Changing diff cover, Use RTV?

ucf_motorcycle · 06-20-2006, 04:04 PM

Well my used 04 Titan has 72,000 miles on it. I want to change the diff fluids and transfer case fluid since I don't know what they look like. The tranny fluid looks really clean so I won't be touching that for a while.

So I bought all Mobil 1 synthetic stuff. (Cost close to $100 for the two diffs and the transfer case)

Anyway I decided to put the new diff cover on there too. Do you use RTV to seal it?
Another thing is the Permatex Ultra black I have says 24 hours to cure. Do I have to wait 24 hours before filling up this diff and driving it?

I definetely don't want this stuff to leak but I don't have a 24 hour period with no truck coming up anytime soon.

SOCALTITANKC4X4LE · 06-20-2006, 04:08 PM

I used Permatex on my aftermarket Diff. cover. I didn't wait for it to cure. I just put the Diff fluid in, and it did not leak. I also drove the truck right away to test for leaks, no leaks found.

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 06-20-2006, 08:54 PM

When I upgraded my 04 to the Nissan 05 cover, I got it in a kit that included the cover, new bolts, brake bracket, all fluids and a tube of Nissans gasket goop. I would use permatex otherwise.

bestatchess · 06-20-2006, 09:46 PM

I used ultra black (w/o reading instructions) as follows:

1: clean surfaces with brake cleaner & rag

2: apply bead

3: wait about 10 minutes for the RTV to congeal a bit

4: assemble, tighten bolts to maybe only 15 ft-lbs or so.

5: leave over night

6: tighten bolts to 20-25 ft-lbs

7: fill

8: immediately drive

I haven't had any leaks. From prior experience, it seems to me that leaks are caused by not cleaning the surfaces properly, or over tightening the bolts, particularly when the RTV has not set up, squishing all the RTV out from between the parts.