Got home this weekend and found oil under the wheel well-- started looking and found the left front axle seal leaking.
I am pretty sure I can get the old seal out ok I am just wondering if there is a special tool for putting it back in or better yet one I can make to work. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Differential removal is required for most seals except the disconnect side on vacuum shift axles. These are tricky seals to install, A differential case spreader is definitely recommended but not absolutely required for differential removal/installation.

 

Hold on there - isnt he just talking about replacing the outer diff seal? I have a leaky outer after nicking the seal when I replaced my rotors.

I could be retarded but I was under the assumption that I could just pull the axle shaft out, remove the seal, slam in a new one and be good to go. Or am I misssing something here?

 

Dr Evil, Thats what I am talking about-- the outer axle seal, It is throwing fluid on the inside of my tire and wheel well.
When you say slap a new one in I am wondering what you use to insrall the new one.
Thanks, cloker12

 

each side has two seals.......an inner and an outer...the outer is easy and the inner is a bugger

I use a big socket sized just right to fit the metal ring of the seal and tap it into place with a hammer.....dont size it to fit the outer lip of the seal but rather to fit the inner steal rolled portion of the seal where it has its best integrity

 

Dr. Evil, Thanks for the info, I think it is only the outer seal so when I get a chance I will change it out and try your advice.

 

if the outer seal is leakin oil than so is the inner seal...........you will find out when ya get in there

the outer seasls function is to keep dust and debris from entering the axle housing tubes is all...............so if oil is leakin out than the inner is gone.

 

ok-- soooo what do I do if I find the inner leaking. Is it on the inside of the pumkin meaning I have to take the cover off or what is involed there.

 

Drain the oil then take the cover off. Pull the wheels, brakes and undo the hub bearings on the knuckle, then slide out the axles as a whole. The right side you have to take the disconnect cover off (for yer 4x4 actuator) and slide the axle out. The caps should already be marked so pay attention so you can put it back the same. Then remove the caps and pry out the diff case. Pop out the inner seals and put in the new ones.Clean everything up real well and put it back together . You will hafta get creative on how to get the new seal down inside the axle tube so you can install.................just make something up with pipe to reach it and have a way to get a good surface connection so when ya wack it with a hammer it forces the seal in place

 

Thanks for the info, sounds like a pretty involved job, I will let you know how it goes.
cloker12