Leak from hole above rear differential 06 m35x (with picture

[cji4130]

i looked underneath my car tonight and noticed i have some leaking coming from above my rear differential. its leaking on top of the driver side mid pipe and it looks pretty nasty. please help. i just got it back from the dealership on Tuesday after having the transmission fluid changed, just in case that could have anything to do with it. i have provided a picture also. someone shed some light on this

[Ilya]

Take it RIGHT BACK!

[cji4130]

tell me why?!?!!

[Ilya]

It's pretty obvious. Car was fine till you saw the dealer. 1 day later, you're leaking after they did work.

Dunno about you, but that's all the evidence I need for me to bring it back and tell them, point blank, "Fix it."

[cji4130]

the car is no longer under warranty and i cant afford to pay to have this fixed. Do you think they will charge me?..also what is that hole above the rear differential?

[a.blanco0905]

Take it RIGHT BACK!

x2

Because leaks aren't healthy!!! Lol... Seriously tho, how could the dealership miss that? That's the type of sh*t that gets on my nerves about them at times, Z or Steve will come on and help you out soon... I've no idea what this could be. I hope it's not bad tho, good luck!!!

Keep us posted!!!

[cji4130]

thanks blanco and ilya. i appreciate your quick responses. i hope this isnt deadly. =(

[lovemycarM35]

maybe it's just oil left over from transmission fluid change is it fresh oil? because if they didn't touch that part there going to low ball you

[Ilya]

the car is no longer under warranty and i cant afford to pay to have this fixed. Do you think they will charge me?..also what is that hole above the rear differential?

If they touched that part during their work then they will have to fix it under warranty (30 day or whatever), not under the factory warranty. Otherwise threaten them with the better business bureau.

[cji4130]

maybe it's just oil left over from transmission fluid change is it fresh oil? because if they didn't touch that part there going to low ball you

is the hole over the rear differential the drain plug for the transmission fluid? im pretty sure its oil and not transmission fluid but i may be mistaken. it doesnt smell and it does seem fresh. i also noticed that it only leaks when the car is running. it almost looks like some kind of worn out seal, that shouldnt be very expensive to replace. if someone knows where to look in the service manual for the diagram of whatever it is above the rear differential please reply. in other news i called ray catena and told them the situation and he was quick to deny his dealership had anything to do with it, stating that "the transmission is in the front of the car" (like i didnt know that ). if we cant figure out what it is i guess ill have no choice but to bring it back

[Ilya]

Did you have the transmission service or the AWD service (aka 4 wheel service)? There is a difference. It's two separate services. I guess I should have asked you that earlier, but I just realized you had an X model.

Also, don't be quick to let Ray Catena off the hook too fast. I believe the tranmissions service does the following:

- Transmission

The 4 wheel service (AWD) does the following:

- Front and rear differential
- Transfer case

Here is an email from my service guy when I was inquiring about the service(s):

I'm afraid its to separate services when it comes to the transmission/diff fluid flushes. The transmission service is $230 and the Four Wheel Drive service (front, rear and transfer cases flush is an additional $225.

Which one did you pay for? If the latter, then I'd most definitely fight the dealer on this. If the former, then I'd say it probably wasn't them as they shouldn't have been back there for any reason.

[cji4130]

Did you have the transmission service or the AWD service (aka 4 wheel service)? There is a difference. It's two separate services. I guess I should have asked you that earlier, but I just realized you had an X model.

Also, don't be quick to let Ray Catena off the hook too fast. I believe the tranmissions service does the following:

- Transmission

The 4 wheel service (AWD) does the following:

- Front and rear differential
- Transfer case

Here is an email from my service guy when I was inquiring about the service(s):

I'm afraid its to separate services when it comes to the transmission/diff fluid flushes. The transmission service is $230 and the Four Wheel Drive service (front, rear and transfer cases flush is an additional $225.

Which one did you pay for? If the latter, then I'd most definitely fight the dealer on this. If the former, then I'd say it probably wasn't them as they shouldn't have been back there for any reason.

Thanks for your input. yes i do have an x model, and only paid for a transmission service (about $130.00). i was going change the differential oil myself soon, should i reconsider? also if anyone would like a better picture to help verify exactly what it is that is leaking i would be more than happy to take another.

[bbs350z]

you blew your diff bushing. thats not the dealerships fault. the oem diff bushing is very weak, and is fluid filled. i ran into this problem with my 350z and ended up getting a solid diff mount set. im unsure of the price for an oem set but i got my set for under 200, and did the work myself. easy, but time consuming.


similar scenario (on 350z)
http://my350z.com/forum/engine-and-driv ... shing.html

sikky and spl make solid bushin sets

[cji4130]

you blew your diff bushing. thats not the dealerships fault. the oem diff bushing is very weak, and is fluid filled. i ran into this problem with my 350z and ended up getting a solid diff mount set. im unsure of the price for an oem set but i got my set for under 200, and did the work myself. easy, but time consuming.


similar scenario (on 350z)
http://my350z.com/forum/engine-and-driv ... shing.html

sikky and spl make solid bushin sets

thank you! im looking for bushing sets for my m35x as we speak but im confused. would the one for the g35 fit my m? if the rear one is blown is it possible the front one could be also? its $179.00. also you say installation is easy? does the entire differential need to be removed?

[SteveTheTech]

It's pretty obvious. Car was fine till you saw the dealer. 1 day later, you're leaking after they did work.

Dunno about you, but that's all the evidence I need for me to bring it back and tell them, point blank, "Fix it."

Wow that's pretty harsh assumption for something you cannot prove a link between.

Did the OP say when the last time he had his head under the rear of the car prior to the service?

That is a failed rear differential isolator bushing. It is fluid filled...there is no way that it could be damaged by anything other than the effects of time and mileage. I bet you it has been like that for a while.

That sucks though, the only repair for that is to replace the rear subframe assembly...Most generic warranties will not cover a leaking seal, bearing or steering rack.

[lovemycarM35]

It's pretty obvious. Car was fine till you saw the dealer. 1 day later, you're leaking after they did work.

Dunno about you, but that's all the evidence I need for me to bring it back and tell them, point blank, "Fix it."

Wow that's pretty harsh assumption for something you cannot prove a link between.

Did the OP say when the last time he had his head under the rear of the car prior to the service?

That is a failed rear differential isolator bushing. It is fluid filled...there is no way that it could be damaged by anything other than the effects of time and mileage. I bet you it has been like that for a while.

That sucks though, the only repair for that is to replace the rear subframe assembly...Most generic warranties will not cover a leaking seal, bearing or steering rack.

Hey Steve thatnks for the info is this a common issue for the 07 M35x and is this covered under power train warrenty/

[cji4130]

It's pretty obvious. Car was fine till you saw the dealer. 1 day later, you're leaking after they did work.

Dunno about you, but that's all the evidence I need for me to bring it back and tell them, point blank, "Fix it."

Wow that's pretty harsh assumption for something you cannot prove a link between.

Did the OP say when the last time he had his head under the rear of the car prior to the service?

That is a failed rear differential isolator bushing. It is fluid filled...there is no way that it could be damaged by anything other than the effects of time and mileage. I bet you it has been like that for a while.

That sucks though, the only repair for that is to replace the rear subframe assembly...Most generic warranties will not cover a leaking seal, bearing or steering rack.

are you sure its not a pinion seal? dealer said that can be replaced at around $275. if not, what about the SLP aluminum kit, or the Energy Suspension kit? i just cant afford to have the rear subframe assembly replaced.

[bbs350z]

you blew your diff bushing. thats not the dealerships fault. the oem diff bushing is very weak, and is fluid filled. i ran into this problem with my 350z and ended up getting a solid diff mount set. im unsure of the price for an oem set but i got my set for under 200, and did the work myself. easy, but time consuming.


similar scenario (on 350z)
http://my350z.com/forum/engine-and-driv ... shing.html

sikky and spl make solid bushin sets

thank you! im looking for bushing sets for my m35x as we speak but im confused. would the one for the g35 fit my m? if the rear one is blown is it possible the front one could be also? its $179.00. also you say installation is easy? does the entire differential need to be removed?

more than likely, as im almost 100% positive they use the same rear subframe. also you have to remove the diff from the subframe. (4 bolts for the driveshaft, 3 bolts for the diff) otherwise you can always go oem. also, as far as a trans leak, the farthest the trans goes back is right around your shifter area, then thr driveshaft from there to your diff, theres absolutely no fluid in your driveshaft. the diff fluid is very very thick and has a distinct smell to it, the diff bushing fluid is thin and very very dark, almost pure black.

[SteveTheTech]

Hey Steve thanks for the info is this a common issue for the 07 M35x and is this covered under power train warrenty/

If you are within the 4/60 base warranty I want to say yes but I am really not sure. I do not think this is a very common issue as I have seen only a few. I had 2 this week actually, one a G sedan with 120k and an older female driver the other was a supercharged G with 95k and a rookie racer.

are you sure its not a pinion seal? dealer said that can be replaced at around $275. if not, what about the SLP aluminum kit, or the Energy Suspension kit? i just cant afford to have the rear subframe assembly replaced.

Yes the only thing that could cause that is a failed bushing. Sorry.
Here is why.



As far as pressing this bushing...find a specialist please. Not a dealer, maybe a reputable transmission shop. The amount of pressure that will be required to get one of these worn rusty bastards is more than any hand tools I have seen would get those to budge. What an awful job. The only job (from my perspective) that is worse (IMO) is replacing the subframe.

[Ilya]

It's pretty obvious. Car was fine till you saw the dealer. 1 day later, you're leaking after they did work.

Dunno about you, but that's all the evidence I need for me to bring it back and tell them, point blank, "Fix it."

Wow that's pretty harsh assumption for something you cannot prove a link between.

Did the OP say when the last time he had his head under the rear of the car prior to the service?

That is a failed rear differential isolator bushing. It is fluid filled...there is no way that it could be damaged by anything other than the effects of time and mileage. I bet you it has been like that for a while.

That sucks though, the only repair for that is to replace the rear subframe assembly...Most generic warranties will not cover a leaking seal, bearing or steering rack.

I see where you're coming from, but I got the impression from the OP that he is semi-deligent in making sure his car is in good working order. Thus, the seal would have leaked on his driveway/garage floor and gave him the headsup a while ago. That was before I knew what it was and read the link BBS posted.

I was just saying IF it was fine prior to dealer visit and now isn't, I'd have them look at it for sure. Obviously if it was leaking prior to dealer visit then my point is mute (he didn't say it was, which is why I associated it with work the dealer did - which I then clarified later on, etc.)

That's all. Glad he's found out what he needs to do, etc.

[bbs350z]

op, the method i used to replace my bushing was fairly simple. once the diff was out, i drilled a few holes into the rubber isolators (on both the diff and subframe) pounded the metal fitting where the bolts go through, and cut the metal race that holds the rubber inside. once those are out, take your new solid bushings and pound them in, or use the supplied fitting from spl to assist in getting it in. it also helps i you freeze the solid mounts about 24hrs before you put them in so they contract a bit and are easier to install. took me about 2 hours total, and was pretty messy, but it was my first attempt.

[cji4130]

op, the method i used to replace my bushing was fairly simple. once the diff was out, i drilled a few holes into the rubber isolators (on both the diff and subframe) pounded the metal fitting where the bolts go through, and cut the metal race that holds the rubber inside. once those are out, take your new solid bushings and pound them in, or use the supplied fitting from spl to assist in getting it in. it also helps i you freeze the solid mounts about 24hrs before you put them in so they contract a bit and are easier to install. took me about 2 hours total, and was pretty messy, but it was my first attempt.

How much do you think a local mechanic or transmission specialist would charge for this? if i provide the parts

[bbs350z]

Depends on their hourly charge. I'd imagine somewhere around 300 or so if they keep the subframe on the car

[SteveTheTech]

Thus, the seal would have leaked on his driveway/garage floor and gave him the headsup a while ago. That was before I knew what it was and read the link BBS posted.

Yeah that sounds possible but there is a not that much oil inside of the bearing. That link offers some.....suprising remedies, the Z guys never fail to amaze with their creative repairs.

There are several possible ways to address this issue. Filing the drained bearing with rubber cement would probably work but unless you could deliver it will the right flow rate and volume there would probably be air bubbles in the bearing. Plus the rubber outer structure of the bushing is still worn.

The potential for fail is high here.

[bbs350z]

op, where are you located? if your anywhere near milwaukee/chicago area ill be glad to help. i highly recommend the spl solid setup. i love it on my z.

[cji4130]

op, where are you located? if your anywhere near milwaukee/chicago area ill be glad to help. i highly recommend the spl solid setup. i love it on my z.

i appreciate your kind offer, unfortunately i am in new york city. however, because this appears to be a rare problem for us M owners, i will print out this(http://my350z.com/forum/engine-drivetra ... hings.html) DIY i found for the 350z(which i believe is actually performed on a g35) and show it to a mechanic at a shop my girlfriends brother in law works at. please take a look at it and let me know if this was a similar procedure. id love to attempt this myself but im no skilled mechanic and don't want to risk further damage

PS: Can anyone confirm the G and the M share the same subframe? thus allowing the SPL bushings a clean fit in an M.

[nnkfws333]

Sorry to bring back an old thread but did we ever confirm if the SPL Bushings from the Z33 350Z or V35 G35 ever fit? I contacted SPL and they had no idea if it did. I contacted Infiniti and they said the subframes are different but does the bushing still work?

[cji4130]

first of all, id just like to let you know, its been almost 2 years since i discovered this problem, and have never repaired it. car still drives perfectly fine. that being said, what year is your M, and how many miles? also instead of the SPL bushings, id looks more into the Energy Suspension bushing as there most likely not as harsh as the SPL. good luck and please let me know how this turns out for you, post some pics if you can also.