Question for you gear guys. Do you have to pull the cover & gears to get at the seal that keeps the lube from running down the tube and out past the dust seal ?

 

No.Just pull the axle shaft out.

 

Ok, thanks. do you need a special tool to reach in and drag it out?

 

Are you talking about the front? If it's the front, yes, you need to pull the wheel bearing, the axle shaft, and the cover and differential (ring gear and differential carrier) to change that seal.

 

Need to know what model and differential type you have.

Some axles just have a gasket on the end of the tube. Others have rubber seals and bearings at the end of the tube or inside the hub.

Depending on what you got, you may only need normal hand tools, or special socket wrenches and bearing pullers etc.

You might need to pull the diff cover to remove clips, or like the guy said, the axle just slides out.

On my 94 with Sterling floater axle, it can be a bit of a beach to get the axle out. Been a long time but i recall definitely need a power impact wrench.

Tell us more.

Jim Henderson

 

There is a special tool that goes in the end of the axle and reaches the differential where the seal is located. Seems like this would be a little tricky but do not know for sure. The other choice is to get at it through the differential - but this requires special knowledge & tools -probably best left to an expert. Usually these seals do not go bad. If vent is clogged this will force fluid past axle seal and out dust seal - worth a look - may be your lucky day!

 

Thanks guys all is fixed, gears had to come out to replace the seals, but thats not that bad of a job. Total of about 8 hrs. to do everything including ball joints.