Front diff leak

[CanadianZ71]

I have what I am pretty sure is a leaking front differential at the point where the drivers side front axle inserts into the diff.  Is there a seal there that could have gone?  How hard is this to change?  Any advice and/or tips would be appriciated.

[topo4u2]

Hi Canadian Z71,

 

Mike here from Ottawa, yes there is a seal in there and the axle does have to come out to change it. A bit of work but not impossible for a driveway job. Our shops here will charge 2.2 hours labor. You also have to make sure the bearing is ok in diff because they are known to go and causes the axle to move up and down enough to wear out the seal. A new seal will last a while but will wear out again. Please make sure you top up that front diff lots because they do not like low fluid. I have seen many dryed out because of low oil.

[Black02Silverado]

I had a 93 Sonoma 4x4 and it had a leak on the driverside axle seal as well. I went to change it and I could not pull the axle out. The snap ring inside that holds the axle in was broken and would not let it release. So I had to go with another whole front assembly. I couldn't afford a new one at $900 plus shipping, so I went with a used one for $300. I changed all the seals on it before I installed it and checked it over good. It was in the truck for  35k before I traded it with no problems.

 

It wasn't a bad job. I would say the full size is basically the same being an IFS. It took me a whole day in my garage to swap it out. I would imagine things would be better with two doing the job on a full size. If you do just remember to have the front end aligned, or at least checked after you change out the seal. I wish I was able to change the seal. That was easy till the stupid axle wouldn't release.  

 

I agree with Topo, make sure you check the bearings as well and at least change out the fluid. :thumb: