Axle seal question...

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Jun 15, 2009 | 11:27 AM

wcsinx

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Axle seal question...

It would appear my driver's side axle seal is seeping just a bit. From what I've gathered, this is pretty common. I'll swap it out this weekend, but I noticed there was a service bulletin issued for the axle seal as well as the driver's diff. cover seal. Is the concensus that both the axle and cover seal should be swapped at the same time? I.e. how common is it for both to be leaking? I can't really tell if the cover is leaking or not. There's a layer of grease on everything, but the only fluid oil I see is a wet streak at the base of where the half shaft plugs in.

Jun 15, 2009 | 12:18 PM

Eric D

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From: Howell Michigan

St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11

I ended up replacing the side cover O'ring and output shaft seal at the same time. The replacement cover O'ring is slightly larger diameter then the original in cross sections. Over 9K miles since change with no leaks.

Jun 15, 2009 | 12:48 PM

wcsinx

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Looking at this writeup ...

http://www.cajundude.com/outputshaftseal.htm

His method differs a bit from the factory. Would this method give me enough clearance to get the cover off, or should I plan on tearing it down farther?

Jun 15, 2009 | 01:07 PM

slothy

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From: St. Clair Shores Mi

to really find out spray down diff with brake cleaner and drive it a lil then go and check to see where the leak it.

Jun 15, 2009 | 01:24 PM

timemender

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From: Stark County Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by slothy

to really find out spray down diff with brake cleaner and drive it a lil then go and check to see where the leak it.

If it’s seeping "just a bit" then you have time to clean off the differential then drive it awhile to locate any other leakage areas.

Be aware that the top vent is also known to expel lubricant, especially with an overfill condition.

If the side-cover is not leaking, I would leave it alone for now, but it’s your call. Replacing the side cover o-ring is not much more work to replace once the outer axles are out.

Jun 15, 2009 | 03:59 PM

wcsinx

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Quote:

Originally Posted by timemender

Knowing me and my overkilling ways I'll probably end up replacing the o-ring anyway. But just for kicks, I picked up a bottle of UV dye. I'm going to clean off the cover tonight, add the dye, and then reinspect it this weekend.