Ever noticed a black puddle under the rear of your vehicle after you move it?

There could be a chance your rear axle is leaking like mine was! Not sure how to fix it and want to save a bundle of money repairing it yourself?

Keep scrolling!

This is a fairly simple job that anyone could do with little prior experience.

@alovelymess and I own a 94 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and while I was under it a few days ago I noticed the rear differential cover was leaking a good bit. It was almost to the point where it would start dripping if I didn't fix it quick! I ran for my life! to the store to pick up some gear oil, and RTV (gasket maker to seal the cover).

Step 1: Move vehicle into garage.

Step 2: Lay on concrete floor.

Step 3: Realize concrete is fracking cold.

Step 4: Turn on heater.

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Before starting:

Notice the little black circle? That is where you put the fluid back in. Some differentials will have a bolt instead of a rubber plug, MAKE SURE you can loosen this bolt before draining any fluid. If it is rusted or stripped and you can't remove it, you can't put the fluid back in which would be bad.

After pulling the Jeep into the garage I used a 1/2" socket (your size may be different), impact (ratchet will work just fine if you don't have an impact), and chisel (something flat to separate the gasket) to remove the cover. Don't forget the drain pan!

Remove all but one bolts holding the cover on. I usually just barely loosen the top bolt, this way the cover doesn't fall off and cause a big mess.

Using a chisel or flat object, separate the gasket between the cover and axle to drain the fluid. Careful, it could be messy.

You're now left with this. While this finishes dripping, direct your attention to the cover.

While you're waiting for that to finish dripping, you can go ahead and clean up the cover. I used a scraper to remove the old gasket then used steel wool to be sure it was all off. Then wipe with a solvent to be sure all grease, oil, and dirt is off of the mating surface. (I didn't take a before shot, oops.)

Now, start scraping the gasket off the axle. I covered the gears with a towel to avoid getting the material on them. After scraping, I used steel wool and cleaned the whole inside with brake cleaner to get it all clean.

Next, grab your RTV and put a nice bead of it along the mating surface on the cover.

According to the instructions on the bottle: It states to finger tighten then come back an hour later to completely tighten it. It also states to let product cure for 24 hours before putting fluid back in.

Now fill it with fluid! I used 80w-90 gear oil, but follow your vehicle manufacture recommendations.....or google it. When the fluid begins to spill out the hole, it's full!

Replace your rubber plug or bolt, and you're done!

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