Front differential axle seal leaking

[cplvc]

I might have damaged the front differential axle seal last time I replaced the CV axle on my 4runner front driver's side. I smelled diff fluid and it seems like its leaking from where the CV axle connects at the front diff. I think I damaged the seal when I was prying the old CV axle out of the diff.

Is it tough to replace the seal? Any suggestions?

edit: changed the title/subject to make better sense of this issue. Thanks Lee.

[Lee]

you mean the AXLE seal or the CV axle ring??

the seal isnt that hard, putting it in properly is the hardest part (read: straight and in the right place). get 2 just in case you screw up the 1st one.

if you dont trust yourself id get it done professionally, you dont want to deal with a constantly leaking seal.

[cplvc]

I believe its the axle seal, the seal that stays in the diff when you remove the CV axle. Not part of the CV axle.

[Lee]

http://www.ultimateyota.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=1262.0

i dealt with it in the past. just make sure

1) you have a spare on hand in case
2) you put it in facing the right way
3) you put it in a close to straight as possible

we tapped it in with a large socket.

[cplvc]

Lee,
Thanks for the pointers, I read what you went through. I had one question, did you drain the front diff before you removed the old axle seal, or can it be done without draining? Just wanted to make sure the oil doesn't come gushing out as I pull the seal. I've ordered two seals and I'll give it a try once they arrive.



http://www.ultimateyota.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=1262.0

[SAR_Squid79]

FYI:

An empty Campbell's soup can if the PERFECT tool for tapping in a diff oil seal!

The job is not too difficult (No more difficult that replacing a CV) - you just pry the old ones out (you obviously don't have to worry about tearing the old ones up), and the best tool for tapping the new ones evenly into place is an empty campbell's soup can. It's the perfect size for the diff seals. As stated above - if you don't get them in EXACTLY the right place, they'll still leak, so be careful.

[Lee]

Lee,
Thanks for the pointers, I read what you went through. I had one question, did you drain the front diff before you removed the old axle seal, or can it be done without draining? Just wanted to make sure the oil doesn't come gushing out as I pull the seal. I've ordered two seals and I'll give it a try once they arrive.



http://www.ultimateyota.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=1262.0

it wont come GUSHING out but it will leak out some. make sure you check the level after youre done.



FYI:

An empty Campbell's soup can if the PERFECT tool for tapping in a diff oil seal!

The job is not too difficult (No more difficult that replacing a CV) - you just pry the old ones out (you obviously don't have to worry about tearing the old ones up), and the best tool for tapping the new ones evenly into place is an empty campbell's soup can. It's the perfect size for the diff seals. As stated above - if you don't get them in EXACTLY the right place, they'll still leak, so be careful.

wow thats a great idea! i never thought of it.... damn.

[cplvc]

Thank you Jamie and Lee!
Yeah I plan on refilling the diff to the proper level but wanted to make sure I'm not to drain it prior to removing the seal.

I'll keep an empty campbell's soup can handy :). However, I was planning on getting this tool to install the seal.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=35555
Anyone tried using this?

[Lee]

if you empty the diff you obviously will get less leakage :) but i didnt, and it leaked a fair amount, but i only had to top it off, not fill.

[04 Rocko Taco]

FYI:

An empty Campbell's soup can if the PERFECT tool for tapping in a diff oil seal!

The job is not too difficult (No more difficult that replacing a CV) - you just pry the old ones out (you obviously don't have to worry about tearing the old ones up), and the best tool for tapping the new ones evenly into place is an empty campbell's soup can. It's the perfect size for the diff seals. As stated above - if you don't get them in EXACTLY the right place, they'll still leak, so be careful.



Genius! Pure Genius Jamie!!

[cplvc]

Update, got it done. No problems...just had a tough time prying the CV axle out. Used Jamie's cambell's soup can method but had to use another tool when the can started to buckle. :) This was on the driver side incase someone needs the part number.
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s129/cplvc/oilseal/CIMG0253.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s129/cplvc/oilseal/CIMG0252.jpg
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s129/cplvc/oilseal/CIMG0254.jpg

[Lee]

nice job man :)

[SAR_Squid79]

Update, got it done. No problems...just had a tough time prying the CV axle out. Used Jamie's cambell's soup can method but had to use another tool when the can started to buckle. :)

Jesus! What were you hitting it with? BTW - when i did this, the can was open and empty, and I put the open side toward the seal, and tapped it in with a rubber mallet. I didn't have a problem, and the can didn't buckle - in fact, I think I still have the can I used in a box of parts around here somewhere...

[Lee]

oh i missed that the can buckled!

hahah, seriously whatd you use, a sledgehammer? :laugh:

[cplvc]

Lol, I knew I'd get some laughs outta that can. :clap: I used a rubber mallet, tapping gently on the bottom of the can (top facing the seal). A few taps may have gotten outta hand :tapedshut:. The can started to buckle when the seal was exposed about a 1/16" from the diff, when I tried hitting a little harder to get it to sit flush. I had another tool laying around that I used to seat it flushed. Thanks to you guys, I didn't have to buy any special tools :D. I've driven on it over 500 miles and so far it hasn't leaked.

Lee, Jamie..I sincerely appreciate all your help. :thumbup:

[p nut]

Ha ha! A Campbell soup can... Mmm mmm, Good!!!

cplvc, maybe you should try it with an upopened can next time! More sturdy. Oh, wait, nevermind. I've heard chicken broth and noodles aren't recommended in the diff. :D