Gear box leak after getting 4.10s

[Jeronimojc]

I got 4.10 gears installed a few months ago. Today I noticed an oil leak :eek: I could take the car back to the shop that installed the new gears, but I may just do this myself and save me some time.

I've heard of some people using silicone only (no gasket). This seems odd to me, but wanted to get opinions from more experienced folks.

Also, any ideas as to why the gears started leaking after months of no issues? The shop used silicone. I want to avoid making the same mistake. I've read you need to let the silicone cure some, before placing the parts together, If you don't, you may end up with leaks. :help:

UPDATE: I found three bolts laying at the bottom of the box. It seems the gears are loose (See Post #13) :mad2:.

Thanks

[guspech750]

Mine has silicone. No issues.

Perhaps a little oil dripped on the sealing surface right before installing the cover and your install guy missed it or said **** it.

Easy fix though. Just buy new fluid, friction modifier and a tube of RTV/gasket maker. Drain it, clean the surface really well and reinstall the cover.


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DTR + 4.10's + Eaton swap = Wreeeeeeeeeeeeeeedom

[Jeronimojc]

Sounds easy enough. Thanks!!

[jaywish]

Clean surfaces really well, Repeat, repeat and follow directions on your rtv gasket maker, some require a set up before final torque.

[MOTOWN]

It never came with a gasket from the factory, just RTV silicone.

[EMAS]

You do want to let it sit for awhile so it can cure before refilling.

Permatex now makes a gear oil specific RTV, haven't used it myself though. http://www.permatex.com/products/product-categories/gasketing/gasket-makers/permatex-gear-oil-rtv-gasket-maker-detail

[fastblackmerc]

What everyone else said.

Clean and dry surfaces.

Follow directions on package of sealer / gasket maker.

[Jeronimojc]

Thanks for all the advice! Now I am actually motivated to get started.

[justbob]

I've used gaskets or RTV, both are fine. And I have never once let it set up. Never once a leak.


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[F2F]

hey its an excuse to use Royal Purple Gear oil and to buy one of those Cobra rearend covers that are being sold on here. I ordered one today. I mean thats what were all here for us to help eachother spend more money. right?

[martyo]

HINT: Let the RTV set up well before filling the rear end again.


And silicone alone is perfectly fine.

[MyBlackBeasts]

I've read you need to let the silicone cure some, before placing the parts together, If you don't, you may end up with leaks.

No! Do not let set-up before assembly. You want to let it set up AFTER assembly.

Thoroughly scrape & clean ALL old gasket/RTV (Patience & a razor blade are your friens here) from both surfaces. After assembled allow the RTV to cure some before filling with fluid.

Best product for this job is available from FLAPS and is called Right Stuff by Permatex.

Good luck with the repair!

PS: Make sure the vent hose is not kinked/blocked & vent is clear/clean (or still has factory plug in it like mine did:mad2:).

[Jeronimojc]

When I opened the cover plate there was very little oil left I decided to inspect the gear for damage and was surprised to find three bolts laying at the bottom of the box :mad2:. These had come off from the ring gear. All other bolts on the ring gear were loose.

Then I decided to see how the gears were fit. I don't have experience with this but to me the gears appear too loose. I took a video to show you guys and see if I can get some advice. I shot the video before I installed the ring bolts, but gears appear loose even after I tightened everything up.

uVRv_CLoGFg

If the gears are too loose, I'll go back to the shop and ask them to fix them. If the gears are okay, I'll fix thing myself and will call them to make sure they know what crappy work they produced. :puke: Thoughts?

[Jeronimojc]

I mean thats what were all here for us to help eachother spend more money. right?
Well said!

It turns out it was a good thing I decided to do this myself. I found other problems that concern me. I started a new thread...
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=87377

Thanks!

[Jeronimojc]

No! Do not let set-up before assembly. You want to let it set up AFTER assembly.

Thanks for clarifying. That makes more sense.

[fastblackmerc]

The ring gear bolts should have been installed with red Locktite and torqued to the proper spec (77 foot pounds).

There should be some play in the gears.

[jaywish]

Do you have access to a dial indicator and magnetic base?
If not, perhaps someone with a gauge or much hands on experience should look at the play.

Also check the outer ends of the axles for vertical play and signs of leaks. There really should not be much if any vertical play. In & out is ok, up & down not so much.

You dodged a bullet there, good call on opening her up.

[justbob]

IIRC the magic number to hit was around 10-12 thousands for backlash. I settled for 8 on my final set up and they are whisper quiet beyond triple digits. I would be more concerned that the crush washer didn't crush a tad and leave the pinion loose. This was the cause of my early failure and why I did it myself this time to finally learn the procedure.

I took the advice from others and pitched the crush washer in favor of a solid washer to avoid any future issues with the manual, 487 #'s of torque comes on NOW and not cushioned by a torque converter.


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[F2F]

More importantly have you talked to the a@#$//// who installed it?

[VMARAUDER]

I have had my Marauder 3 years now and I have learned that you let only certain people work on your Marauder. My axle seals are leaking and fortunately the shop that did them is going to fix it on Thurs. After that I am going to be very selective on who toucher the Red Car. I also found that I have that "1 wheel peel" syndrome so on Thurs I am going to have them install the Ford Racing carbon clutches too.

[Jeronimojc]

The ring gear bolts should have been installed with red Locktite and torqued to the proper spec (77 foot pounds).

There should be some play in the gears.

Thanks, I went back to read about proper installation "after" I had already re-installed them. I will pull the bolts out and do this properly (with locktite) and enough torque.