Should I paint this ?

[52-fan]

This post took a turn, but I have a question. Had you driven the truck prior to finding the grease on the floor? I would definitely check the fluid level, but also consider that the leak could be at the pinion seal and only leaks when the rear is warmed up. Of course, the grease would run back onto the bottom of the cover and could make it look like the cover was leaking. Also is the vent open? The rear will build pressure if it can't vent.


1952 Champion Starlight, 1962 Daytona, both w/overdrive.Searcy,Arkansas
"I may be lazy, but I'm not shiftless."

[John and Tracy Smith]

For those of you waiting on the edge of your seats for the latest in the Smith Leak Saga, please note the following:

1) The garage floor is now clean.

2) Yes, there is oil in the differential (Tracy has smaller hands, so she volunteered to stick her finger in the hole to check for fluid...this was the trade-out for John cleaning the garage floor). P.S. Her hands are even softer now. We won't go into how they smell...

3) Oooh! The cover is shiny! How much? Where can we get one? Will you install it for a 6 pack of beer?

4) Thank goodness this is the Studebaker DRIVERS Club forum and not the Studebaker MECHANICS Club forum. We finally learned to drive a three-speed on the column, or else we might not be here. It took John 40 years to own a vehicle that didn't have a factory warranty, so we appreciate your good humor and great advice! We need the laughs to offset the tears...

5)We're embarrassed to say we don't know what or where the vent is. Can we get some help on that one? Thanks!

John and Tracy Smith
Queen Creek Arizona
http://1955studebaker.blogspot.com/

[StudeRich]

Don't feel embarrassed about that lots of people don't know that! And it is very hard to find.

You scrape (or wire brush) the top of left axle tube (drivers side) and somewhere in the center of the distance between the Diff. and the brake backing plate just slightly to the rear of straight up, you will find a small pinhole which you can clean around it and insert a finishing nail or straight pin into.

I would guess that this was not an exact spot (requirement), just the most common! It could be straight up, or a little left or right of center. [^]

StudeRich -Studebakers Northwest Ferndale, WA

[jlmccuan]

That cover is mounted on a super rare R7.5 Dana 44, which if you check at the Museum of Transportation you will find were all machined from solid cherry as a tribute to the Studebaker wagon ancestry.

Jim

_________1966 Avanti II RQA 0088______________Rabid Snail Racing

[A1956GoldenHawk]

quote:Originally posted by John and Tracy Smith

For those of you waiting on the edge of your seats for the latest in the Smith Leak Saga, please note the following:

1) The garage floor is now clean.

2) Yes, there is oil in the differential (Tracy has smaller hands, so she volunteered to stick her finger in the hole to check for fluid...this was the trade-out for John cleaning the garage floor). P.S. Her hands are even softer now. We won't go into how they smell...

3) Oooh! The cover is shiny! How much? Where can we get one? Will you install it for a 6 pack of beer?

4) Thank goodness this is the Studebaker DRIVERS Club forum and not the Studebaker MECHANICS Club forum. We finally learned to drive a three-speed on the column, or else we might not be here. It took John 40 years to own a vehicle that didn't have a factory warranty, so we appreciate your good humor and great advice! We need the laughs to offset the tears...

5)We're embarrassed to say we don't know what or where the vent is. Can we get some help on that one? Thanks!

John and Tracy Smith
Queen Creek Arizona

[)]

[John and Tracy Smith]

If this the vent? If so, it's clear after scraping all of the garbage off of it. If not, we have a hole in our axle tube...

Here is the end result after we got some paint on it. All we had was flat black, but figured that would do for now to keep the rust at bay. We're happy with results. It looks nice and clean and still no more leaks. We still need to take it for a drive to see if the leak shows up again then.




John and Tracy Smith
Queen Creek Arizona
http://1955studebaker.blogspot.com/

[jjones]

John and Stacy
If I remember correctly from your blog, you also have a transmission/rear engine leak. This could easily be the source of the oil on your differential. If not, following your trials and tribulations on a fairly regular basis, I suspect the pair of you could replace either the cover gasket or a pinion seal with a little instruction. And by the way, the reflection of your truck in the moon hubcap of the 1947 City of Phoenix garbage truck orange M5 is beautiful.

Jeff

[N8N]

quote:Originally posted by StudeRich

Good grief, that thing belongs on a TANK, not a Studebaker! [:0]

What do you do with those little hollow inside hex stud and nut thingys! [:0] Must be to mount your Turbonique Jet Turbine Engine!

StudeRich
Studebakers Northwest
Ferndale, WA

I think those are supposed to be bearing cap supports. once the cover is installed, you tighten those down and lock them in place so that the cover is bracing the bearing caps.

And yes, I want one of those covers. Not that I have enough torque to be breaking internal rear end bits, but it just looks cool. Shiny. And cool. Would look better if it were fully polished, though. The fill hole is awful high on that one though, must be a high-pinion 4x4 part...

Have I mentioned that I have a near crow-like obsession with shiny things? Especially shiny car parts.

Oh, and John and Tracy - that rear end looks much better now. Only thing is, it kinda stands out next to the rest of the underside of the truck, doesn't it? Guess you have to detail the rear springs next. But once you do that, they'll stand out next to the frame. And then...

Well, see ya in a couple years. Have fun! [] (but at least you'll find that leak now.)

nate

--
55 Commander Starlight
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[wolfie]

Just so you know that rear cover is really simple to remove/replace assuming its like the ones I have done on cars(I believe it is).Just unbolt it,clean everything,new gasket and sealer,bolt it back up and add fresh grease.The pinion seal is a bit more complex but still an easy repair(airtools are priceless to remove the pinion nut).Once you find the leak let us know and someone will walk you through it.Best of luck,Steve

[Great Santinni]

All i an say is i haven't seen you be that handy with tools since you took apart your electric truck at three.

Now if you'd helped your poor ol man with all them race cars and junkers. Just think how easy this would have been.

Great job, looks like Tracy knows her stuff. let me know how the spring cleaning and painting turns out.

And if you feel the need, your old pappy would be happy if ol snorts diff looked this good when he got home.

[A1956GoldenHawk]

quote:Originally posted by Great Santinni

All i an say is i haven't seen you be that handy with tools since you took apart your electric truck at three.
Now if you'd helped your poor ol man with all them race cars and junkers. Just think how easy this would have been. Great job, looks like Tracy knows her stuff. let me know how the spring cleaning and painting turns out. And if you feel the need, your old pappy would be happy if ol snorts diff looked this good when he got home.

WOW!!! ...yet another first time poster!

Welcome GS and congratulations on your move up from "LURKER" status to "PARTICIPANT" status.

[John and Tracy Smith]

Welcome to the forum Dad , without you we wouldn't be here!

John and Tracy Smith
Queen Creek Arizona
http://1955studebaker.blogspot.com/

[BobGlasscock]

Maybe now that Dad is here, John and Tracy will behave themselves.

'50 Champion, 1 family owner

[oldguy]

Just a reminder, Primer paints do not seal out moisture, so double check that flat black. If it was primer, hit it again with flat black enamel. Otherwise, you're lookin good.

San antonio TX. 53 Champion Coupe, to be brought back from the dead.
"Of course it will fit, I have a torch"