anyone still having differential leak issues

jrssky · 01-02-2007, 02:38 PM

I am curious if other SKY owners are still having Differential/Rear End Leak Issues? I had the first one replaced at 5000 miles and now at 9000 it is beginning to leak again. I am taking it to Saturn tomorrow to see what they say.

Have there been any design changes since I had the last one replaced in August?

Thanks for everyone's help.

RMFNSKY · 01-02-2007, 04:17 PM

I have 5800 miles and I'm glad to say no problems with my rearend, well maybe it's a little too big

Seriously so far so good delivered Aug 2006

MidniteBlues · 01-02-2007, 04:47 PM

Here's our ongoing poll regarding this issue (altho lately stagnate), thru the thread if I recall it has been mentioned some of the changes to date. It is still a heated and a HOT debate as far as I'm concerned regarding this issue. The "Majority" of these failures have definitely been LSD rear-ends. On the R/L some mods were added (like the torque bar) but even so, a few have developed leaks--but not in the same numbers as the 2.4L sky--yours 3 times?

Unbeleivable, have they replaced the entire thing yet? Have you experienced just leakage? were there ever other issues with the LSD? Also there was a mention about making sure that a LSD additive be added after repairs--there are multiple TB's on this & procedures etc from saturn/gm-- Differential Leak vs Break In Method

jrssky · 01-02-2007, 05:05 PM

This is the 2nd actual leak. So if they end up replacing the RDM again, I will be on #3. The first problem I detected long before the leak with a significant amount of whining. (thanks mostly to help here). At that time of the first leak they replaced the RDM in its entirety. I have noticed a smaller amount of whining recently on this second go round. It has gotten progressively louder over the past few hundered miles. I don't know if when they replaced the RDM in August if they installed any additive. I will ask that question.

I know a lot of people were having trouble a while back, but still curious if those who have the low VIN are having trouble a second time around.

Thanks

redstarmom · 01-02-2007, 05:36 PM

I thought I was safe with 7200 miles on my base Sky but last Wednesday I noticed the tell tale drops of lubricant under the car. Sure enough, they replaced the seal today and she's good as new (I hope).

GaryH · 01-02-2007, 05:39 PM

jrssky, I have VIN 1745 with LSD and 8600 miles and no leak. It's kind of noisy but, no leaks.

MidniteBlues · 01-02-2007, 05:40 PM

To answer your question, from what I have read here AND especially at the SOL forum, yes, there have been a handful of people unfortunately replacing the LSD 3 times--I also think, if I recall, there were a few--2-3 that it failed again. Then, those that went more than that got rid of the car--But in general, 3 failures have happend, esp at the SOL form. Remember not everybody who owns our cool little roadster is a member of this form. Others join, but never post, and even others, post 2-3 times and disappear. I do not however, recall a 3-LSD failure here--perhaps a search of our forum and that thread for our poll might reveal that kind of info for ya, hopefully you read thru it--BTW, I have a regular rear-end and am now very glad that I have it--

1994SC2 · 01-02-2007, 05:41 PM

I have had no leak since I last repaired my LSD about 4,000 miles ago. I check the garage floor everyday and its still spot free.

Ill continue to keep my fingers crossed.

SkyMan 08 · 01-02-2007, 09:47 PM

At almost 15K my standard diff started leaking for the first time, I took it in today and they are replacing the entire diff....

CJsSky · 01-02-2007, 10:07 PM

We had a second leak after the seals were replaced. There is a
mod to the vent tube to add a check valve.

No new leaks since.

However, we are getting some whine at 50-60 mph in fifth

Pitcom · 01-02-2007, 10:17 PM

Mine started leaking after a few months. Still gotta get in to get fixed.

cerberus · 01-02-2007, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyMan 07

At almost 15K my standard diff started leaking for the first time, I took it in today and they are replacing the entire diff....

Great to see you posting again. No doubt you know, but as a reminder to others with diff replacements, folks'll want to break in the new diff just as they did when the car was new. Very important for these diffs.

BlueSkyRL · 01-02-2007, 11:00 PM

So far with 1000 miles on my RL (LSD of course), I have only had two drops of "clear" oil. It seemed to come from the vent tube.

larry4pyro · 01-03-2007, 03:54 AM

Hi, I have an early Sky (vin 187) with a LSD. It went a little over 8,000 miles before the pinon seal let go and dumped 9 ounces of lubricant in 2 days. The seal was replaced but the dripping didn't stop. The dealer played with it and said to wait a bit to see if the dripping didn't stop. It's been a few weeks and its still dripping, but only a small drop or two a week. Guess I'll have to go back.

With the exception of the dripping, which I consider minor, the LSD works fine with no whine or clunks.

I havent seen a lot of leaking diff complaints on the Sky and Solstice forums recently, so I've wondering if the problems is beginning to fading away.

larry4pyro

**Skip** · 01-03-2007, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larry4pyro

Hi, I have an early Sky (vin 187) with a LSD. It went a little over 8,000 miles before the pinon seal let go and dumped 9 ounces of lubricant in 2 days. The seal was replaced but the dripping didn't stop. The dealer played with it and said to wait a bit to see if the dripping didn't stop. It's been a few weeks and its still dripping, but only a small drop or two a week. Guess I'll have to go back.

With the exception of the dripping, which I consider minor, the LSD works fine with no whine or clunks.

I havent seen a lot of leaking diff complaints on the Sky and Solstice forums recently, so I've wondering if the problems is beginning to fading away.

larry4pyro

According to a post by Skytech, the outside part of the seal ,that mates with the casing gets a small bead of blue glue. You know latex goo. It fills in the small imperfections on the casing. Also the inside ring of the seal gets a little bit of grease...Skip...now if they cock the seal it tant gonna be no good later on down the line...

Roadie Rob · 01-04-2007, 12:40 AM

Stopped by the dealer to check on mine...up on the rack still tonight.

Should get her back Thursday with a new seal and a new vent. They decided to replace both right away to try and alleviate any future issues.

Mine - 4,600 started on / off leaking. Worst came about 4,900. Took her in at 5,100 (probably near dry by then).

skya · 01-04-2007, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadie Rob

Stopped by the dealer to check on mine...up on the rack still tonight.

Should get her back Thursday with a new seal and a new vent. They decided to replace both right away to try and alleviate any future issues.

Mine - 4,600 started on / off leaking. Worst came about 4,900. Took her in at 5,100 (probably near dry by then).

keep us posted on what they say about the diff warranty with the turbo

snaponbob · 01-04-2007, 09:47 AM

My late August production date RL has 2400 miles on it. I am not sure if it is an issue with some stretches of road making the tires sing, or if the diff is starting to whine. The noise does not seem to be load dependent (on power or coasting with the clutch disengaged) and comes and goes. But no leaks. I guess time will tell.

vstar · 01-05-2007, 12:20 AM

Brought mine in 2 days ago to check it, I saw some type of fluid on the diff. they replaced the shock, they said that was the source of the fluid.

**LeloSKYLANM** · 01-06-2007, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstar

Brought mine in 2 days ago to check it, I saw some type of fluid on the diff. they replaced the shock, they said that was the source of the fluid.

Do you trust your dealer? I'm not sure how far away the shock is from the "punkin" but ,,,,, I think I would throw the

flag and get a 2nd opinion.

jrssky · 01-06-2007, 03:23 PM

I spoke to my dealer yesterday - they are replacing the RDM again. So I will be starting on my 3 rear end in under 9000 miles. Hopefully I will have my SKY back in a couple days. I will keep everyone posted

MidniteBlues · 01-06-2007, 08:27 PM

Hmm, I guess my question at this point to the dealer would be this question--this is you speaking to the service adviser & or manager>> "You know, this will be my 3rd LSD you guys are replacing, I also know for a fact that there have been hundreds, if not thousands of these rear ends replaced between the Soltice and the Sky's, my question to you is, am I getting "BRAND NEW LSD" this time, or this one those "rebuilt" or a "refurbished" unit??"

The reason I ask this is that simply, what do you think they are doing with the ones returned to where ever or the plant or the vendor?? Throw them away? I doubt it, they are probably rebuilding them and sending them back out to those who are doing warranty replacements, they are playing ring-around-the-defectives LSD's with those people that have had failures---I betcha--At least this time, if you get a "used" rear-end, make sure they follow the TB to the letter this time, and make sure they use the LSD additive they are suppose to be using--Good Luck amigo--Hopefully, this one will be a "good one"--

01-02-2007, 02:38 PM	#1 (permalink)
jrssky First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 56 My Photos: (0)	anyone still having differential leak issues I am curious if other SKY owners are still having Differential/Rear End Leak Issues? I had the first one replaced at 5000 miles and now at 9000 it is beginning to leak again. I am taking it to Saturn tomorrow to see what they say. Have there been any design changes since I had the last one replaced in August? Thanks for everyone's help. __________________ Jrssky Black w/ tan lid 5 sp manual premium trim LSD 6 disc Monsoon #1683 purchased 5-17-2006

01-02-2007, 04:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
RMFNSKY First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: St Louis Posts: 1,757 My Photos: (23)	I have 5800 miles and I'm glad to say no problems with my rearend, well maybe it's a little too big Seriously so far so good delivered Aug 2006 __________________ Sunburst Yellow Ordered 4/5/06 Born 7/6/06 In my Driveway 8/16/06 VIN 6510

01-02-2007, 05:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
jrssky First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 56 My Photos: (0)	This is the 2nd actual leak. So if they end up replacing the RDM again, I will be on #3. The first problem I detected long before the leak with a significant amount of whining. (thanks mostly to help here). At that time of the first leak they replaced the RDM in its entirety. I have noticed a smaller amount of whining recently on this second go round. It has gotten progressively louder over the past few hundered miles. I don't know if when they replaced the RDM in August if they installed any additive. I will ask that question. I know a lot of people were having trouble a while back, but still curious if those who have the low VIN are having trouble a second time around. Thanks __________________ Jrssky Black w/ tan lid 5 sp manual premium trim LSD 6 disc Monsoon #1683 purchased 5-17-2006

01-02-2007, 05:36 PM	#5 (permalink)
redstarmom First 2000 Join Date: May 2006 Location: East Alabama Posts: 11 My Photos: (0)	Replaced today I thought I was safe with 7200 miles on my base Sky but last Wednesday I noticed the tell tale drops of lubricant under the car. Sure enough, they replaced the seal today and she's good as new (I hope).

01-02-2007, 05:39 PM	#6 (permalink)
GaryH First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fairhope, Al Posts: 1,376 My Photos: (0)	jrssky, I have VIN 1745 with LSD and 8600 miles and no leak. It's kind of noisy but, no leaks. __________________ Silver Pearl Black/Black leather LSD CD/MP3 XM satellite 5 speed manual VIN#1745 Fiamm horn Magnaflow Quad Tip Exhaust

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01-02-2007, 04:47 PM	#3 (permalink)
MidniteBlues Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 3,573 My Photos: (0)	Here's our ongoing poll regarding this issue (altho lately stagnate), thru the thread if I recall it has been mentioned some of the changes to date. It is still a heated and a HOT debate as far as I'm concerned regarding this issue. The "Majority" of these failures have definitely been LSD rear-ends. On the R/L some mods were added (like the torque bar) but even so, a few have developed leaks--but not in the same numbers as the 2.4L sky--yours 3 times? Unbeleivable, have they replaced the entire thing yet? Have you experienced just leakage? were there ever other issues with the LSD? Also there was a mention about making sure that a LSD additive be added after repairs--there are multiple TB's on this & procedures etc from saturn/gm-- Differential Leak vs Break In Method

01-02-2007, 05:40 PM	#7 (permalink)
MidniteBlues Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 3,573 My Photos: (0)	To answer your question, from what I have read here AND especially at the SOL forum, yes, there have been a handful of people unfortunately replacing the LSD 3 times--I also think, if I recall, there were a few--2-3 that it failed again. Then, those that went more than that got rid of the car--But in general, 3 failures have happend, esp at the SOL form. Remember not everybody who owns our cool little roadster is a member of this form. Others join, but never post, and even others, post 2-3 times and disappear. I do not however, recall a 3-LSD failure here--perhaps a search of our forum and that thread for our poll might reveal that kind of info for ya, hopefully you read thru it--BTW, I have a regular rear-end and am now very glad that I have it--

01-02-2007, 05:41 PM	#8 (permalink)
1994SC2 First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Washington DC/Carlisle, PA Posts: 1,377 My Photos: (21)	I have had no leak since I last repaired my LSD about 4,000 miles ago. I check the garage floor everyday and its still spot free. Ill continue to keep my fingers crossed. __________________ 1994 SC2 (Obituary) 2007 SKY (Thread 'n Pics) VIN 326 5 spd, black trim, chromies, XM 6-disc, deck spoiler, LSD

01-02-2007, 09:47 PM	#9 (permalink)
SkyMan 08 First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: God's Country Posts: 2,900 My Photos: (16)	Mine Just started leaking Last week At almost 15K my standard diff started leaking for the first time, I took it in today and they are replacing the entire diff.... __________________ Tim Johnson City, Tenessee Nitesky 2 2008 Automatic, premimum trim Chilipepper red Black leather, black top. painted wheels. Last edited by SkyMan 08 : 01-02-2007 at 09:49 PM.

01-02-2007, 10:07 PM	#10 (permalink)
CJsSky Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 437 My Photos: (0)	We had a second leak after the seals were replaced. There is a mod to the vent tube to add a check valve. No new leaks since. However, we are getting some whine at 50-60 mph in fifth __________________ Maria #284 Midnight Blue Monsoon Sound

01-02-2007, 10:17 PM	#11 (permalink)
Pitcom 1st Known SKY RedLine Owner! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Not far from the factory Posts: 1,012 My Photos: (0)	Mine started leaking after a few months. Still gotta get in to get fixed.

01-02-2007, 11:00 PM	#13 (permalink)
BlueSkyRL First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Up North! Posts: 975 My Photos: (0)	So far with 1000 miles on my RL (LSD of course), I have only had two drops of "clear" oil. It seemed to come from the vent tube.

01-03-2007, 03:54 AM	#14 (permalink)
larry4pyro Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Carlsbad, California Posts: 140 My Photos: (0)	Hi, I have an early Sky (vin 187) with a LSD. It went a little over 8,000 miles before the pinon seal let go and dumped 9 ounces of lubricant in 2 days. The seal was replaced but the dripping didn't stop. The dealer played with it and said to wait a bit to see if the dripping didn't stop. It's been a few weeks and its still dripping, but only a small drop or two a week. Guess I'll have to go back. With the exception of the dripping, which I consider minor, the LSD works fine with no whine or clunks. I havent seen a lot of leaking diff complaints on the Sky and Solstice forums recently, so I've wondering if the problems is beginning to fading away. larry4pyro

01-04-2007, 12:40 AM	#16 (permalink)
Roadie Rob First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 319 My Photos: (0)	Stopped by the dealer to check on mine...up on the rack still tonight. Should get her back Thursday with a new seal and a new vent. They decided to replace both right away to try and alleviate any future issues. Mine - 4,600 started on / off leaking. Worst came about 4,900. Took her in at 5,100 (probably near dry by then). __________________ -Roadie Rob 2007 Sky - Hahn Stage II (gone 8/22/08) 2008 Sky Redline (new 8/22/08)

01-04-2007, 09:47 AM	#18 (permalink)
snaponbob First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lee's Summit, Mo. Posts: 1,335 My Photos: (0)	My late August production date RL has 2400 miles on it. I am not sure if it is an issue with some stretches of road making the tires sing, or if the diff is starting to whine. The noise does not seem to be load dependent (on power or coasting with the clutch disengaged) and comes and goes. But no leaks. I guess time will tell. __________________ Redline (pre-halt), Pearl, Black/Red, complete option list except auto, owner installed lock buttons, painted calipers, Solo Performance 3" single cat-back, Koni S/A's, Kurt hitch, OZ's, 295/30 Hoosiers for Solo's

01-05-2007, 12:20 AM	#19 (permalink)
vstar First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 862 My Photos: (2)	Brought mine in 2 days ago to check it, I saw some type of fluid on the diff. they replaced the shock, they said that was the source of the fluid. __________________ Vstar White, LSD Spoiler, leather Magnaflow Dual exhaust Dual CAI. NASSOA

01-06-2007, 03:23 PM	#21 (permalink)
jrssky First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 56 My Photos: (0)	update I spoke to my dealer yesterday - they are replacing the RDM again. So I will be starting on my 3 rear end in under 9000 miles. Hopefully I will have my SKY back in a couple days. I will keep everyone posted __________________ Jrssky Black w/ tan lid 5 sp manual premium trim LSD 6 disc Monsoon #1683 purchased 5-17-2006