2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Advise on Changing Drivers Side Axle Seal

[Cooker]

Well unfortunately the leak from my drivers side axle seal has not disappeared on it's own so it look like I will have to swap out the seal. I know the hubs need to come off, the axles need to come out, and the carrier needs to be popped out of the pig.



I am concerned about removing the carrier. How easy will it come out? Do I need any special tools (ie. a case spreader) or can it be done without one? Any advise, tips, and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.



Thanks,

Ryan

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The carrier should either fall out or have a light press fit. It can be pried out and put back in with the butt of a hammer handle tapping on the bearing races. If the carrier is loose, it would be best to add a bit of shim to get maybe . 002--. 004" preload on the carrier bearings.

 

[Cooker]

Thanks for the help fellas.



I thought I had gotten lucky as the leak had stopped, but it was only because enough fluid had leaked out to drop the level low enough to clear the seal.



It doesn't sound too difficult to pop the carrier out. I guess I will just have to tear into it now and get it done.



Thanks again,

Ryan

 

[illflem]

Ryan, you sure the fluid just hasn't leaked down to the correct level - 1/2'' below the bottom of the fill hole?

Several I've encountered including my own stopped leaking after they were at the correct level.

 

[Cooker]

illflem,

I think it leaks to lower than 1/2" below the fill hole. Last time I added some I couldn't even touch the fluid.



Unfortunately, I am convinced I damaged it during the front U-Joint replacement. It didn't leak before and hasn't stopped leaking since. Oh well, with a couple CTD's in the family I guess it is not a bad thing to learn how to do. It doesn't appear too difficult, I'm just hoping the carrier comes out ok.



It is a project I have having a hard time getting motivated for. I am not looking forward to pulling apart the front end again. Hopefully it comes apart easier this time.

 

[illflem]

Ryan, a friend of mine who is quite mechanically inclined decided to pass the job off to the dealer after finding they only charge $125 per side...

 

[Cooker]

Thanks for the suggestion. $125 seems reasonable considering the amount of work that goes into it. The problem is I decided to go to graduate school, I still don't know why ,and I have a pretty limited amount of funds. I do know that without a heated garage to work in I need to get this taken care of before it gets too much colder around here. 50 degrees is still nice working weather



Plus I don't think I could get lucky enough to find those kind of prices around here. A friend of a friend had his in at the dealer for front axle seals and they did the u-joints as well. They got him for $550. I thought that was a bit much.



I guess if I spend a while trying to pop the carrier out and still can't get it, I will have to give in. Then I am only out some time and a few quarts of gear lube.



Thanks again.