Is this bad, really bad, or not bad at all?
JK Super Freak
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,544
Likes: 1
From: SCV, Ca
You may want to consider getting some new diff covers. The stock ones are very thin and some have a tendency to hang down lower than the pumpkin and get caught up on rocks. Thats what messed up my stock diff cover. I got some Riddler covers and have not had to worry about my diff covers since.
JK Freak
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 815
Likes: 1
From: Cody, Wyoming
If you can change your oil, you can change your dif fluid. The RTV is not complete there and it is leaking. You need to drain the fluid, pull the cover, remove old rtv, replace with new (or lube locker) and refill with fluid. piece of cake. It should be done every 12-15K anyway.
No. Just drain it all out, wipe it down with some paper towels and then spray the brake cleaner in there and wipe it out as well. Make sure to scrape off as much RTV as you can. You might also want to file the edges just to get a better contact for the RTV. Apply it, wait for about 10 mins then replace the cover. Then, go ahead and re-fill it..there is no need to wait. 
I have that all over my diffs -- since I changed my diff oil. That's all it is, oil/now grease. I wouldn't worry about this. The common scenario is your differential breather hose pushed some oil out, because you have had too much in, when going over a bump or driving at highway speeds. That, or it can even been coolant or washer fluid that spouted out when going over a bump. Or maybe your sealant needs replacing.
I would definitely change the sealant between diff cover and the diff next time you change the oil. In the meantime I would not worry about this. Your JK is 100% fine. Just watch to see if the stains get any worse or begin drippinng on your garage floor.
I would definitely change the sealant between diff cover and the diff next time you change the oil. In the meantime I would not worry about this. Your JK is 100% fine. Just watch to see if the stains get any worse or begin drippinng on your garage floor.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Papillion, NE
Ahh, so that's what the change oil indicator was for... I thought it meant that it was time to put more 3in1 oil on the hinges... 
JK Freak
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 707
Likes: 0
From: deep south
No. Just drain it all out, wipe it down with some paper towels and then spray the brake cleaner in there and wipe it out as well. Make sure to scrape off as much RTV as you can. You might also want to file the edges just to get a better contact for the RTV. Apply it, wait for about 10 mins then replace the cover. Then, go ahead and re-fill it..there is no need to wait.
JK Freak
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 815
Likes: 1
From: Cody, Wyoming
OK, after a second look, I have changed my mind..... it is total lose better not even try to drive it any more.....look since your a nice guy I'll do you a favor and haul the whole heep off for you....want even charge you anything.
After some serious shop time I'll get it running, maybe.
After some serious shop time I'll get it running, maybe.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: McKinney, TX
OK, after a second look, I have changed my mind..... it is total lose better not even try to drive it any more.....look since your a nice guy I'll do you a favor and haul the whole heep off for you....want even charge you anything.
After some serious shop time I'll get it running, maybe.
After some serious shop time I'll get it running, maybe.
LOL! Nice try, but I'll pop a hole in the floorboard and fred flintstone it if it comes to that!
Nah, seriously thanks for all the input, ya'll. I'll get some RTV and go to town! I want to eventually get some beefier diff covers, but right now the money is an issue and it's the lift I'm spending money on first.
Yet another problem solved on my favorite forum
JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Mentor, OH
LOL! Nice try, but I'll pop a hole in the floorboard and fred flintstone it if it comes to that!
Nah, seriously thanks for all the input, ya'll. I'll get some RTV and go to town! I want to eventually get some beefier diff covers, but right now the money is an issue and it's the lift I'm spending money on first.
Yet another problem solved on my favorite forum
Nah, seriously thanks for all the input, ya'll. I'll get some RTV and go to town! I want to eventually get some beefier diff covers, but right now the money is an issue and it's the lift I'm spending money on first.
Yet another problem solved on my favorite forum