Hi everyone.

I replaced both front CV axels about 9k miles ago. I was doing an oil change yesterday and I noticed that the driver's side of the differential looks oily.

I did not replace the seals when I changed the CVs. One thing that bothers me too about this side when I installed the CV, is that I am not sure if it was all the way in. Its hard to tell from the picture but the dust ring on the CV likes to sit a 1-2 mms out of the differential. If I push it in with my hand it will sit flush.

I wonder if it should sit recessed a bit? If this is not all the way in, could this have caused the seal to fail prematurely? This probably doesn't matter anyway if the seal needs to be changed.

Those seals are a pain in the butt and don't really like to be disturbed. Anytime you change a CV, theres a chance they'll act up for whatever reason

The dust shield thing is normal. There's a little bit of in and out movement at the inner CV joint. Remember, a snap ring fits over the CV, which fits into a channel inside the differential. That isn't a perfect fit joint, there will be a bit of play between the snap ring and CV, and the snap ring and differential, which translates to the movement you observe on the inner CV joint

Might just need changed. Like @y=mx+b said, you could have shifted it changing the axle and now, surprise, it leaks when it didn’t before.


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its almost a guarantee once you pull the cv's out.. your gonna tear those seals.. its best practice just to replace them at the same time.. its just the way it is..

Ask me how I know lol

Thanks. I'll pick up a seal tomorrow. I know how to get to the seal since I replaced the CVs myself. Now I just need to do some research here on the best way to pull the seal and also put it back in without damaging it.

You're in luck, I've got all the part numbers and pics for that: CV Replacement Tutorial with New Seals (120+ Pictures)

I tore the old one out with some vice grips, but they do make actual seal pullers that might be a bit less of a caveman approach

For install, I tapped mine in with an oil filter wrench that fit nicely over the shoulder of the seal

Awesome! Thanks! I'll read through it later. I'm sure it answers all of my questions.

Alternatively, you can just place the seal on the CV where it meets the dust seal and install the CV. It SHOULD seat the seal to where it needs to be and avoid leaking. I think I read somewhere that the CV nut dust cap also fits nicely to tap it in.


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Yep, I've also heard this method working for installing the seal

a 2" pvc pipe cap will fit the differential seal


The CV Black dust cap fits the Knuckle seal

Thanks for the pics and the clarification.


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Thanks guys for the additional information on ways to install the seal. I'm about to do this today and just rented a seal driver tool set. If the rental tool does not work at least I have other methods to use.

Btw, from looking at the new seal, it seems that you need to be pushing the seal near the outer edge where it seems the strongest. The picture posted with PVC cap supports doing that too. That's probably obvious but I have never installed a seal like this before so I am sure it can be easily messed up. I'm guessing that's why y=mx+b suggested buying two of them in his "CV Replacement Tutorial with New Seals" thread.

When installing this type of seal the goal is to install it evenly and not cocked which could easily bend the metal section, that's why using an installation tool or something similar such as the aforementioned PVC cap or dust cap is important to have even force as you tap the seal in place, also be sure not to install the seal in too far, most tutorials mention this.

Thanks. I think I got some good info on how to install the seal.

Unfortunately I am unable to get the CV axle out on the driver's side. I tried the same approach I did to remove both of the old CVs a few months ago. Basically I am using a long pry bar inserted between the CV and the differential. I have been at it for almost 2 hours and I can't get it to pop out of the housing.

***UPDATE***
I was able to get the CV out. Taking a break for tonight. Will pick up tomorrow with removing and installing the seal.

Just for future reference, when it’s sorta stuck like that, turn it about a quarter turn in between attempts. Sometimes it just likes to test your patience.


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Any updates? Don't leave us hanging!