Front differential seal leak

[vtx1800sba]

I've put a bit over 200 miles on my new 96 tahoe in the last two days. I figured I'd scare out any bugs that way. Well I did. Have a u joint squeaking and suspect it's the rear one on the rear drive shaft. So we are going to replace all u joints on both drive shafts. Then I discovered a leak from the front differential seal on the driver side. Any body ever change one of those out?

 

[ezdaar]

as in axle seal by tire?
Or pinion or cover seal?

 

[vtx1800sba]

as in axle seal by tire?
Or pinion or cover seal?

Differential seal on driver side of differential where axle shaft enters the differential.

 

[SunlitComet]

Left Side Caution: You should review the information found in TSB 86-43-08 before performing this procedure.

• Tools Required:
• J 36600 Seal Installer

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT

• Raise the vehicle. Support with jack stands.

1. Drain front axle.
2. Drive axle (halfshaft).
3. Axis shaft (output shaft) (32). Attach a slide hammer with adapter to the axle shaft (output shaft) and pull it from the carrier case. Take care not to damage the case.
4. Deflector (31).
5. Seal (29). Pry out with a screwdriver.
6. Bearing using slide hammer J 23907.

INSTALL OR CONNECT

NOTICE: Always use the correct fastener in the proper location. When you replace a fastener, use ONLY the exact part number for that application. The manufacturer will call out those fasteners that require a replacement after removal. The manufacturer will also call out the fasteners that require thread lockers or thread sealant. UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, do not use supplemental coatings (paints, greases, or other corrosion inhibitors on threaded fasteners or fastener joint interfaces. Generally, such coatings adversely affect the fastener torque and joint clamping force, and may damage the fastener. When you Install fasteners, use the correct tightening sequence and specifications. Following these instructions can help you avoid damage to parts and systems.

• It may be necessary to attach a 1/2 inch by 13 inch long extension handle onto the slide hammer for easier pulling of the bearing.

1. Bearing (square shoulder in) using J 22761
2. New seal (29). Using J 36600 to install. Lubricate the seal lips with grease prior to installation.
3. Deflector (31).
4. Axle shaft (output shaft) (32). Carefully tap the axle shaft (output shaft) into place with a soft mallet.
5. Drive axle (halfshaft).
6. Fill front axle.

 

[vtx1800sba]

Left Side Caution: You should review the information found in TSB 86-43-08 before performing this procedure.

• Tools Required:
• J 36600 Seal Installer

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT

• Raise the vehicle. Support with jack stands.

1. Drain front axle.
2. Drive axle (halfshaft).
3. Axis shaft (output shaft) (32). Attach a slide hammer with adapter to the axle shaft (output shaft) and pull it from the carrier case. Take care not to damage the case.
4. Deflector (31).
5. Seal (29). Pry out with a screwdriver.
6. Bearing using slide hammer J 23907.

INSTALL OR CONNECT

NOTICE: Always use the correct fastener in the proper location. When you replace a fastener, use ONLY the exact part number for that application. The manufacturer will call out those fasteners that require a replacement after removal. The manufacturer will also call out the fasteners that require thread lockers or thread sealant. UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, do not use supplemental coatings (paints, greases, or other corrosion inhibitors on threaded fasteners or fastener joint interfaces. Generally, such coatings adversely affect the fastener torque and joint clamping force, and may damage the fastener. When you Install fasteners, use the correct tightening sequence and specifications. Following these instructions can help you avoid damage to parts and systems.

• It may be necessary to attach a 1/2 inch by 13 inch long extension handle onto the slide hammer for easier pulling of the bearing.

1. Bearing (square shoulder in) using J 22761
2. New seal (29). Using J 36600 to install. Lubricate the seal lips with grease prior to installation.
3. Deflector (31).
4. Axle shaft (output shaft) (32). Carefully tap the axle shaft (output shaft) into place with a soft mallet.
5. Drive axle (halfshaft).
6. Fill front axle.

Thanks Bud! I am so pleased I joined this forum. Wealth of information and advice. The job doesn't look too difficult. Just a lot of shit to get out of the way for replacing the seal.