side diff seal issue? GM#88996703
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 241
Likes: 6
From: Arlington Texas
side diff seal issue? GM#88996703
I replaced my rear left axle and took the opportunity to replace my side diff seal on my 1998 C5. No diff leaks prior to replacing the failed CV portion of the axle
I purchase GM # 88996703. The issue is that the GM#88996703 seal will press in but slowly creeps out of the machined portion of the left side diff cover. I believe there is a old TSB on the over or undersized specified machined dimension of the side diff cover. The leak is on the outside of the seal not where the axle goes through. I need some advice on installing and keeping this seal in place.
I purchase GM # 88996703. The issue is that the GM#88996703 seal will press in but slowly creeps out of the machined portion of the left side diff cover. I believe there is a old TSB on the over or undersized specified machined dimension of the side diff cover. The leak is on the outside of the seal not where the axle goes through. I need some advice on installing and keeping this seal in place.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
Just a couple of possibilities that came to mind: could it be that the seal was a little warped or somewhat distorted? Are you positive that the seal was evenly and completely seated in its place?
Take a look at this writeup by the Junkman2008. It is very detailed and with plenty of pictures.
I just quoted here 3 steps from his post dealing with the removal and installation of the new seal. Good luck!
Take a look at this writeup by the Junkman2008. It is very detailed and with plenty of pictures.
I just quoted here 3 steps from his post dealing with the removal and installation of the new seal. Good luck!
18. Now you're ready to remove the old seal and replace it with the new one. The old seal does not come out easily. It does however have a slight lip around the outside edge of it that you can feel and I used a seal removal tool to grab that lip and pull out the old seal. Be careful around this area. You don't want to gouge the differential and create a permanent leak.
19. Seating the new seal will be the fun you get to have. Whatever you do, you don't want to start tapping the edge of the seal and working your way around. You want to use something that will allow you to seat the seal evenly as you tap it in. Again, I used the tool that I bought that the TSB called for. I heard a block of wood works well and I've heard that they make universal seal installing tools. Whatever you decide to use, make sure you keep these tips in mind or make sure you buy a bunch of seals.
20. After you get the seal installed, you want to physically and visually inspect your work. Run your fingers around the edges of the seal. You should not feel any gap between the edge of the seal and the differential. If you do, you still need to tap, tap, tap-a-roo.
19. Seating the new seal will be the fun you get to have. Whatever you do, you don't want to start tapping the edge of the seal and working your way around. You want to use something that will allow you to seat the seal evenly as you tap it in. Again, I used the tool that I bought that the TSB called for. I heard a block of wood works well and I've heard that they make universal seal installing tools. Whatever you decide to use, make sure you keep these tips in mind or make sure you buy a bunch of seals.
20. After you get the seal installed, you want to physically and visually inspect your work. Run your fingers around the edges of the seal. You should not feel any gap between the edge of the seal and the differential. If you do, you still need to tap, tap, tap-a-roo.
Last edited by GCG; May 4, 2012 at 11:34 AM.
