Front dif leak... uh oh

[ellner357]

Well it looks like my front differential is leaking. On the side where the cv shaft goes directly into the pumpkin not the side with the shaft. It's leaking right where the shaft meets the pumpkin. Now is there a good online source for rebuild kits? Not that I know how to myself but help is an option. Or should I hunt for a wrecker dif? Also while I'm in there... locker options? I'd love your guys and gals input.

 

[curtperry]

The cv axle might not be sitting all the way in and therefore not sealing properly. Did you recently replace the axle?

 

[rideexileex]

Possibly just a torn/worn seal

 

[ellner357]

The cv axle might not be sitting all the way in and therefore not sealing properly. Did you recently replace the axle?

No I didn't, haven't broken one of these guys yet. So the best thing to do is just pull the axel out and take a look or just replace the seal? Or do I need to pull the diff apart to do that?

 

[curtperry]

Yeah it's probably just a worn out seal. Before doing a replacement I would visually check that each of the inner CV joint tulips are the same distance from the differential housing. They don't usually pull out on their own but stranger things have happened.

For the seal - drain the fluid, pull the CV axle, pull the old seal, and push in the new one.

 

[ellner357]

Yeah it's probably just a worn out seal. Before doing a replacement I would visually check that each of the inner CV joint tulips are the same distance from the differential housing. They don't usually pull out on their own but stranger things have happened.

For the seal - drain the fluid, pull the CV axle, pull the old seal, and push in the new one.

Hmmm well I'll get in there and have a new seal on hand when I've got the truck up doing the balljoints and steering rack thanks for giving me a great idea what kind of trouble I'm getting into

 

[rideexileex]

You shouldn't have to drain the fluid - if you jack the one side of the truck up high enough, gravity will hold most of the fluid in and you shouldn't lose any/much. I just replaced my own and found that the plastic lid from a peanut jar worked great for tapping in the new seal. Others suggested a small Campbell's soup can works too