I Managed to mess up the left front axle seal last week when I changed to rotor. It leaking fluid. Can someone help me out with a little knowledge and advice, my Chilton manual has failed me once again.
Is the seal located in the center of the diff? If so what does it take to remove and replace it? Special tools? How do I insert the axle so it doesn't damage the seal?
I'm supposed to make a 200 mile trip today. Can I fill the diff with fluid and make sure the the diff stays unlocked in 2 wheel drive and drive it without the ring and pinion spinning, or does the ring and pinion always spin? All my front end experience is before automatic locking front ends. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

First off, take a deep breath, many times you will get leakage for a couple of weeks after having the axle out. I would fill the front end to the correct level and see where she is at in a couple of weeks.

What happens is the axle drops on the seal, and while it may not have hurt the seal, it deformed it a bit. Sometimes it takes a day or so to return to good sealing.

Yea, it is inboard and a pain....... so let's hope for the best.

 

Thanks for your advice. Actually I kind of forgot about it. I checked the fluid on my road trip and it was full after driving 100 miles. I have been busy with a big job.

 

Good, give it a month or two and if she is still up, you should be good to go.