Hi Folks, I am looking for some help. I pulled the rear axle out of a vehicle, cleaned it, painted it, and decided to pull the cover off to check the condition of the gears. I had to run to the parts house so I covered it with some plastic and went to buy a new gasket. Long story short, a phone call, an unexpected dinner date, upon returning home, the bottom fell out of the sky. It hasn't rained in months but yep....todays the day.

My differential filled with water. So...for the inexperienced, after I turn this bowl over and drain it all out, what should my next step be? Refill with dope, put gasket on and let it go? Or is this water going to cause me trouble?

Looking for someone to tell me it will be ok or not and the smart next step.

Many thanks in advance.

I'd spray it out well with WD40 and then flush it with some gear oil. Then put the cover on and fill it and not worry about it. Did it get enough water in it that it went down the axle tubes?