Rear differential sprung a leak

Old Feb 14, 2016 | 11:34 AM
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Rear differential sprung a leak

So I went to get my car serviced for a B6 service a week ago, and I just noticed that the rear diff is leaking. Odd thing is, it's not leaking from where the drain ports are. It's leaking from one of the four bolts on both sides, in this case the left side. I'm really confused why it'll be leaking there since I checked the service manual and no where do I see removal of those bolts in any circumstances. And I don't think the tech would even touch those bolts? I did try tightening it, maybe 1/6th of a turn, but it still leaks about a drip every 5 minutes

Going to take it back to them on Tuesday, but just wondering if anyone has encountered this problem before.

Plus, the oil that's coming out is a bit pink, I thought I read here that Acura changed to a new fluid that's clear?
Attached Thumbnails Rear differential sprung a leak-dsc06195.jpg  
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Old Feb 14, 2016 | 05:43 PM
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Same problem for years.. $400.00plus to fix I have putting it off just checking tranny often..... good luck I have 276.000miles on 2005 I love my Rl.
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Old Feb 15, 2016 | 09:35 AM
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Without looking at a breakdown of the parts, I'm guessing there is a gasket between the compartments that is damaged.
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Old Feb 15, 2016 | 11:19 AM
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Dang...I was hoping for something simple like just tightening the bolt more. Going to bring it to the dealer tomorrow.
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Old Feb 15, 2016 | 02:32 PM
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It appears as though this picture was taken from in front of the diff looking toward the back of the car, making the leak on the passenger side of the diff. Is that right?

If so, I think you are looking at part 36 or 37. Not an expensive part, but I have to imagine labor will run you a pretty penny.

OEM Acura RL 2007 REAR DIFFERENTIAL - MOUNT parts
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Old Feb 15, 2016 | 03:45 PM
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Originally Posted by oo7spy
It appears as though this picture was taken from in front of the diff looking toward the back of the car, making the leak on the passenger side of the diff. Is that right?

If so, I think you are looking at part 36 or 37. Not an expensive part, but I have to imagine labor will run you a pretty penny.

OEM Acura RL 2007 REAR DIFFERENTIAL - MOUNT parts
It's actually taken from the back. So drivers side. Ohh, if it's just a faulty oil seal, I hope they can just unscrew the bolt and replace the seal. Thanks for the diagram
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Old Feb 15, 2016 | 07:24 PM
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before I buy my RL I raised it and saw a leak of engine oil. the dealer's mechanic said: oil pressure sensor switch.

when my mecanic inspected it, he said no it's just a bolt. hondas are famous for these bolts that suddenly leak. So I had the dealer replace the bolt, and I think leak is gone. Gonna check next time its raised.
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Old Feb 16, 2016 | 04:05 PM
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So turns out it was a bad bolt and crush washer. Dealer took care of it w/o costing me a dime. Shout out to DCH Acura of Tustin for taking care of me. Although....it would have been nice to be compensated for the time and gas, but I'm not a stickler for those things.

Funny though, the service adviser was telling it was the drain bolt that was bad, but I'm like...that's not where the drain bolt is. But whatevs, problem fixed!
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Old Feb 16, 2016 | 04:16 PM
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Glad it was an easy fix. Thought about the crush washer after RL09's comment.

As far as compensation, it's not the dealer's fault it happened. Thank your lucky stars it was free.
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Old Feb 16, 2016 | 08:21 PM
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True, I didn't think of it that way. I guess I just thought maybe the leak was already present when they changed the rear diff oil, and just didn't notice it.
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Old Feb 16, 2016 | 11:08 PM
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You can't rule it out, and I honestly didn't consider that the dealer could've missed it or worse, loosened the wrong bolt. Either way, a new diff washer for a tank of gas is a fair deal considering the consequences.

I've lost an entire engine because of a faulty radiator cap literally a week after new hoses and a water pump. I would've paid that $7 part ten times over to skip the pain it caused.
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Old Feb 19, 2016 | 12:19 AM
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Yikes, that's really unfortunate.

Sometimes, I wish I can just stand there and watch them when they service the car, haha. But that would drive them nuts, and not even remotely possible, lol!
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