18' Buick Encore Gets A New Rear Differential

In a previous video • Plain Old Bad Luck... we had a look at this ladies 2018 Buick Encore that had fluid leaking out of the rear differential. We saw that the salt and corrosion ate away at the housing got it so think it finally cracked. Wilbert's dropped off the used rear diff from a 2020 Chevy Trax and we got a couple of new springs to put in also. Let's get after it! ‪@wilbertsupullit‬
-Enjoy!
Want to support us AND get early access to the SMA videos as they are uploaded? Consider joining the SMA "KZbin Membership" by clicking here: / @southmainauto
You are also able to support us on Patreon if you feel inclined to do so by clicking here: / southmainauto
CHECK OUT OUR "SMA SWAG" STORE! Go on Teespring and get your very own SMA merch! teespring.com/stores/the-sma-...
If you don't like Patreon feel free to use the "PayPal Me" link: www.paypal.me/SouthMainAuto
The South Main Auto Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/southmain...
AES Wave Automotive Diagnostic Tools: www.aeswave.com/cart.php?m=af...
Thank you so much for the support!
--Eric & Vanessa O.
Feel like sending some swag to SMA because you love the videos but don't know where to send it?
Just ship it here:
South Main Auto Repair
47 S. Main St
PO Box 471
Avoca, NY 14809
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[@billupstateny9151]

Saw a meme on Instagram, fits Eric perfectly. " nothing you could say would insult me, I used to hold the flashlight for my Father"

[@mdotguy]

Hah! That's gold! 😂😂

[@keithstroud2908]

I have PTSD from helping my dad!! Best education I’ll ever get!!

[@seamasrigh2162]

I owe everything to my dad. Holding lights, running and fetching, on ladders & roofs at 5, in attics at 10, digging ditches cause no shovel handle ever fit his hands, and every scrap of mechanical, deductive, logical knowledge I posses. I didn't say "Thank you" enough. Gave me enough rope to hang myslef and reeled me back in.

[@lvsqcsl]

RIP Paul "Sonny" Obrochta. 1953-2019.

[@brnmcc01]

@@lvsqcsl Sad, that's not even what I would call "old". RIP

[@johnnyzander1466]

''Everything tightened to factory spec.. Naturally...'' That's a good SMA t-shirt slogan 😁

[@truthsmiles]

Lol! I’d buy that t-shirt :) But seriously, I’d bet a dollar if I went around behind him with a torque wrench and checked, everything he “tongue torqued” was within 10% of where it should be - which is plenty close enough.

[@roberthicks4034]

I would buy that shirt!

[@douglofreddo7886]

I'd buy that.

[@wojciechuczyk6566]

Send me one to Poland. Of course, the author of the slogan should get a percentage of the sale ;)

[@paulbinmo]

Also on the coffee mugs of course… 😁😁☕️☕️

[@JackdeDuCoeur]

The shape of that casting was PERFECT for catching and accumulating salt. Nice work

[@lilibethdoherty295]

It was Designed and Built by GM Korea Formerly Known As Daewoo, they had to change their name because of all the crap they have built for over thirty years and their Korean Cadillacs have always been Cheap Throwaway Garbage.

[@jblyon2]

@@lilibethdoherty295 Don't worry, the Daewoo models designed and built in China are going to be so much better! If you have a sarcasm meter, it just exploded.

[@Slicerwizard]

@@dav1dsm1th It's a good combination of stiffening and weight savings, but I'd put the pools on the inside...

[@paulmoir4452]

They looked awesome on the model though. Perfectly vertical.

[@ferrumignis]

​@@dav1dsm1thPutting stiffening ribs on the inside would not be a great idea, it would significantly increase the amount of oil required and increase windage losses and oil aeration. A far better idea is for the PRNY and other states to stop using the ecologically harmful and car destroying chloride salts.

[@DIYDaveOK]

If Eric says he torqued an apple pie to spec, I believe it. 😊. Thanks as always, sir!

[@joeyabb1965]

But you didn't mention the Gulf ball cap.. They MUST sponsor you then. LOL

[@brucedale4465]

Is there a still Gulf oil company? n😢one in the Midwest that I’ve seen for along time!

[@bradkay]

I like the cap. But it's kind of ratty.

[@johnpereira822]

Still cheaper to fix it then to buy a new car prices are still ridiculous

[@wallingj68]

True, but it's still a Buick even when it's repaired. 😀

[@jordanl69]

The issue is that diminishing returns happen very quickly in the rust belt

[@michaelgleason4791]

Please tell me when a new car was cheaper than a rear diff

[@jordanl69]

@@michaelgleason4791 it’s not. But when it’s the rear differential, then the shocks, the shock mounts, the frame, the motor mounts, rocker panels, it starts to add up. The fact that you’re putting lipstick on a pig is fine, but when the pig needs a perm, nails, and a new wardrobe you start to look in another direction

[@brianwhitney9181]

His previous video on this Buick with numerous problems and more to come before this owner gives it the boot.$$$$$$$

[@sspnugen]

I knew Wilberts would save the day

[@stevenquigley4208]

Yup. I thought of them in the last video..

[@sargefreedom1578]

I need a Wilberts

[@ZVB1634]

I really enjoy Eric’s humor 🤣 it’s like 90% of the reason I watch these videos

[@RogerMudd-gh4ms]

He's getting funnier!

[@GregoryFarmer-gu9ho]

Razor sharp zipties are a menace buddy! That was a true public service announcement. Love your productions Eric!

[@WA-zl6ju]

I heard a a guy say, If a t shirt doesn’t have a pocket, it’s a rag.

[@johncooper4637]

You can get zip ties with christmas trees attached. I work all day and don't get a dime. Mowing the yard, washing the dishes, fixing meals, etc., etc.,etc. (retired widower home owner)

[@kenwiggins2699]

I come for the video but the audio commentary is golden.

[@wolfman7393]

The guy does deserve a raise for putting the gear oil in a soft bag…simple genius. Hey…you deserve a raise too for your honesty!

[@brucehobbs1734]

My wife loves your commentary, she’s also jealous of Mrs O. 🤣🤣 Keep doing what you’re doing!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Yeah Mrs. O. is a pretty lucky lady 😏

[@TStheDeplorable]

@@SouthMainAuto Now we know she doesn't read the comment section!

[@keithhastings4092]

lol

[@2nickles647]

Because Erick looks better than 😅😅😅😅😅 No matter, no wonder my wife loves George Strait ❣️🤩 I'm just an ole fart

[@Eastahtata]

Does anyone remember the lady that commented how she mutes the videos and "enjoys" watching Eric's hands work?

[@jtapetillo76]

Favorite part of your channel is, if I can do it, you can do it ! Love that part

[@SouthMainAuto]

You can do it!

[@davebigdog]

​@@SouthMainAuto only if I had a lift 🎉🎉🎉

[@lvsqcsl]

@@SouthMainAuto Not like you can......

[@KStewart-th4sk]

@@davebigdog Lots of back yard do-it yourself guys do stuff like this without a lift. Certainly makes it more difficult and a PIA. Don't ask how i know.

[@charlesfinnegan7930]

@@davebigdog Yep. Sometimes the worst part of DIY car work is jacking the car up and supporting on jack stands. Imagine pulling this pig rear end on jack stands.

[@eric_seguin]

Worked in a shop in the late 80s. $100 labor for a clutch job. Parts 10% over cost. Never list. I got 50% of my labor and a couple 16oz. Buds after the work was done. We never had a transmission jack. When the sideways engines came in I set them on some blocks and lifted the car off of them. I've had 3 surgeries on my left shoulder and it still lets me know how I mistreated it every day. lol Thanks for sharing the video with us.

[@paultercier2552]

The concept of repair when possible is always a good attitude, knowing when it is possible is a show of wisdom.

[@23Skadoosh]

Shouldve seen the look on the Autozone guy's face when i asked him where they keep the panther pee

[@donniev8181]

Great video! Are we gonna get to see the Ford brake/windshield washer fluid carnage? Hilarious look into the camera after reassuring the YT masters of the factory spec procedure lol. Free tip, Gold Toe socks are great!

[@brucehobbs1734]

Amsoil started putting the fluids in bags. They’re great.

[@OtisFlint]

Just buy a pressure pot and you can fill anything in seconds. I swear mine puts 5L of fluid in a trans in maybe 30 seconds.

[@2nickles647]

I save the bags and refill them with a gallon of 75-90 gear oil. 😊

[@CheezburgerBrown]

Should make a video of you brazing the rotted out parts of the housing back together. I'm sure the internet would love to comment on it.

[@RichL8223]

Yeah I wanna see that

[@gmankent8439]

Do it!!!!!!!!!

[@Mr572u]

I’ll help you out! You don’t braze aluminum!

[@thatdave86]

In the old days of no KZbin scrutiny,that's what would be done to keep her rolling ,but now everything has to be YT perfect

[@c.hibdon1628]

JB weld??😂😂😂

[@dougheywood4692]

Glad to see you got the lady all fixed up, especially with a used diff instead of a ñew one.

[@glennwolfe1663]

Eric, I've been following you and Rainman Ray for some time now. And both videos posting has solidified my belief that finding a reputable owner/operator shop v corporate dealer is the only way to go for honest/dependable service. Plus at 75y and all the technology, I'd be totally lost. THANKS and keep up the GREAT videos👍👍👍👍👍😸🫠🐺

[@stevegerhart929]

People are lucky to have you in their area. Most shops would not even call around for a used diff.

[@BigDaddy_MRI]

Weirdo!?? Me? Dang right. Now mail me that shirt! 🤣🤣 Great video. Example of “get ‘er done”!! Thanks for bringing us along. Take care!

[@Randy245850]

Eric you use your noodle on this job. Most everyone else uses just battery tools you go for the power with air tools!

[@totypme]

you forgot the sponsored gulf cap that has taken a beating. great job.

[@stephanieluigon5192]

I'm pretty sure Gulf has sponsored Eric since even before there was an interweb. That's why he didn't mention it. How else could he afford to buy a Jeep?

[@danlemke6407]

Speakin of pocket Ts... Thanks for the vid, it should be the same unit as my wife's car and that didn't look too bad. I live in South Dakota and they spray the same crap on the roads here, but the rust issue isn't near as bad, maybe because we have a dryer climate. Know what I mean, Vern? Anywho, it's great to ride with ya. See ya in the next thrilling episode.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Thanks for watching!

[@rbailey225]

That handy set of adjustable prying apparatuses is on my to do list.

[@tluperz400]

I just glad you don’t care what the internet says and make a joke/laugh about it. That’s how us normal individuals know you’re a down to earth human being! Keep it up! I wear my Hanes t shirt, Hanes boxers, wrangler outdoor pans, snap on socks and red wing boots(606)! 😂

[@crlaw75]

As Peg Bundy said to Al, "Hanes...he's back!"

[@tluperz400]

@@crlaw75well I have a confession to make, as I was getting around this morning I guess I’m a Gildan guy vs a Hanes, that goes to show you I don’t even know what I wear. If it fits, it ships this guy to work!

[@KStewart-th4sk]

@@tluperz400 Did you say your wife dresses you? Not trying to be a smartass just asking. LOL Thanks for the confession. It shows you are a stand-up guy.

[@50sKid]

Finally someone says it. Driveshafts are balanced as a separate assembly, not while they're bolted to the diff. Eyeroll.

[@hookin1]

Well done, we all know you torque everything off camera. So I heard unsponsored Eric will be on Only F... 😂

[@ppark2123]

A great way to close out the day with a video from SMA!

[@rjb6327]

Wilbert's come through again. Always nice to see Mrs. O.

[@dendkmac]

Wilbur having that part changed the game cost wise, you don't want to go crazy on a crusher car long-term.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Considering it was $1,000 less than a new one, it was a really good bargain

[@lvsqcsl]

@@SouthMainAuto So, we can conclude the used one was $200.00.

[@thebeetalls]

Closer to $600 since the $1200 price was for an empty case and this was a complete unit.

[@andrewg6238]

“Unsponsored Eric”. 😂 Priceless!!! Love you, brother!

[@stevie3275]

another great SMA video.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Thanks for the visit

[@michaelearl6991]

I was jonesing for SMA sure was glad to see this pop up

[@Peter-pv8xx]

What a beautiful kitty, I had an all gray girl named Lia, she was the sweetest thing, no matter who came over bam she was right on their lap, she loved people but the people she was with obviously didn't love her because they moved out suddenly s they usually do in section eight housing and left her and her two kittens, she would bring her babies across the street to be fed, it was a no brainer to give her a good home, I miss her so much.

[@fixitall2368]

Its lifetime fluid, never needs replacing 😂😂

[@Embermist69]

Yep fluid for life as mentioned, however the component for life? That could be a different story. 🤣

[@ohiomoto]

My wife has a Buick with 100k on it and it's surprisingly been the best built car we've ever owned...so far. "It's the Tour X and It's made by Opel" "It's a double GM". "It's a German Made General Motors product."

[@joshbreeze1865]

One of your funniest endings. Thanks for taking us along.

[@wallingj68]

Thanks for the follow up Mr. O! Encore Encore! Huzzah!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Any time!

[@ecleveland1]

That was about the easiest and quickest rear differential installation I’ve ever seen. Just a tiny little aluminum box and a few bolts!

[@rma7921]

Great Scotty impression 😂😂 19:18

[@jamesbruno5896]

Thanks for the follow up video!

[@renereyes4999]

Great Scott Kilmer impression! I nearly peed myself! 😂😂😂

[@the_future_is_today]

It always kicks up his videos a notch [gyrating hands ✋️] this is why you should own a toyota

[@user-ut6ji8my2h]

I just refilled the rear on my F150 with those valvoline bags after changing my rear axle seals. You are right, the guy that came up with that idea has been under a few pumpkins. What a great idea!

[@ruley73]

I chuckled a bit when you said you should have filled it while you had it down, then proceeded to tighten the bolts that hold it up. It lookes like filling it afterwards wasn't too difficult after all. The capacity of the rear diff is 0.48qt according to GM's service information. Those coil spring insulators need to be replaced quite often. I work at a dealership and they're the only ones that we stock. 🙂

[@45AMT]

I just about spit my coffee out when Eric started telling the story on that Ford! 😂 Some of the stuff you see in the Automotive business...

[@rawcado]

JUST ROLLED IN... to South Main Auto 😅😆

[@truracer20]

It happens. In the 90's I worked for Monroe Muffler and Brake. I was sent to a different location to fill in. First job of the morning was brakes on a really nice Cadillac. Finished the pads and rotors and checked the fluid, a little bit low, went to the shelf and grabbed a can. Started pouring it in and got the unmistakable odor of mineral spirits. Nobody there had any clue why there was mineral spirits in a brake fluid can. Ended up sucking the master cylinder dry and then flushed the system.

[@ronaldderooij1774]

To put windscreen washer fluid into your braking system is a new one for me. Never heard that before. I think this falls into the category of my mother and sister calling my father to come to the next town late at night because of a light on the dashboard. Turns out she accidentally switched on main beams, the light on the dash was blue. Those people should not drive. They both had no idea.

[@truracer20]

It happens. In the 90's I worked for Monroe Muffler and Brake. I was sent to a different location to fill in. First job of the morning was brakes on a really nice Cadillac. Finished the pads and rotors and checked the fluid, a little bit low, went to the shelf and grabbed a can. Started pouring it in and got the unmistakable odor of mineral spirits. Nobody there had any clue why there was mineral spirits in a brake fluid can. Ended up sucking the master cylinder dry and then flushed the system. Had the Rona been a thing back then and stole sense of smell it could have been the same outcome as this Ford, though a far sight less costly...

[@jtjones4727]

When I was still a very young man, actually the first car I ever owned, was a nice '87 Olds Cutlass Ciera with the 3.8. Anyhow it had a slow transmission leak around the pan. Over time it got very nasty underneath the engine bay. My dad had filled an old jug with purple power de-greaser so I could clean up some of the mess. Anyhow, a couple weeks later, late at night, I checked the transmission fluid and it had gotten very low. So I start digging through the trunk to find some transmission fluid, and I see this black gallon jug that says it's Dexron ATF. I didn't have a flashlight either, so I'm using an old flip phone for light. But I fill the transmission up, start her back up and drive about 1000 feet down the road, I hear a bad grinding sound, and that's all she wrote. I had filled the transmission up with purple power degreaser, and needless to say, it finished it off.

[@garybaird9037]

I always get a chuckle out of your videos. Thanks Eric.

[@nashsmith3005]

I was worried he wasn't going to torque the bolts, but he said he will. I can rest easy😀👍

[@georgegogis7958]

That cat has got it made !!! I been watching you for a long time. I still think you are the best. I hope you stay in good health to continue working till you no longer want to turn wrenches. I sure have learned a lot watching you.

[@kenj.8897]

I hope the lady has better luck from here on out .

[@fisqual]

She won't. It's already called for an encore at the repair shop. 🤣🤣

[@MansonMachineWorks]

“The no mercy reversy” love it

[@Dutchy_Polack]

I do very much find these videos just as entertaining as they are informative. Great work SMA.

[@turboturtle9083]

Every tool is a hammer and in your area....Every car is a winter beater.

[@andygirke846]

Yes Sir. That's how it is done, Ladies and Gentleman!!

[@user-cl5ov9dx5o]

This is one of the best information of ALL things in business....Thanks

[@johntilson2535]

Eric your 'wrap-ups' are hilarious! Makes it worth staying tuned until the very end!😁👍💯

[@jerryking2418]

Praise be to Wilbert's! Like the T-shirt.

[@bradluecke9829]

Glad there was a happy ending.

[@Jamplay703]

Just used the bag design on my 4Runner when changing the diff fluid the other day. Great idea. Worked great

[@bryanfoy1288]

Just as I said drain you talked about it. I figured since it is used. Good job helping this lady out.

[@jamescaron6465]

Those Astro nano impacts are great. I did the brakes on my wife's matrix and it made the job go way faster. And the price was right, too.

[@mgherter]

What size compressor do you have? Finally thinking of investing in air tools for DIY after some real struggles with a caliper bracket bolt.

[@jamescaron6465]

@@mgherterI have the dewalt DXCM251. It’s a portable 200 psi compressor.

[@mgherter]

@@jamescaron6465 appreciate it!

[@jamescaron6465]

@@mgherter You're welcome! It works well for me and can power everything I have, including my thundergun. You just need to do yearly oil changes on it, but it is a nothing burger, half a quart of oil out and half a quart of oil in.

[@imafarmboy2]

I believe the "unsponsored Eric" threat more than the "I went back and torqued everything" comment.

[@glenharper3136]

Thanks for the video Eric.

[@martij30]

When I saw the first video, knowing it's NY, I would've thought this was a car from before 2005. Knowing that it's an '18 makes me realize how bad NY roads are for cars.

[@curtw8827]

Appears Wilberts is first class, pulled part was nice and shiny.

[@TheMpsmith]

"Drier than a popcorn fart" . I thought I was the only one who said that. Nice to know my dementia is shared other places. Great video!!

[@markroper9269]

Frickin' Maestro of rusted things!! Have a great week!!

[@gadasavideos8564]

Friend was trying to get seized bar from farm wagon. I suggested heat and pbblaster. Reported back that he used a whole can with no success. Later I discovered that he bought the lubricant instead of penetrant. Meanwhile someone suggested the 50/50 acetone/tranny fliud which I was able to supply. Applied without any heating. Next day he taps the piece and it falls out.

[@SouthMainAuto]

That's because he beat the hell out of it the day before LOL

[@ozhoo]

I find myself missing the roar of Mower Man in background 😢

[@fixthisone]

“I’m in business to make a profit not to stay busy” 😂 I’m going to start saying that to my customers next time they complain about my prices 😂

[@AC-gu7rg]

Your a great mechanic Eric !

[@titaniumman_22]

Love South Main Auto videos when I get home from work! What is the name of the ice cream shop you liked in town? 🇺🇸

[@SouthMainAuto]

Twin Kiss

[@gcrauwels941]

You'll never see me accusing you of ripping off a customer. Fair price for labor and markup of parts is how I did it.

[@Byzmax]

Oustanding on every level. Great work and probably the best commentary that ever existed on a how it's done video. The not a sponsor skit at the end was hilarious...

[@joecool509]

I love the bag!

[@gillesthibault429]

Re: the Wilbert's T. A bit of free promo for a good supplier has never hurt anyone!

[@pharmmech]

Factory specs, yup, I always torqued every thing to factory specs. 😂

[@NicholasAndre1]

Methinks there’s a slight difference between a head bolt and the 10mm holding a module to the frame.

[@1970genes]

I don't understand why Eric isn't at 1m+ subs yet. Such great content.

[@CrazyPetez]

Eric, watching you work is almost fun. Watching uou work is entertaining and educational. Thanks👍.

[@1320pass]

Wilberts will get their rear differential back. Maybe another year, year and a half by looking at that Boo-Ick.

[@CS-oe8og]

You don’t want to see the alternative “unsponsored Eric”, well maybe you do, ya weirdo! I was laughing out loud when you said that!! Jeez

[@stanthurman9008]

Good quick catch !

[@Boodieman72]

Eric is doing so well he even has a golden air hammer.

[@SouthMainAuto]

😂

[@guyc66]

Your comment about the brakes on that Ford at the end of the video reminded me of a similar experience I had back in ‘83 when I bought a ‘77 Fiat 124 Spyder from a used car lot in Maitland, FL. Right after signing the papers, the seller had his technician (term used loosely) go fill up the gas tank and top off the fluids. Less than 5 miles down the road the brakes froze up on me. I had to loosen a brake line to bleed off pressure to get it moving again. Turns out the moron put oil in the brake reservoir. Cost me $444 dollars which in hindsight was some of the best stupid tax for a 17 year old. I learned a lot from that experience!!

[@ekop1778]

NEVER TRUST A USED CAR SALESMAN OR WOMAN LIKE THE SUBIE I GOT IN 2018 AFTER JUNKING MY 97 DODGE SHE SAID TO ME I CAN PUT YOUR DODGE ON CRAIGSLIST AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS CAR HAD 170K WORN OUT ENGINE FUEL LINES AND RUST ALL OVER SHE WAS A DOUCE

[@AgentLokVokun]

Man rams Diff into rear end. Gets Encore.

[@tbi_350]

Ahh dinner with SMA. Gotta love it.

[@_stevied_]

That original diff was really caked with salt! Always enjoy your videos Eric. Thanks!

[@JacobEcret]

She decided to do it!?!?

[@chrissmithz314]

22:50 Might be showing my ignorance here, but magnet on the fill plug eh? Never seen that before. Interesting

[@SouthMainAuto]

same plug for fill and drain ;-)

[@mickyarred279]

Avoca looks like a beautiful little town! They are very lucky to have you as part of their community!! Thanks for the great videos, just wished you had a workshop here in Aus!!

[@chrisforker7487]

The end was absolutely hilarious!

[@frankcrenshaw7343]

Wizzard announced that he only going to work on exotics most of his audience don't own unsubscribed😢

[@rbailey225]

Hey man how's it hangin? ........A little to the left in this case....LOL.

[@ThorMccammon]

... By a thread... Literally. 😜

[@AC-gu7rg]

You are an honest man eric nothing wrong with that !

[@amber07701]

Another good video and conclusion to the saga of t e Buick. Thanks again for the content

[@springfield4522]

5 minutes old and there are already 1600 people ahead of me...