Front Axle Seal

[Dave in Mpls]

While changing the oil on the '04 suburban last night, I noticed the passenger side axle seal was leaking slightly. This would be the seal between the axle tube and shaft, for lack of better terms! I'm curious what is involved in changing this seal, and if is something that can be done on your back or if it's something to let the dealer handle.

 

Thanks!

[GM-Tech]

Take the axle shaft out, pop out the old seal and put in a new one. To remove the axle you have to remove the rear cover, remove the cross pin and take the "C" clip out of the axle and it then just slides out.

[95Sierra2500]

Is this the front axle or the rear axle? I believe it makes a slight difference in how it comes apart. I could be wrong though.

[GM-Tech]

Yeah, I missed the fact that the subject line said front axle and just assumed rear. Whole different animal. This is probably not something you want to try on the ground in the driveway.

[Dave in Mpls]

Thanks, guys

 

Yep - definatley the front axle, passenger side.

 

Does the front diff need to come out to access this seal?

[jwhjr]

How common is this on the 04's? I had it happen on my Silverado at around 18K and I know of at least 3 others that had the same thing happen.