Leaking fluid near the cv joint(picture included) - need advice

[ToddEdge]

I bought a '07 Escalade a few weeks ago and have crawled under it each weekend since i bought it to ensure there are no leaks the dealer cleaned up prior to my buying it. Unfortunately, I found one. It is very slow but, a leak none the less. It is coming out of what I assume to be a seal on the passenger side differential, just before the cv axle is bolted on. It is not enough to drip on the garage floor but, it has a drop on the bottom of the diff housing each time I look. Below is a picture of the area and you can see a drop of what I assume is differential fluid.

Anyone ever had this happen? What was the culprit?
How expensive is the fix? It looks like the entire passenger side inner axle and housing will have to come off in order to swap in a new seal, which I assume is the problem.

Thanks,
Todd

 

[Marioski]

Looks to be like the axle shaft seal. Take it to a drivetrain shop and have it quoted up. Not sure if the diff needs to be pulled out but I suspect it doesn't.

Just for comparison,I paid $600 to rebuild the gm ifs diff. (Without labor).



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[scottg918514]

Looks to be like the axle shaft seal. Take it to a drivetrain shop and have it quoted up. Not sure if the diff needs to be pulled out but I suspect it doesn't.

Just for comparison,I paid $600 to rebuild the gm ifs diff. (Without labor).



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Axle shaft seal. I've replaced both sides on NBS (same on NNBS). Each side is different procedure, drivers side is easier IMO.

Driver's side, you need to remove cv axle, or at least remove from flange and move diff end out of the way. Then with a slide hammer and appropriate attachment, "hammer" the flange out of diff. Your seal is exposed. Oh, you might want to drain diff first. Replace seal, put flange back in and re-attach axle. Fill diff.

Pass side, drain diff, detached cv axle from flange, remove diff axle tube (not sure proper term). Then remove axle stub and remove/replace seal. Put back together, refill diff. There is a bit more to this then I've said. I can send a video if it is this side.

BTW, these seals go fairly often and cost about $20, so can be a cheap repair if you've got the time.

---------- Post added at 11:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:22 AM ----------

Actually, your pic is pass side, so a bit harder. I'll see if I can find the video.

---------- Post added at 11:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:23 AM ----------

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzNPHkMGekA

 

[Marioski]

Also another item to consider is the actual shaft. My seal started leaking (drivers side) because the axle shaft started to get play and wobble. It distorted the seal. Turned out to be an early indicator of a failing carrier bearing and the carrier adjuster. The ring gear and carrier were actually starting to get play inside the diff.


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[ToddEdge]

Also another item to consider is the actual shaft. My seal started leaking (drivers side) because the axle shaft started to get play and wobble. It distorted the seal. Turned out to be an early indicator of a failing carrier bearing and the carrier adjuster. The ring gear and carrier were actually starting to get play inside the diff.


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I have an appt with Cadillac to replace the seal on Monday. Nothing like $310 to replace a $20 seal. I'm hoping they don't find any additional issues...

Thanks,
Todd