Center carrier output shaft seal busted

[94cruiser]

I have a tiny leak where the rear differential shaft enters the center carrier.
Dealer quotes me $800

 

[vwdsl]

I have had a rear diff leak for probably the past 30,000 miles (89,000 total now). I was quoted the same $$$. I have just been cleaning it off and making sure the diff is topped off. The leak isn't as bad as it looks. If it was really bad, the shaft from which it is leaking would sling oil in a stripe on the underbody. Floor pan and other stuff underneath is always dry. The oil that has leaked out onto the diff case is never really wet. It takes engine cleaner to remove it.

 

[94cruiser]

It's on the transfer case side.

I had the rear diff replaced about a year ago or maybe a year and a half ago.

 

[94cruiser]

The seal is under $10.

I'm scratching my head now, as I remember disconnecting (single) piece driveshaft out of my Caprice and it was a no brainer.

 

[vwdsl]

I figure it is 90% labor. Maybe a factor of what all has to be removed to get to it. Such is the way of the modern automobile.

Back to my leak, I have wondered if the differential case is unvented or inadequately vented.. If so, that might explain my situation where there is little actual oil loss and the oil I see is never wet. If enough pressure builds up inside the case, it could force a small amount of oil past the seal. I have also wondered what other vehicles use this differential, -and have those owners experienced seepage. It is unlikely that Buick would have a unique driveline component.

 

[HotZ28]

I figure it is 90% labor. Maybe a factor of what all has to be removed to get to it. Such is the way of the modern automobile.

Back to my leak, I have wondered if the differential case is unvented or inadequately vented.. If so, that might explain my situation where there is little actual oil loss and the oil I see is never wet. If enough pressure builds up inside the case, it could force a small amount of oil past the seal. I have also wondered what other vehicles use this differential, -and have those owners experienced seepage. It is unlikely that Buick would have a unique driveline component.

Made in China?