front differential seal replacement

[gnjeff.t]

So I finally got around to taking the front differential out of the Typhoon. It has had a drivers-side axle (output shaft) leak for a while. It took me some time to get that thing out. Now, my question is this, Do I need to split the case to remove the axles? I have the differential on my workbench and I have not been able to figure out how to remove the drivers-side output shaft from the case. I am really hoping to not have to split the case to replace the seal, as it is the only one that is leaking. If I do need to split the case, should I replace all of the seals and gaskets when it is apart?

Thanks in advance for any and all assistance.

Later, Jeff.

 

[syclone0517]

Re: front differential seal replacement

you didn't actually need to remove the differential to replace the seal. all you need to do is tap the axle out with a soft mallet or dead blow hammer. There is a retainer ring on the axle that holds it. the ring will compress as you pull the axle out. Generally you can do this in vehicle. Occasionally that ring can be stubborn and more force is needed to remove the axle.

 

[1blkc4]

Re: front differential seal replacement

you didn't actually need to remove the differential to replace the seal. all you need to do is tap the axle out with a soft mallet or dead blow hammer. There is a retainer ring on the axle that holds it. the ring will compress as you pull the axle out. Generally you can do this in vehicle. Occasionally that ring can be stubborn and more force is needed to remove the axle.

Try too get an oem ac delco seal I had bad luck with aftermarket seals.

 

[gnjeff.t]

Re: front differential seal replacement

Try too get an oem ac delco seal I had bad luck with aftermarket seals.

I've seen "Napa Auto Parts" numbers for these seals, do you know the OEM number for them? are both sides the same part number?

thanks.

later, Jeff.

 

[gnjeff.t]

Re: front differential seal replacement

Try too get an oem ac delco seal I had bad luck with aftermarket seals.

I've seen "Napa Auto Parts" numbers for these seals, do you know the OEM number for them? are both sides the same part number?

thanks.

later, Jeff.

 

[Don W.]

Re: front differential seal replacement

I'm using the NAPA seals with no issues. No leaks. Just checked fluid a few months ago - full. The trick, with any seal IMHO, is proper installation. I've had rear main leaks that were my fault.

 

[gnjeff.t]

Re: front differential seal replacement

you didn't actually need to remove the differential to replace the seal. all you need to do is tap the axle out with a soft mallet or dead blow hammer. There is a retainer ring on the axle that holds it. the ring will compress as you pull the axle out. Generally you can do this in vehicle. Occasionally that ring can be stubborn and more force is needed to remove the axle.

Are we both talking about the FRONT DIFFERENTIAL? I've been using more force than I think it should take to get the axles to come out of the center section. Any suggestions on how to proceed?

Thanks.

Later, Jeff.

 

[wildphil]

Re: front differential seal replacement

I have always had problems removing axles that have the ring. I have always removed them while the differential was installed in the vehicle.

What I have used before was a pry bar. But it does seem that you have to kind of bump it when prying and hit it at the right time for it to pop out. Most the time you are hitting on the side of the keeper ring and it will not let the axle come out. But finally when you hit it just right the ring compresses in the groove in the axle and the axle slides right out. So I can see doing the same thing with a hammer. The hammer is probably your best bet while the differential is removed from the truck.

You may try holding the axle out with a little tension on it. While bumping it outwards with a hammer. It will come out. You just have to keep going at it.

 

[gnjeff.t]

Re: front differential seal replacement

I have always had problems removing axles that have the ring. I have always removed them while the differential was installed in the vehicle.

What I have used before was a pry bar. But it does seem that you have to kind of bump it when prying and hit it at the right time for it to pop out. Most the time you are hitting on the side of the keeper ring and it will not let the axle come out. But finally when you hit it just right the ring compresses in the groove in the axle and the axle slides right out. So I can see doing the same thing with a hammer. The hammer is probably your best bet while the axle is removed.

You may try holding the axle out with a little tension on it. While bumping it outwards with a hammer. It will come out. you just have to keep going at it.

Thanks for letting me know. do both sides come out the same way?

thanks again.

Later, Jeff.

 

[gnjeff.t]

Re: front differential seal replacement

I have always had problems removing axles that have the ring. I have always removed them while the differential was installed in the vehicle.

What I have used before was a pry bar. But it does seem that you have to kind of bump it when prying and hit it at the right time for it to pop out. Most the time you are hitting on the side of the keeper ring and it will not let the axle come out. But finally when you hit it just right the ring compresses in the groove in the axle and the axle slides right out. So I can see doing the same thing with a hammer. The hammer is probably your best bet while the differential is removed from the truck.

You may try holding the axle out with a little tension on it. While bumping it outwards with a hammer. It will come out. You just have to keep going at it.

Well, that was quite a workout. All i had to do was keep rotating the axle while hitting it with the deadblow. it took several rotations of the axle, then all of a sudden the axle just popped out. I must have had the axle in the wrong position.

Without this forum and guidance from you all, I may still be scratching my head on how to remove the axles.

thank you everyone.

Later, Jeff.

 

[wildphil]

Re: front differential seal replacement

No problem. Like I said I always have trouble getting them to come out. Just don't give up. They will come out.

It has been so many years I can't say for sure that they are both the same. I believe they are. I think that I would remember something different. I would say they would have to be. Since I changed both front axles while the differential was in the truck and I did not have to take any part of the differential apart.

If I am incorrect about that. Someone will post the correction.

 

[0966Sy]

Re: front differential seal replacement

Does anyone have the left front diff seal number from NAPA? They have the OEM style seals with metal casings. I need to pick up a few and I can't find the number I used last.

 

[gnjeff.t]

Re: front differential seal replacement

I pulled the seal from the housing for the drivers side and the seal from the axle tube for the passenger side and the are both the same.

Is there anything else I could, or should, be looking at while I have it on my workbench?

thanks.

Later, Jeff.

 

[Don W.]

Re: front differential seal replacement

Well, that was quite a workout. All i had to do was keep rotating the axle while hitting it with the deadblow. it took several rotations of the axle, then all of a sudden the axle just popped out. I must have had the axle in the wrong position.

Without this forum and guidance from you all, I may still be scratching my head on how to remove the axles.

thank you everyone.

Later, Jeff.

There is no "wrong position." Just a really solid whack with a large mallet or large dead blow. You'll find they go in much easier. Check the flange end for seal and bearing wear. There should be none. You should see where the bearing and seal ran but no discernible wear.

 

[0966Sy]

Re: front differential seal replacement

I'd change the input shaft seal while your there.

 

[gnjeff.t]

Re: front differential seal replacement

Good idea. I have already removed the input shaft coupler from the differential. I marked the nut for the input coupler so i will install it in the same place it was. I don't think it will effect anything if i install a new input seal, right?

Later, Jeff.

 

[0966Sy]

Re: front differential seal replacement

No, if anything you could just torque it to spec but back in the same location is safe. I'll update the NAPA seal number tomorrow for the axle flanges.

 

[gnjeff.t]

Re: front differential seal replacement

What I got off of this site in another location is:
Front Axle Shaft Seal - National 223255

Does that sound right?

Later, Jeff.

 

[gnjeff.t]

Re: front differential seal replacement

By the way, I looked at a Teal/grey Typhoon in the spring of 2009. If i remember right it was a 1993. It was perfect, low mileage, un-molested with a ton of upgrades include that had not been installed. Sometimes i wish i would have bought it. It is a VERY unique color. I am sure you get a lot of comments.

Later, Jeff.

 

[Don W.]

Re: front differential seal replacement

I'd change the input shaft seal while your there.

That is a good idea if it shows any sign of actually leaking, other wise leave it alone. The reason is, there is a special procedure called out in the manual to preserve pre-load on the pinion bearings.