another diff seal

puddle jumper · 12-29-2008, 10:53 AM

so this is the second front diff seal to go bad

whats the deal with these things?i had the dealer replace it the first time and it lasted 3 months and its leaking again now. do you have to take out the diff to replace it? anyone know the part number off hand?

puddle jumper · 01-04-2009, 11:32 AM

does the front diff have to come out to replace the seal?

Hunterworks · 01-04-2009, 03:29 PM

It does not have to come out, replaced mine from the bottom. Puddle are you getting your machine dynoed by any chance? If you don't remove the front drive shaft it will melt the seal.

puddle jumper · 01-05-2009, 07:12 AM

i havent got it dynoed at all.i was spinning the tires in 2wd pretty good on the ice the other day.had it up to 72 for a few seconds,but i wouldnt think that would do it.wouldnt be any different than going 70 down the road i dont think?

puddle jumper · 01-05-2009, 03:33 PM

what the trick to get the yoke off the diff?is there any way other than taking apart the ujoint?

Hunterworks · 01-05-2009, 06:09 PM

Spinning it like that is probably what did it, and yes you have to take the U-Joint apart, there is a clip in each side inside to be removed. A pair of inside snap ring pliers would be nice for that, I used two flat screw drivers.

puddle jumper · 01-06-2009, 02:07 PM

thanks for the help todd.on a side note i checked my buddies nra edition with 12 hours on it and there was oil on the bottom of his front diff seal also.i guess its a good thing i ordered 2 seals!

puddle jumper · 01-10-2009, 09:08 AM

got my seal out without taking the ujoint apart.it slides right over it.the ujoint is pressed in.how did you get your ujoint apart Todd?

Hunterworks · 01-10-2009, 12:07 PM

On the front yoke itself, the one attached to the front diff, there are two clips on the inside on each side of the U-Joint right up against the yoke. You have to remove those clips then push the shaft to one side pushing the cup out then the other but be careful when you get the cups out, they have needle bearings in them that will fall out.

The clips are hard to see if the ends are not right there, you will have to find the end and turn it around toward the rear of the vehicle.

The U-Joint will stay in the drive shaft.

puddle jumper · 01-11-2009, 07:47 AM

i got confused. i understand how to take the ujoint apart,i thought you meant you had to take it apart to change the seal