QD-I Question

[AJeepZJ]

So for people like me who have not used RTV in the cover... About how long are we waiting to seal it... Eould you recommend applying the RTV and then hand torqueing the bolts, and then torqueing to spec after 10 mins.

[Matt]

So for people like me who have not used RTV in the cover... About how long are we waiting to seal it... Eould you recommend applying the RTV and then hand torqueing the bolts... Etc

They spell it out pretty well on the back of the RTV package... but it basically goes like this (and FYI, im not a fan of RTV for sealing... but when used 'properly' i havent seen any issues):

1) Both surfaces must be clean/dry
2) Apply RTV to cover, 1/8-1/4" bead size, and around all bolt holes
3) Put cover on within 5 minutes (the sooner the better so it starts bonding with BOTH surfaces)
4) HAND tighten bolts JUST enough to see the RTV squeezing out around the perimeter
5) Wait at least an hour, then turn bolts another 1/4-1/2 rotation

For step 5 I usually wait a few hours, or overnight if possible, and then torque the bolts to spec (which usually is close to 1/2 rotation).

[AJeepZJ]

So when you change ur stuff ur not really putting fluid in it for a couple hours or the next day

[Matt]

Exactly. I either do my diff first then do oil change/rotation/drink beer/etc, or I do it all in the evening and first thing in the morning I'll torque the bolts and then fill it up.

[07JeepXK]

I have replaced the rear differential fluid in my XK about 10 times now and have always used RTV. I clean the differential cover and the differential housing. I apply an even bead all the way around the differential housing and put the cover right on. I torque the bolts by hand, I dont need a torque wrench for those bolts to know how tight they need to be. Then within an hour I fill it with new gear oil. I have never once had a leak nor have I had any issues using rtv. If done right rtv is better then a regular gasket.