SYLAR

Hey everyone. My first post here!

Make a long story short I bought a 99 3.8L about a year and a half ago. It's at about 100K right now. Getting ready for full blown tune up.

I put her in the garage for the winter in November.

In late august I noticed some fluid on the ground around the rear differential area. Which lead me to believe it was the diff. leaking. Maybe needing a new gasket or rtv seal. Which is something I can do myself, although I never have done it before.

However the thing that was bothering me around the same time my brake light was coming on. Especially when I was shifting. I eventually noticed the brake fluid was down. About a half inch maybe less in the resivoir. I topped it up and the light went away. 2 months later light was coming on. Brake fluid down again. I know Im going to need front pads in the near future. Im down about to about 30 percent left in the front. And about 70 in the rear. The rear pads look good.

I guess my question is are there any brake lines or connections near the differential area?

Is it normal for the brake fluid to drop 1/4" to 1/2" in the resivoir when pads wear down? I do drive pretty hard and fast Its not my daily driver. I know for a fact its not fuel leaking. It is some time of grease/oil.

PS.The weird thing and why Im asking is because there is no fluid on the ground as of december. The car has been sitting since then. Seems to be only when I drive?? Can't really check for leaks right now since there is none since car has been sitting? Just dont want to mess around with the diff. if nothing is wrong. I guess I can top off brake fluid and pump brakes for a while? The fluid is dark.

Hope for a little insight! Thanks!

Jay.

sIx

Hmm, sounds like the brake fluid...where at are you seeing the fluid (when it does leak) right in the middle of the axle or off to the side?

And its not really a bad idea to drain the rear end fluid and put a new gasket on, not that expensive for all the stuff

neo8222

there should be a t fitting around the center of the rear axle housing for the brake lines. jack the car up in the rear, get under with a flashlight and get a friend to pump then mash the brakes and look to see if anythings dripping.

SYLAR

It is definetly right in the middle of the axle. Ill check for this tee fitting this weekend. May as well change the diff. fluid and gasket while im there too. So Im assuming this tee fitting takes the to rear brakes and sends them to the master cylinder. Can the fitting/hose be tightened?

sIx

If its loose, I don't see why not...

if its damaged at all, then No