs (which didn't look like they were neccesary) and noticed my differential is wet. Guessing its leaking. So my question is can I just change the fluid and forget about it for awhile? In August I'm planing/hoping to do a road trip with the car to the coast, so assuming it doesn't leave a puddle under the car am I okay? Or is it when I'm driving I'm creating a really cool oil slick like a James Bond auto accessory?

Any tips from you guys would be appreciated. I just really want to drive my car, and am annoyed I still have a manifold leak I gotta solve again, let alone the differential and any other normal stuff that pops up (or out!) during driving season...

[Joe Flanagan]

More knowledgeable guys will chime in but I would say if you aren't seeing a puddle under your car, you're OK. You can remove the plug and check the level by sticking your finger in there. I think it's supposed to be just below the hole where the plug threads in. Check your manual. It seems to me I see a lot of differentials that are wet from minor leaks.

[TodFitch]

...snip... It seems to me I see a lot of differentials that are wet from minor leaks.

Don't you mean they all leak a little? Not sure I've ever seen a pre-1960 car that was actually driven that didn't look like it had leaked a little at the drive pinion seal.

[greg g]

I guess I would clean it up and see where the leak originated from. A pinion seal leak is the most likely, and because the car is moving forward the lube will grt schmered to the rear. If its leaking out the axle ends onto the backing plate this will eventually contaminate the brake shoes and cause problems with grabbing brakes. If it a cople drops where you park and the car doesn't get much use regular chack and top up will get you through many years of occasional use.

[Jerry Roberts]

While you are under there checking the oil level , see if the vent on top is pluged up . It has a little crimped cap on top that should wiggle freely .

[Joe Flanagan]

Yeah, and that's not a minor thing. I read that a clogged vent can cause damage to the grease seals in your rear axle. Heated air in your differential expands and can't get out the vent so it blows out the seals. I would say correct me if I'm wrong but I know that is not necessary.

[old woolie]

You are exactly right Joe.