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I found what appears to be a cracked weld on the edge of the rear differential. I believe it's welded along the rear edge of the pumpkin but I'll wait for some expert input. Does anyone have suggestions on how to repair this or just stopping the leak?

Thanks

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I had that happen on an older Ford F-100.

No reason evident, and only a very slow leak.

I used it that way a long time, then replaced the entire axle unit with a limited slip axle.

What I'd try with your car would be to clean the area of oil, paint, etc, and try to get a good look at the extent of the crack.

If it's just a hairline crack, you might be able to stop the leak by lightly peening along the crack with a body shop type pick hammer or a center punch and a light hammer, the idea being to displace metal along both sides of the crack toward it. This process used to be known as "caulking".

If that doesn't work, using some type of epoxy material might work if you can get the surfaces clean enough and scuff up the metal surface to improve adhesion.

Welding would be a last resort. Lots of people weld on steel axle housings. I'd want an expert welder to do any welding, and I'd want to remove the gearset from the housing in order to prevent an explosion or getting debris in the housing.

Good afternoon...There are Marine Epoxy products that are designed to work under water that would perhaps work well for your problem. Once the area is cleaned with a fine wire brush on a drill...and perhaps you drain the rear end to below the leak. Clean and dry...but the Marine Epoxy will not mind if the leak is weeping a small amount. May the Packard Gods with you! Ernie in Arizona