Passenger side front differential seal leaking

[BIG BOB]

I was tightening my turbo hoses under my truck today and noticed that the passenger side front tire had oil running down the inside of it. After futher investigation and analyzation, I came to the conclusion that the seal on the front differential is leaking.

What kind of a job is it to replace these? Is it something most people can do? or should it be left to a professional?

Has there been anyone else who has had to replace these? How much did it cost you?

Trying to figure out if I can do it myself or take it to a professional.

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[This message has been edited by BIG BOB (edited 05-19-2001). ]

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Bob,

I have never done it myself, buts its a PITA.

See this thead for more info: http://dieselpowerman. tripod.com/Front%20Axle%20Tech/Front%20Axle%20Tech.htm

 

[LSMITH]

Bob, I tried Hemi's link and it didn't work for me so I will tell you what I know about it. The entire carrier for the ring set needs to come out after you pull the axles out far enough to get it out. The seals are done from inside the diff case. It is a MAJOR P. I. T. A. to do and unless you have a service manual and the tools to do it take it in. Getting the carrier out and back in is tough, there is very little clearance, it is heavy and there is nothing to get a hold of. This is one repair that is worth farming out to a good mechanic I. M. O. Hope this helps some.

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[drawson]

The seal on the passenger side it right at the 4X4 Actuator. IT's been a while but I do believe you can just pull the 4X4 actuator and the axle and the cuppler comes out and the seal can be changed from there. The drivers side the Diff would have to come out. A case spreader is the only way to get the diff. out w/o screwing up the shims.

 

[Dieselnerd]

Mine has gone out twice. Passenger side also. Once on warranty and once after. Cost almost $300 to have it done but it does require special tools and takes several hours. Hasn't leaked again. Yet?

[This message has been edited by Dieselnerd (edited 05-19-2001). ]

 

[BIG BOB]

Dieselnerd,

Was it convered under the 100,000 mile drivetrain warranty?

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Bummer Bob, did you discover this after we stopped by this afternoon? Maybe your truck is mad at you for spending too much time with a certain Chevy truck #ad


I'm afraid the axles and drivetrain (everything behind the engine that is) only is covered by the 3yr/36,000 mile warranty #ad
Last I knew you were around 80,000 miles. I know before '95 or so there was a 70,000 mile powertrain warranty, but not no mo. #ad


Vaughn

 

[BIG BOB]

I was afraid of that. Noticed it this morning before I started working on the Chev.

 

[illflem]

Bob' I bought a seal and was ready to do the job but then it quit leaking, oil level is fine. Several other folks have had the same experience. Three years have passed with no more leaks. It could also be that your breather tube, which is on the pass side puked, also known to happen, and that is the oil you see.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Bob, I would follow Bill's line of thinking and just keep an eye on the fluid level and give it a chance to "heal" itself. Or just keep adding fluid occasionally. When my transmission seal was leaking bad and dripping all over the floor, it didn't take more than 1/4 cup to top it off once a month or so. The good thing is, having the front axle leak, there is not as much stress on components compared to the rear since it's just going along for the ride most of the time.

Vaughn

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Big Bob,

After reading the above posts, 2 things come to mind to check before replacing the seal.

1. ) Make sure your axle vent is not plugged up with mud.

2. ) Make sure the front diff is not overfilled. Its EASY to overfill the front diff. The factory says to leave the fluid level 1/2" below the fill hole. More than this is asking the seals to hold more oil back than they are designed too.

I had a minor leak in very cold weather. Taking some oil out of the front diff to where Dana says it should be SEEMS to have to stopped the leak. #ad




[This message has been edited by HEMI®Dart (edited 05-20-2001). ]