so.. i changed my rear diff fluid a month or so ago, also replacing the diff cover for one with a drain/fill plug. I noticed it's been leakin from the drain plug, but of course put off doing anything about it until today. basically to solve the problem I put some teflon tape on the threads and resealed it.

but the question is, i guess it turns out I had leaked more than I thought. I bought a quart of gear oil, and used the whole bottle as well as another quart I had in the garage. Now I know I lost some when I pulled the plug, but I put my finger over it and had my dad prepare the plug and I put it back in. I certainly didn't let even half a quart out.

but lets say I was a quart and a half low, which seems about right. Should I expect any lasting damage? I may have driven 500-1000 miles with the leak but im not sure.

time for a l/s?

 

At a quart and a half low I would worry more about the axle bearings .
The ring and pinion will probably be all right.

 

hm. so i never was good with drivetrains. how will i know when my axle bearings go? and will i need a tow from that point? how hard are they to replace? thanks for the response man

 

well, there are two different bearings on the rear drivetrain, outer bearings and carrier bearings. if you're not hearing whining/humming you'll be fine. the carrier bearings need to be pressed on, i've never done outers so idk about those.


EDIT

I forgot about the pinion bearings lol

 

Outtters are very easy. pull shafts out and do work

 

thats what i figured, they're right behind the seal but i wasn't sure.