Front Differential leaking

[MrSmithsTB]

I'll upload my images once I take them, but here is the problem. Experiencing a little bit of leakage in the front diff, on the drivers side, where the half shaft enters. Based on the compnine exploded diagram below I gather that part number 38, the front drivers side axle seal, can be replaced without getting any other parts. I want to take care of this before something more expensive brakes because of fluid loss. Has anyone else done this? Are there any other parts I should expect to replace at the same time? Is there anything I should replace anyway, since it looks like 90% of the drivers suspension will be off?

[foosh]

Haha looks like my situation go a bit of a spark up your ass...

[MrSmithsTB]

Maybe a little bit. Also noticed the driveshaft input is leaking a little as well. But that seal is easy to get to.

[The Roadie]

   TrailVoy Thread   Post #2.

[Trail X]

Is the seal different on the Pass side? I think it's a different P/N. Eh... I'll figure it out when I get it out.

Hardest part for me was just removing that darn inner splined shaft from the housing... I guess you just need a big-enough hammer.

[MrSmithsTB]

Oh, jeez. Sooo much help. Kinda wish I would have searched just a minute longer. so, $30 for seals, $20 for fluid, and $20 for beer and I should be set.

[Beamer]

I know this is an old topic and there is a write up on Trailvoy, but figured I would put up pics and a few tricks I figured out to change the drivers side axle seal.

Purchased Seal 19257296 for $15 at my local Chevy dealer.

I also purchased a seal driver kit from HF and a seal puller.



I jacked up the drivers side and put jackstands supporting the frame and removed front wheel.
Then I disconnected anything holding the brake lines.






Then I hooked together several zipties around a coil on the spring to hold the upperball joint and keep the hub assembly from falling when I disconnected the upper control arm.



A few whacks on the tripot with a 3lb hammer and 1/2" socket extension and the axle popped out with no issue.



The seal puller was a good idea, but didn't last or get the seal out...


My trusty framing hammer worked perfectly




New seal in place and many taps with the 3lb hammer on the seal driver and success.


Cleaned the axle, put the zipties around the upper ball joint, got underneath and started rotating and pushing the tripot in until I heard the click of the axle clip seat.


Reattached UCA and reconnected breaklines etc.
Drained the differential and refilled.
Drove around the block, in and out of 4WD a few times and all seems ok.
Overall took about 2 hrs.