2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front diff leak

[satmike]

My front axle is leaking out of the vacuum disconnect gasket. Does this mean the axle seal is out? I don't think gear oil should be out on the axle that far. Correct me if I am wrong.

Thanks Mike

 

[JDKammin]

Your right side axle seal is out further than the CAD cover, so are OK. I always get some oil draining out when I remove a CAD cover.

 

[WilsonF]

Me two or too but I think both work here.

Floyd

 

[SDrake]

Just remove the 4 cad mounting screws and replace the gasket. If you don't want to bother hunting up a gasket, just clean the old gasket off, clean the surface and apply ultra grey for a gasket. That is what i did and no more leak.

 

[SRath]

If you see oil dripping out the end of the tube, like many eventually do, then is when you have a seal issue. The problem is most common on the passenger side where the axle shaft seal is located so far outboard. A little bit of shaft wobble is magnified at the outer end compared to right at the differential where the other seal (driver's side) is located, plus that driver's side shaft is very short. The combination of a long shaft and outboard seal tends to wear the passenger seal much more quickly.



Replacing those axle shaft seals is very labor-intensive, so unless it is a bad leak, you may as well wait until you need new balljoints and outer u-joints, hubs, etc. It all has to come off...

 

[satmike]

Thanks all. Mine is leaking out of the CAD gasket and not out the end of the axle tube. So an easy fix.
Thanks again Mike