Quick Axle Seal Question
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 85
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From: Columbus OH
Quick Axle Seal Question
In the middle of replacing my diff cover o-ring and adding the new gm sealant. Surprisingly enough the actual axle seal is not leaking, just the diff cover. I've removed the axle and had a quick question. Even though my seal is not leaking, do I still need to replace it since I removed the axle? Should the seal be replaced every time you take the axle out? I just started thinking after I took it out that maybe it won't seal as well after removing the axle. Thanks for the help, back to the garage for now!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
No the seal doesn't need replaced if it's not leaking.
The seal does not need to be replaced, when ever you pull the axles in or out.
If you are replacing the drivers side O ring with the differential still on it's cradle & the stud on the cover side, you must be having a fun time?
Good luck.
The seal does not need to be replaced, when ever you pull the axles in or out.
If you are replacing the drivers side O ring with the differential still on it's cradle & the stud on the cover side, you must be having a fun time?
Good luck.
Last edited by bumble-z; Aug 20, 2011 at 10:51 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
You might want to apply a small amount of heat to the "raised" area
where the stud goes into (when removing) & of course doubled nut.
If you have the axle completly out of the hub (wheel side), I'd clean the splines of the hub & axle real good with a wire brush/sand paper & then apply some good quality Motorcyle Chain lube to the spines of the axle & hub areas.
The axle spline that goes into the differential, could have a coating of motor oil or diff fluid prior to install.
Make sure that the cir clip is still attached to the axle coming out of the differential, before installing the the axle that you have just cleaned up & ready to install.
Good luck.
where the stud goes into (when removing) & of course doubled nut.
If you have the axle completly out of the hub (wheel side), I'd clean the splines of the hub & axle real good with a wire brush/sand paper & then apply some good quality Motorcyle Chain lube to the spines of the axle & hub areas.
The axle spline that goes into the differential, could have a coating of motor oil or diff fluid prior to install.
Make sure that the cir clip is still attached to the axle coming out of the differential, before installing the the axle that you have just cleaned up & ready to install.
Good luck.
Last edited by bumble-z; Aug 20, 2011 at 12:02 PM.
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Joined: May 2001
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You might want to apply a small amount of heat to the "raised" area
where the stud goes into (when removing) & of course doubled nut.
If you have the axle completly out of the hub (wheel side), I'd clean the splines of the hub & axle real good with a wire brush/sand paper & then apply some good quality Motorcyle Chain lube to the spines of the axle & hub areas.
The axle spline that goes into the differential, could have a coating of motor oil or diff fluid prior to install.
Make sure that the cir clip is still attached to the axle coming out of the differential, before installing the the axle that you have just cleaned up & ready to install.
Good luck.
where the stud goes into (when removing) & of course doubled nut.
If you have the axle completly out of the hub (wheel side), I'd clean the splines of the hub & axle real good with a wire brush/sand paper & then apply some good quality Motorcyle Chain lube to the spines of the axle & hub areas.
The axle spline that goes into the differential, could have a coating of motor oil or diff fluid prior to install.
Make sure that the cir clip is still attached to the axle coming out of the differential, before installing the the axle that you have just cleaned up & ready to install.
Good luck.
Good tips.I also like to lightly coat the exposed threads on the end of the axle with anti-seize compound after torquing the large nut down. Also smear a very thin coat on the hub flange all around the wheel studs to keep the wheel from sticking to the flange.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Columbus OH
Thanks for the help all! Just wanted to note for anyone using search and you find this post. Trust me, heat up the stud to get it out of the diff cover. I spent way too long trying to get it out without it, but then I heated up the area where the stud screws into the cover and snap (in a good way) the stud came right out!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
Thanks for the help all! Just wanted to note for anyone using search and you find this post. Trust me, heat up the stud to get it out of the diff cover. I spent way too long trying to get it out without it, but then I heated up the area where the stud screws into the cover and snap (in a good way) the stud came right out!
For those that dont own a "pencil torch", this is a job that is perfect
for using one for heating up a small area without over heating a larger area.
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