Differential Seal Change Write-up?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 1
From: Columbus, OH
Differential Seal Change Write-up?
I just found some small drips at the back of my car and knew exactly what it was. The dreaded driver side seal leak on the rear differential
. Does anyone have a good write-up on how to DIY? As I understand it the replacement parts are cheap, but it takes some labor to do.
Thanks in advance.
. Does anyone have a good write-up on how to DIY? As I understand it the replacement parts are cheap, but it takes some labor to do.Thanks in advance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
There are different ways to do it but I ussually do the following when changing seals. You'll probably get several different responses. Do whas you think is best for you or take it to your friendly neighborhood shop!
-Jack car up (Lift preferred but not necessary)
-Remove driver side wheel
-Remove caliper by removing two 15mm bolts and hang it on the shield by the gas tank or by a wire tie or something out of the way.
-Disconnect pbrake cable and pull it out of the holder. I use a very small hose clamp and slide it over. Cable pops right out.
-Remove rear wheel sensor plug
-Remove lower shock bolt (24mm on both ends)
-Remove upper balljoint nut (18mm). Sometime you need to stick an allen wrench into the end of it so it does not spin
-Jack the hub up until all the weight is on it.
-Give a good whack if needed on the upper control arm to pop it loose from the balljoint or use a pickle fork to pop it loose. You can then pull the hub out away from the upper control arm. (Note that some remove the upper control arm bolts and keep the control arm with the hub. I find the other way works for me but whatever works for you.
-lower jack all the way
-Give a yank on the hub from the top and the axle will pop right out.
-using a very small flathead screwdriver, tap the seal with a small hammer all around to work it out. You need to get under the lip. Takes a little work but not bad. Alternately you could dril a small hole in it, screw a self-tapping screw in it, and pop it out with a small slide hammer with a vise-grip on the end. Whatever works for you!
-Tap the new one in and reverse the process to put it together.
As long as you have the car high enough and the right tools handy, can be done in under an hour. Throw some pizza and beer in there and take two.
-Jack car up (Lift preferred but not necessary)
-Remove driver side wheel
-Remove caliper by removing two 15mm bolts and hang it on the shield by the gas tank or by a wire tie or something out of the way.
-Disconnect pbrake cable and pull it out of the holder. I use a very small hose clamp and slide it over. Cable pops right out.
-Remove rear wheel sensor plug
-Remove lower shock bolt (24mm on both ends)
-Remove upper balljoint nut (18mm). Sometime you need to stick an allen wrench into the end of it so it does not spin
-Jack the hub up until all the weight is on it.
-Give a good whack if needed on the upper control arm to pop it loose from the balljoint or use a pickle fork to pop it loose. You can then pull the hub out away from the upper control arm. (Note that some remove the upper control arm bolts and keep the control arm with the hub. I find the other way works for me but whatever works for you.
-lower jack all the way
-Give a yank on the hub from the top and the axle will pop right out.
-using a very small flathead screwdriver, tap the seal with a small hammer all around to work it out. You need to get under the lip. Takes a little work but not bad. Alternately you could dril a small hole in it, screw a self-tapping screw in it, and pop it out with a small slide hammer with a vise-grip on the end. Whatever works for you!
-Tap the new one in and reverse the process to put it together.
As long as you have the car high enough and the right tools handy, can be done in under an hour. Throw some pizza and beer in there and take two.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,276
Likes: 226
From: Farmington CT
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 1
From: Columbus, OH
Originally Posted by connecticut
