[SD07NISMO]

It looks like I've got a pretty good oil seep/leak from my M226 differential, and I'm not real sure what the best thing to do about it is. I bought the truck used (2007) a couple months ago, so I don't really know what the maintenance history is on it, but its nearing 59k miles. It looks like there's a lot of the gray RTV around the seal, so I'm not sure if it was just applied poorly the last time or what? I found the Mag-Hytec gasket for the M226 in another post so I'm thinking about switching to that, but I don't know if I'm comfortable doing the work myself. If I can get this covered under warranty, would the dealership install the gasket for me? Also, I've read about the axle-vent mod and will be doing that once I get this fixed. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

 

[dubie2003]

If you are under warranty, then just bring it in and they will fix it. They will probably not use the maghytec gasket thou. I would just be concerned that too much fluid leaked out and may have caused damage to the internals.

You could always upgrade to the OEM Titan diff cover (aluminum) with the maghytec gasket down the road if you would like.

 

[Dan in Littleton]

I haven't had to do it to either one of my Frontier's, but I have done it to several trucks I had in the past. To replace the gasket really isn't hard, if you do it, just make sure you don't cross thread the bolts when your putting the cover back on.

 

[penski61]

id just buy the gasket and do it yourself

it would take 30minutes to an hour depending on your mechanical ability , all you need to do is
first remove the fill plug then the drain plug
drain the fluid
remove cover
clean off old rtv , making sure you clean the cover and the diff up real good and make sure not to get any in the diff itself
put the maghytec gasket on
bolt on cover and torque to specs
re-fill till fluid comes out the plug

 

[FitzIngarage]

If you've not done this kind of thing before, my only advice would be that you have a new tube of RTV sealant (your hand will get tired trying to empty a near dead tube of the stuff while you're hurrying along trying to avoid the drying of what you've already put down) and to have your torque wrench pre-set with the proper socket so that you can get right to work. I've put on several oil pans and you do not want anything to delay or interupt you as you're laying down your bead and setting the bolts. And of course criss-cross as you tighten, just as you would with lug nuts on a tire.

I'd probably go with Permatex Ultra Gray RTV as my sealant; perhaps other members have a better suggestion.

Tighten to 31 FT/LB, which is a rather light load. If someone else before you tried this without a torque wrench, perhaps they tightened the bolts too much or too little and caused the leak. Good luck with your work.

 

[Devius1]

I've done the Silicone way and the Mag-Hytec.. Gasket is way nicer!


While you're at it might as well swap to a Titan cover..

 

[SD07NISMO]

Thanks for the replies so far. I've got an appointment with the dealership on Monday to see if they'll cover it under warranty. If so, I'll probably go that route and then think about upgrading to the Titan + Mag-Hytec gasket later on. Anyone know about how much the Titan cover costs?

 

[badbrad358]

Thanks for the replies so far. I've got an appointment with the dealership on Monday to see if they'll cover it under warranty. If so, I'll probably go that route and then think about upgrading to the Titan + Mag-Hytec gasket later on. Anyone know about how much the Titan cover costs?

My experience with the M226 is it's a leaker, period. My '06 SE with 6 speed diff cover has leaked twice. Re-sealed with Permatex Ultra Gray RTV and it has been fine with Amsoil Severe Gear lube. I talked to Permatex about this and they said a lot of the friction modifiers that are being used today permeate their RTV's and they're not sure why. Redline and Royal Purple both leaked through my diff covers.

I also have had the pinion seal leak twice, once replaced under warranty and now I have 76k miles and it's leaking again. I think that's my Saturday project this weekend. BTW, it's a $50 seal, a real pain and expensive.

I started a thread the other day about this because a friend of mine has had pinion seal leak and both axle seals on his '05 Nismo. Overall, I honestly wish I had the C200 Nissan axle, even if it isn't as strong as the morphed Dana 44.

BTW, I have put a proper vent on the axle as well, it's been on it for quite awhile now.