Axle seal leaking....Step by step how to replace?

[The Darkside]

I noticed small pudde @ the inside of my rear tire today...Getting down & looking closer I found a wet streak that ran down the bottom half of my tire with it's source appearing to be the axel end. (It's a stock rear end w/ moser axels)
I really would appreciate detailed step by step guide so that I can do this job myself as finances are very tight right now...

Thanks, The Darkside

 

[novaderrik]

jack up the car, put it on jackstands, remove the wheel and brake drum
now, slide over to the center of the rear end- make sure you have a drain pan for the gear oil.
ok, now the fun stuff starts:
1) pop the differential cover off by taking out every bolt but one at the top. loosen that one a few turns, and pry the bottom of the cover out so you can control the flow of oil coming out. once the oil has finished running out, take out the last bolt and remove the cover.
2)take out the little 5/16" bolt that sticks i nthe side of the differential
3) slide the center pin back enough to allow the axle to push in
4)take out the c clip that holds the axle in
5) slide the axle out
6)remove old seal
7) pound in new seal
8) inspect the axle where it rides on the bearing- if it's got a deep groove, get a new axle. the new seal will just leak like the old one if you don't.

once the new seal is in place and you have a good axle, then just reverse the steps to put it back together. to put new oil in it, you remove the plug on the passenger side of the center pumpkin, about half way up. use a 3/8 ratchet to remove the plug. fill it with oil until it just dribbles out the hole and put the plug back in.

 

[The Darkside]

Thanks alot for that detailed info.....I do have a few more questions though....
Whats the best way to remove the seal & then the best way to install the new one? Any specific tools needed? Lubricants/sealers?
Lastly, how much fluid & what kind do I need & how much posi additive do I add?

Thanks again, The Darkside

 

[notacarlo]

GM still sells the Friction additive for the rear end. little blue and white bottle. I think It costs around $11.00.

Sorry cant remember the name.

 

[novaderrik]

the seal can be pried out with a seal remover, screwdriver, or chisel.
the new one just pounds in- hold it in place, and use a block of wood or a piece of pipe or a large socket or whatever you can find that covers the whole seal evenly and pound it in place.
make sure you smear some gear oil in the seal before sliding the axle in, or you might tear the seal and this was all for nothing.
as for the posi additive- i've never used it in anything. i run the good Amsoil gear oil with no additives and have never had any chattering problems in the past. you need about 2 quarts of gear oil.

 

[27Skulls]

rear seals

the seal can be pried out with a seal remover, screwdriver, or chisel.
the new one just pounds in- hold it in place, and use a block of wood or a piece of pipe or a large socket or whatever you can find that covers the whole seal evenly and pound it in place.
make sure you smear some gear oil in the seal before sliding the axle in, or you might tear the seal and this was all for nothing.
as for the posi additive- i've never used it in anything. i run the good Amsoil gear oil with no additives and have never had any chattering problems in the past. you need about 2 quarts of gear oil.

When I did mine, went to a local Advance Auto and borrowed a pro set of bearing-seal removers. Just smack down a deposit (refundable) and it made the job easy.:smile:

 

[The Darkside]

Well, I went & bought 2 quarts of Royal Purple 75/90 which states on bottle that the posi additive is already in the mix, an axle seal & new rear cover gasket...They also let you "borrow" the slide hammer & bearing puller/installer for a small deposit. Nothing left to do but do it now....hopefully later this week....



The Darkside