2001 Gmc Sierra Front Axle Bearing.

[corey006]

2001 GMC Sierra

5.3 liter

4x4 Ext Cab Shortbox(quad cab)

1500(not heavy duty)

 

 

 

In winter of 2008 I had a oil seal go on the left(driver's side) on my front diff axle.

 

I changed seal and went to 75W90 Mobil Synthetic. Winters are pretty cold up here and thought synthetic 75w90 would be better choice than conventional 80w90.

 

Everything was fine until seal went again this Fall.

 

I changed it was o.k for 2 weeks and leaked again.

 

This time when I took apart I checked the front axle bearing for any play and there was a tiny bit of up and down movement on the axle shaft but did not seem like enough to wear out the seal.

 

When I filled my front diff I fill to the bottom of the fill hole.

 

My rear diff takes 75w90(specified in manual). But it only says to fill to 1/2 inch below the fill hole.

 

Is it possible that my front diff should only be filled as much...and that by filling it to the bottom of the fill hole is too much and it is pushing it out the seal?(grasping at straws here?)

 

I am going to change the bearing and put NEW seal but just asking if I should leave front diff oil about 1/2 below fill plug like rear diff?

[pistonslap]

I have a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4X4. While under it I noticed quite a bit of play on the same side as you.But it doesn't leak oil. I checked it to make sure it was full. So I took it to the chevy shop and they said I should change the bearing. After that I took it to two different independent shops for a second opinion. One shop said a little movement is normal.The other shop said it was a bit excessive but not to worry about it cause the seal isn't leaking. So which is right? I don't know but I will change it soon to be on the safe side.Mind you I am talking quite a bit of movement here!

[elessard]

2001 GMC Sierra

5.3 liter

4x4 Ext Cab Shortbox(quad cab)

1500(not heavy duty)

 

 

 

In winter of 2008 I had a oil seal go on the left(driver's side) on my front diff axle.

 

I changed seal and went to 75W90 Mobil Synthetic. Winters are pretty cold up here and thought synthetic 75w90 would be better choice than conventional 80w90.

 

Everything was fine until seal went again this Fall.

 

I changed it was o.k for 2 weeks and leaked again.

 

This time when I took apart I checked the front axle bearing for any play and there was a tiny bit of up and down movement on the axle shaft but did not seem like enough to wear out the seal.

 

When I filled my front diff I fill to the bottom of the fill hole.

 

My rear diff takes 75w90(specified in manual). But it only says to fill to 1/2 inch below the fill hole.

 

Is it possible that my front diff should only be filled as much...and that by filling it to the bottom of the fill hole is too much and it is pushing it out the seal?(grasping at straws here?)

 

I am going to change the bearing and put NEW seal but just asking if I should leave front diff oil about 1/2 below fill plug like rear diff?

 

dont forget to make sure your diff vent is not plugged because as the diff gets hot the pressure will blow your seal