Rear Axle Question

anealysr · June 1, 2002

Does anyone know if the rear axle on my 1998 GMC Z71 is sealed? If I submerge the rear in water will it get in the axle? I know the older jeeps were not and anytime you put them in water you had to change the lube or you would chew up the gears.

carguru · June 1, 2002

It is sealed, but water can still get in especially around the wheel bearings. The sealing is more for preventing splash and dust from getting in and lube from getting out. It is a good idea to change the axle lube if submerged.

sonjaab · June 2, 2002

Some GM rears have a plastic

vent on the top of the pumpkin.

I know my GTO does. But no

clue on my 01 truck. Just take

a peek under there. If there is

just pull out the fill plug....

If any water comes out I guess

u will have to change it....geo

WEFs99 · June 4, 2002

If you don't have a vent, it seems to me, the seals would blow when the oil/air expands while hot. I haven't looked at my Sierra but older axles I have worked on always had some type of vent. I thought that most 4X4's had vent tubing that went up high enough that you would be OK unless it was nearly submerged.