Front Diff: Replace Axle Seal? or Both Seal and CV?

[Berty_K]

When I went to change my front diff gear oil today, I noticed not much old oil came out. Thought this was odd then noticed this on the passenger side CV:

Appears the front differential seal is leaking. Also, I had the passenger side CV replaced a few years ago by a mechanic (this was before I started doing my own work), so I don't know what kind of CV axle he put in.

I'm definitely planning on replacing the axle seal (PN: 90311-47013), but I'm not sure if I should replace the CV as well. I've read that poor aftermarket CV axles can have a poor fit with the seal and can cause leaking.

Has anyone experiences something similar? Any tips or advice is welcome.

 

[Drift Monkey]

If the boots look good just change the seal.

 

[hinmo24t]

im trying to do some work with this too. trying to sort out why theres a 43430-60061 and xxxxx-60060 difference when i see or thought the axle assembly was for either side????

also, as for these seals, is it just that part reference above 90311-47013 (one for each side, same part # if doing both sides?) Seal, Oil (For Differential Side Gear Shaft)

what about the 90311-41009,
(FOR FRONT AXLE DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER)

trying to nail this all down and make a move today

 

[gimlithepirate]

The axle seals are now part number 90311-47013 and 90311-47027. I just swapped mine out as a part of doing my CV axles. Unfortunately, I can't remember which was left and which was right, but those are the part numbers for the seals.

My axles were part number 43430-60061. From what I can see in your picture, you at least have an OEM bell housing there next to the axle seal. The aftermarket ones I pulled off of mine did not have the notch on the tulip.

If you have known good OEM CV's, do not replace. At most reboot. But doing the axle seals is not a bad idea at all. Also keep in mind that the diff only holds 1.5 qts. You may not drain very much from it, though the picture you posted definitely looks like a leaky axle seal to me.

 

[hinmo24t]

thanks for info.

OP good luck

 

[Drift Monkey]

CV Axle Shaft:

• 43430-60061 (both sides)

Diff-side oil seals:

• 90311-47013 (Timken 710595) - right
• 90311-47027 (Timken 710596) - left

OEM and Timken are made by the same manufacturer (NGK) from my research.

Wheel-side knuckle dust seals:

• 90316-A0001 (both sides) - alt Timken/National 710573

 

[Kymudder]

Are these the same parts, just for different sides or for different seals altogether? Looking at a diagram they look like they’re in different locations

 

[Jakeepoo3]

I just hit 100 thousand miles. Noticed a tiny vibration in steering wheel during heavy acceleration. I off road regularly and also noticed my passenger side dust seal just started dripping slightly. To check the axles grab the housings of the joints firmly. Check for play from side to side. There shouldn't be any play. Play in and out is normal. Change both axles at the same time. I purchased a set of A1 Cardones for $120 on parts geek. They are very good quality and you can get ten sets for the price of one OEM set. Fixed my vibration. Smooth as a cloud. For the dust seals they are different sizes on each side. The OEM dust seals are very good quality. I inspected mine carefully after cleaning. The seal was in perfect shape. Looking very closely I noticed the seal was slightly cock eyed probably from hard off roading. Banged the seal in to flush very carefully. No more drip. $120 fix

 

[Mr_Dobalina]

The axle seals are now part number 90311-47013 and 90311-47027. I just swapped mine out as a part of doing my CV axles. Unfortunately, I can't remember which was left and which was right, but those are the part numbers for the seals.

My axles were part number 43430-60061. From what I can see in your picture, you at least have an OEM bell housing there next to the axle seal. The aftermarket ones I pulled off of mine did not have the notch on the tulip.

If you have known good OEM CV's, do not replace. At most reboot. But doing the axle seals is not a bad idea at all. Also keep in mind that the diff only holds 1.5 qts. You may not drain very much from it, though the picture you posted definitely looks like a leaky axle seal to me.

Do you have to pull the CV to replace the boots? I replaced my brakes last weekend and noticed both outer boots are torn. No noise coming from them so I think just replacing the boots for now makes sense.

 

[carlodonz]

Are these the same parts, just for different sides or for different seals altogether? Looking at a diagram they look like they’re in different locations

The are different, in my 5th gen the passenger seal is wider than the driver one. I believe is the same for other models too.

 

[Jakeepoo3]

Do you have to pull the CV to replace the boots? I replaced my brakes last weekend and noticed both outer boots are torn. No noise coming from them so I think just replacing the boots for now makes sense.

Yes you'll have to pull them out.