One bolt leaking on differential

[mpa4712]

Hello.

I have one bolt on my rear diff that has a slow drip of diff fluid. It's got what looks like a black plastic washer on it. Here it is pictured. Does anyone know what this particular bolt is for and why it may be leaking? It looks like it's far enough away from the mating surface of the housing that it shouldn't have diff fluid up by it.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/xyJyosuxsn32sSsv8

[jasonojordan]

Your picture is very small even when clicked on so hard to tell for sure. Looks like one of the bolts that mounts the motor to the diff?

I don't think there should even be fluid in that stud?

[derelicte]

It does appear to be a motor mount screw. It also appears to be of a different material than the other bolts (it looks like stainless).

Does that bolt match the others on your axle? Does it have a mark on it like the others to indicate it was torqued?

[jasonojordan]

If the bolt was replaced with one too long and ran home it is possibly they punched through into the differential I suppose?

[derelicte]

excellent theory.

[mpa4712]

Originally Posted by jasonojordan

Your picture is very small even when clicked on so hard to tell for sure. Looks like one of the bolts that mounts the motor to the diff?

I don't think there should even be fluid in that stud?

It looks similar. Here is a large image:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/xyJyosuxsn32sSsv8

[mpa4712]

Originally Posted by derelicte

It does appear to be a motor mount screw. It also appears to be of a different material than the other bolts (it looks like stainless).

Does that bolt match the others on your axle? Does it have a mark on it like the others to indicate it was torqued?

The material looks similar. It doesn't have the washer head like the other bolts though. It has a red dot on it which I was thinking would mean it's got red locktite or something on it. It definitely has a black washer or insert of some sort on it.

Really hope it wasn't an oops from the last owner..

[derelicte]

I crawled under my cart and my motor bolt looks just like yours, complete with a red dot. It looks like they use different bolts to attach the motor to the diff vs holding the diff together.

Mine also looks grimy like that too. Are you sure it is leaking?

[mpa4712]

Originally Posted by derelicte

I crawled under my cart and my motor bolt looks just like yours, complete with a red dot. It looks like they use different bolts to attach the motor to the diff vs holding the diff together.

Mine also looks grimy like that too. Are you sure it is leaking?

It's definitely getting a drop or two with each ride. I wonder if maybe that black washer is somehow damaged or just warn out. I won't have a chance to pull that bolt and take a look for about week. I was thinking maybe some RTV on the threads?

[Golf cart guy]

Id say, its leaking from behind the motor and coming down. See that alot on the china carts