So, I've got a leaky driver's side axle seal. It doesn't sound all that hard to replace it, but it'd be great to do this with a little company, especially if someone has done it before and needs to do it again on their rig.

Does anyone want to get together this weekend and replace their seals?

I'm in the LA area and can either have any people who are interested over to my house to do this, or meet up at someone's house (willing to drive pretty far if there's someone who has done this before).

Cheers!

- Dave

 

Its super simple.
Basically 3 wrenches so less....
Pull tire
Pull caliper (2 bolts)
Pull rotor (keep off to side with 3 lug nuts)
Drain diff (3/8 ratchet)
Pull 3 13mm 12 point bolts on back side (use 13mm 12 wrench)
Allen wrench to pull tone ring sensor (1 bolt)
Flip rotor backwards affix it to lugs and put 3 lug nuts on maybe 3,4 spins so they are not anywhere near snug, push rotor towards axle and jerk it out....it acts li,e a slide hammer and unseats axle...

(You have to do both sides)

Pull diff cover
Pull carrier (4bolts)
Use a wrench to hook into ring bolt and long screw driver to .leverage other side and wrench carrier out....

Remember which side the shims and retainers came out on and how they were oriented, snap a pic before so you know which numbers on carrier retainers are up...

Axle seals sit right inside ti e maybe 3 inches from carrier...I'd replace both as long as your there...

Wipe a smidge of grease on em for the axles to come back through...

There are usually 2 grey plastic guides
Er axle at carrier end that hold axles up to guide them through the seals make sure to put them back on a/le ends before install....they like to stay in tube so when its apart check for them....

That should be it I may have missed something but i t will be tell tale....

 

Thanks for the description! It doesn't sound too bad. Pulling the carrier is the only part I'm a little afraid to do, but I guess as long as you pay attention and stay organized it's no big deal.

One question: I have Teraflex axle sleeves. Would that make any difference in how this would be done?

Thanks!

 

Yes... there won't be any little grey axle washers on the end.

 

That's what I was thinking. Sounds easy enough!

Since you know your stuff, if you don't mind, would you share your opinion on outer seals? I can see the benefit, but at the same time, if I had outer seals right now how would I know that I have an inner seal leak?

 

Won't fit with sleeves

 

I'm doing some wrenching at my place this Saturday if you want to knock it out then. I haven't done the seals before but I don't think it will be that big of a deal. I know its quit a drive from LA but figured I would extend the invitation.

 

Hey thanks bud! I didn't see your reply earlier. I'm pretty much ready and have the tools gathered. I probably want to do it at my place in case something goes horribly wrong. Hey, there's a bus route straight from my house to work if I really mess up :-D