QuestionQUESTION: I had my rear diff replaced about a yr and a half ago on my Mustang 2000 GT convert after being told that the Limited disc was leaking. I have had to take it back every 3 months..it wont hold additive. I even took it to another shop after the third time back at the original shop. That shop said it looked ok just needed more fluid. I got rear ended two weeks ago straight on and the shop that fixed my car said that there was previous damage from a previous accident that was not fixed properly- that was 3 years ago. That accident was a hit to the rear end on the driver side. Everything was "banged" back out. In other words, I was told the job was shady and alot of money was pocketed. Well after that accident my car was supposedly fixed, it sat for over a year because I moved out of state and did not get it until later. When I started driving it, a month later is when I started having rear diff issues. So I have two questions, can the rear diff problem be a cause of that first accident? And secondly, what would cause the rear diff to continue to lose fluids and grind, thunk, and make other noises continually? Should I go to another shop? I am at a loss and out of money trying to fix and find the problem
ANSWER: the easiest way for you to handle this problem is to take it to a place that does alignments and check if the thrust angle ( the relationship of the rear being straight in comparison to the front ) if the thrust angle is off severe enough, it will cause premature rear axle bearing and seal wear. there is no doubt in your explaining that the first accident is the cause of all your rear end concerns.
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QUESTION: So if the thrust angle is bad or severe enough, would the rear diff need to be rebuilt again. I know I did not put wear and tear on the car to make the rear diff go out again.. after it was rebuilt, I had to take it back with in a month and then the next month and then the third month...etc..so essentially, would this come back to the original person who fixed the rear diff to have them replace it again? Is is my fault it is failing? what am I doing wrong? Or if I have the original accident fixed properly, will these problems stop? Im sorry for all the questions, I am just frustrated.
Answerfirst- no, this is not your fault. it is not uncommon to need to replace these seals from time to time but after the second time. the mechanic should have been leary there was a problem. unfortunatley, if infact you find the rear end is out of alignment or something is bent ( which should show up on the alignment machine ). the seals, axle bearings and axle may need replacing again. if the axles and bearings have been wearing in an uneven pattern due to the thrust angle problem. replacing the seals only will not help as they will leak again. and there are never too any questions. ask all you want, that is what i am here for.
